Monday, July 1, 2013

The Author and the Protagonist

Author: "Brad, I owe you an apology."

Protagonist: "You do? Why is that?"

A:  "I've featured you in two novels now without ever consulting you about how I have described you nor have I given you the opportunity to correct the words I have put in your mouth."

P:  "I guess I never realized that I had any choice.  Do you really care what I think?"

A:  "I do care.  I mean, I want you to be pleased with the character traits I have assigned to you.  I've tried to make you look good.  You are a regular guy but I want you to be a cut above the run-of-the-mill masculine, self-absorbed husband and father."

P:  "Well, I do appreciate that.  My humble opinion is that you have over done it sometimes."

A:  "Really?  Can you give me an example?"

P:  "Yeah.  That scene where you had me in a compromising situation with Geraldine Steckler.  You know.  There we were secluded in my car in the midst of a downpour.  She was soaking wet.  Wow!  She's a knockout and so available.  My testosterone level was at the boiling point.  What would any healthy male deprived of the companionship of his wife do in such a situation?  The self-control you gave me was incredible."

A:  "Well, I knew that one moment of indiscretion on your part would have ended your tenure as an elementary school principle.  I couldn't allow that.  It would have ruined the rest of the novel."

P:  "You're right, as usual.  Author's prerogative."

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