A figure in your painting draws attention like a magnet. The author explains how to use that fact to draw the viewer into the painting. It's important to recognize this so that you don't end up with conflicting focal points! Using the visual power of a figure effectively means paying attention to things like fitting it not only into the best place, but also into the mood and technique of the work. Draper explains and illustrates how this can be done.
The book is filled with a library of colorful examples -- running, walking, laughing, active, energetic or peaceful-- giving you a huge source of figures to adapt to your own paintings, as well as the knowledge you need to create your own.
I haven't painted for years and have sold most of my library, but it's hard to part with this one. I still enjoy just looking through it!