But the great majority of novels and plays represent human life in nothing more faithfully than in their insistence upon deeds. It is through action-tangible, visible action upon the stage, or, in the novel, action suggested by the medium of words-that the characters of the play and the novel are ordinarily revealed. In proportion as high art is attained in either medium of expression this action is marked by adequacy of motive, by conformity to the character, by progression and unity.
The Art of Public Speaking : Enriched edition.