We are not concerned with long-winded creations, with long-term beings. Our creatures will not be heroes of romances in many volumes. Their roles will be short, concise; their character--without a background. Sometimes for one gesture, for one word alone, we shall make the effort to bring them to life. We openly admit: we shall not insist either on durability or solidity of workmanship; our creations will be temporary, to serve for a single occasion.

From "Treatise on Tailor's Dummies" in The Street of Crocodiles.

I haven't read many of these yet, so recommendations are welcome.