If two writers are of equal natural ability . . .

"If two writers are of equal natural ability, the more convincing will be the one who [also] shares the actual emotions, blustering like a blusterer, ranting like someone furious. Writers need to have sympathetic natures or be slightly mad. The first kind easily understand emotions [of the characters], the second kind feel those emotions in person."

. . . Aristotle . . . Poetics . . . 350 B.C.E. . . . pages 24 to 25 . . .