Meaning: This quote by Neil Jordan, a renowned director, reflects the profound and enigmatic nature of character development in storytelling. Jordan, known for his work on films such as "The Crying Game" and "Interview with the Vampire," delves into the complex process of creating characters that truly come to life within a narrative. He expresses the difficulty in predicting whether characters will evolve into dynamic, believable entities within a story or remain stagnant and devoid of vitality.

At the heart of this quote lies the essence of character development in fiction and film. Writers and creators often grapple with the challenge of crafting characters that resonate with audiences, possess depth, and exhibit a sense of autonomy within the narrative. The notion that characters "come to have their own life" suggests that, in the act of creation, these individuals take on a life of their own, transcending the confines of the written page or scripted dialogue. They become entities with agency, motivations, and complexities that extend beyond the author's original intentions.

Conversely, the idea that some characters "just remain inert" speaks to the struggle encountered by storytellers when their creations fail to manifest the vitality and authenticity necessary to capture the audience's imagination. These characters may lack the spark of life that distinguishes fully realized individuals from mere placeholders within a narrative. Their actions, thoughts, and emotions may feel contrived or unconvincing, failing to engender a genuine connection with the audience.

Neil Jordan's insight offers a window into the enigmatic nature of creative work, where characters can defy the author's expectations and take on a life of their own. It underscores the unpredictable and organic process of character development, which often eludes the author's attempts to fully control or predict the evolution of their creations. Characters, it seems, possess a certain autonomy that allows them to transcend the boundaries of the page and evolve in unexpected ways, shaping the narrative in ways that may surprise even their creator.

From a storytelling perspective, this quote serves as a reminder of the importance of crafting multi-dimensional, authentic characters that possess the capacity to captivate and engage audiences. It highlights the significance of imbuing characters with a sense of agency and depth, allowing them to evolve and influence the narrative in meaningful ways. Moreover, it emphasizes the dynamic nature of character development, wherein characters may surprise their creators by taking on a life of their own, independent of the author's original intentions.

In conclusion, Neil Jordan's reflection on the elusive nature of character development encapsulates the intricate and unpredictable process of crafting compelling, lifelike characters within a narrative. It underscores the challenge and the magic of creating characters that transcend the written word to become vibrant, autonomous entities that resonate with audiences. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the enigmatic nature of storytelling and the captivating journey of bringing characters to life within the realms of fiction and film.