Ruth Rendell, novelist: "Fictional characters are never as complex as a real person"
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Where are you now and what can you see?
I am on what I refer to as the balcony, which is in fact a small internal veranda with a balcony railing overlooking the main sitting room. I am sitting at my computer, surrounded by books piled up into three bookcases. I can see my cat Archie curled up on the blue sofa, where he has been for at least several hours.
What are you currently reading?
Robert Harris' Imperium, which I am very much enjoying. I have read all his books of the classical period and think they are very well written.
Choose a favourite author and say why you admire him/her
I get asked this a lot and although I don't have a favourite, I do like Louise Doughty. I always admire the works of somebody who writes as well as she does – and she has very good plots, very good characterisation and is very good at storytelling.
Describe the room where you usually write
In the room at the top of the house. It's very small, full of computers and piles and piles of papers. There's nothing particularly exciting in the room except a small table with a cloth on it that is about 120 years old – which was passed on to me by my aunt. Archie sits on it, which I think my aunt would be very disapproving of.
Which fictional character most resembles you?
I don't think there is a fictional character who resembles me because fictional characters are not real! We, people, are so very, very complicated that no matter how well drawn a fictional character is, they can't get anywhere near as complex as a real person.
Who is your heroine/hero from outside literature?
Desmond Tutu – because he's such a good man – and he's had a hard life and he always looks so happy. A Christian who is happy is a very good thing and I admire goodness as a characterisation in a person.
Ruth Rendell's latest novel is 'The Girl Next Door' (Hutchinson)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments