Meaning: David Brin, a renowned author, once stated, "My first duty to write a gripping yarn. Second is to convey credible characters who make you feel what they feel. Only third comes the idea." This quote encapsulates the essence of storytelling and the priorities that an author should consider when crafting a compelling narrative.

Brin's first duty to write a gripping yarn underscores the importance of engaging the audience and capturing their attention from the outset. A gripping yarn refers to a story that is captivating, enthralling, and capable of holding the reader's interest throughout its entirety. It implies a narrative that is filled with suspense, excitement, and intrigue, compelling the reader to eagerly turn the pages to discover what happens next. This prioritization of gripping storytelling reflects the fundamental role of a writer in creating an immersive and absorbing experience for their audience.

The second duty emphasized by Brin is to convey credible characters who make the readers feel what they feel. This highlights the significance of character development and emotional resonance in storytelling. Credible characters are those who are well-rounded, authentic, and relatable, evoking empathy and connection from the readers. By making the audience empathize with the characters and experience their emotions, a writer can forge a deep and lasting impact. This aspect of storytelling emphasizes the human element and the ability of characters to drive the narrative and elicit genuine emotional responses from the audience.

Brin's assertion that only third comes the idea suggests that the central concept or plot of the story is of secondary importance to the engaging narrative and credible characters. While the idea or premise of a story is undoubtedly significant, Brin's prioritization underscores the notion that the execution of the story and the portrayal of its characters play a more critical role in captivating and resonating with the audience. This perspective challenges the conventional emphasis placed on plot and concept, highlighting the vital role of storytelling craftsmanship and character portrayal in creating a truly compelling narrative.

In essence, Brin's quote encapsulates the essence of effective storytelling by emphasizing the primacy of gripping narrative, credible characters, and the idea. It underscores the significance of captivating the audience, evoking genuine emotional responses, and prioritizing the execution of the story over its central concept. By adhering to these priorities, authors can create narratives that not only entertain but also deeply resonate with their readers, leaving a lasting impression and fostering a meaningful connection between the audience and the story.

Overall, David Brin's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the fundamental elements that contribute to a compelling and impactful narrative, shedding light on the essential duties of a writer in crafting a story that truly captivates and resonates with its audience.