Question

Duncan is taking notes on Karin Slaughter’s interview about writing.

I think, really, what makes thrillers work is that they have to have a beginning, a middle and an end. When you – writing crime fiction, when you want a really good story, when you want a compelling read, you have to focus equally on plot and character. And you have to make sure that the reader cares enough about these characters so that when bad things happen, they want to read along.

And being a Southern author, you know, I grew up with Flannery O'Connor, and I love reading her essays because she was such a—not just a wonderful writer, but she was wonderful at talking about writing.

Which will be most helpful as Duncan re-reads his notes to find the central idea of the interview?

Beginning, middle, end
Plot & character - important
O’Connor- Southern author
Slaughter loves essays

Answer 1

Plot & character - important

Justification: the speaker’s main point is about what makes thrillers work — balancing plot and character so readers care when bad things happen — while the other notes are supporting details.