The Hero

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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There are only two real people in fiction—the storyteller and the listener. The story proceeds based on the teller's aims and the listener's needs. If the listener needs light entertainment, and the teller aims to be loved, then light entertainment is what the listener will get. But if the listener needs reassurance of some kind, or consolation, and the teller aims to better equip her family for future trials, then the story will likely be suspenseful in nature, replete with dangers and perils, over which a memorable character will eventually triumph in a decisive manner, such that the listener finishes the tale with a tight and determined smile, with moist eyes fixed on the distant horizon.

The Iliad

The Odessey

Dr. No

What is the purpose of fiction? I think it can be summed up in a simple phrase: To give people what they don't get in real life.