VIVID IMAGES ARE KEY TO NOVEL, AUTHOR SAYS
The key to writing a good novel is to create vivid images, according to Peter Pouncey. "Everyone remembers images," Pouncey said.
Ref. https://deseretnews.com/dn/view/1%2C1249%2C...35450%2C00.html
Characters do nothing but move the story along. A good novel needs to have a good plot. Imagery is good, but imagery of what? An environment and setting has to be instilled in the reader to prepare them for the feelings you want them to have. Imagery is nothing if you have no environment to put the reader in. Creating a good novel is about creating a world and making the user part of it! The reader must feel as if they are part of the world by merging them with the environment and characters around them, then, they become a character within the plot and have a vested interest in what happens in the story. They can then feel anger, lose, love, and victory through the eyes of every character in the story.
If you are a plot man, then I bet you'd agree: It all boils down to conflict. Without conflict, there is no plot. There's nothing better than knowing exactly how a juicy and compelling conflict will be resolved, only to be kicked in the stomach at the last minute and find you were way off -- and loving the author's way better.