I wrote another metapost like this a while back, talking about the art and science behind the creation of story. I mentioned in that article that the plot of my vampire story has largely been set for many years.
But what makes a story transcend from just series of disjointed episodes to something greater? Usually great stories have an overarching theme that gets woven into the plot. I'll admit there wasn't one for this story. It was a simple fictional biography of a fictional vampire, based upon people I've known in real life and a roleplaying game campaign.
That's no longer the case. A theme is developing organically. On its own, almost spontaneously. And I'll admit I'm a little awed as to how it's happening.
As I've made clear, there are strong story elements in this fan fiction that are drawn from my real life. Several characters, the setting, all taken from real life, in many cases altered dramatically for various reasons, and then transposed into the fictional world.
And now it feels like the reverse is happening. The art is now transposing itself back into real life.
Michael's story is becoming a story of redemption. He falls into darkness and falls hard, and he will spend a tremendous amount of time and energy trying to climb back to the light, working to atone for his mistakes and recapture his humanity. That's a suitable theme for VtR. But what's funny is how it's playing out in real life too.
After a nearly ten year hiatus, I've recently become reacquainted with the woman on whom the character of Rebecca is based. That ten year hiatus came about because of some really stupid and hateful things I did. I want that friendship back. I want to make amends. I want to show that I'm a different person. And progress is being made...slowly perhaps, but it's happening.
So Michael is me and I am Michael...maybe in ways I haven't realized. But if it makes the story better...and my life better, so be it.
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