Meaning: This quote by Jean Auel, an American writer best known for her Earth's Children series, offers insight into the importance of understanding the background of a story's setting in order to effectively move the characters through it. Auel's statement reflects the significance of thorough research and knowledge of the environment in which a story is set, and how this understanding can enhance the authenticity and fluidity of character movement within the narrative.

When Auel mentions that she can move her characters through the background easily because she has studied it, she is emphasizing the role that setting plays in shaping the actions and experiences of her characters. For Auel, a deep understanding of the background entails not only a familiarity with the physical landscape and geographical features but also an awareness of the cultural, historical, and societal context in which her characters exist. By immersing herself in the study of the background, Auel is able to imbue her storytelling with a richness and depth that grounds her characters in a believable and vivid world.

Auel's approach underscores the importance of world-building in storytelling. In order to effectively transport readers to a different time and place, writers must possess a comprehensive grasp of the setting in which their narrative unfolds. This involves delving into the details of the environment, including the climate, terrain, flora, and fauna, as well as understanding the social structures, customs, and belief systems that shape the lives of the characters inhabiting that world. By doing so, writers can create a cohesive and immersive backdrop against which their characters can interact and evolve.

Furthermore, Auel's emphasis on studying the background aligns with the notion that setting can function as a character in its own right. Just as a deep understanding of a character's motivations and personality traits is essential for guiding their actions and decisions, a thorough comprehension of the background allows writers to weave it into the fabric of the narrative, influencing the trajectory of the story and the development of the characters. By treating the background as a dynamic and influential force, writers can harness its power to enrich the storytelling experience and infuse their work with authenticity and depth.

Auel's quote also speaks to the research and dedication required in the craft of writing. For her, studying the background is not a passive or cursory endeavor, but rather a deliberate and immersive process that demands attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy. This dedication to research is evident in Auel's own work, as she is renowned for the meticulousness with which she incorporates prehistoric settings and cultures into her novels, drawing on extensive archaeological and anthropological research to bring her fictional world to life.

In conclusion, Jean Auel's quote encapsulates the significance of understanding the background in storytelling and the impact it has on character movement within a narrative. By thoroughly studying the setting in which her stories take place, Auel is able to navigate her characters through it with ease, infusing her work with authenticity, depth, and a rich sense of place. Her approach underscores the importance of world-building, the role of setting as a character, and the dedication to research in crafting compelling and immersive narratives. Ultimately, Auel's quote serves as a reminder of the power of a well-developed background in shaping the experiences and trajectories of characters, and the profound influence it wields in the art of storytelling.