Been playing kickball with this one lately.

Whoever is telling the story and how it is being told, should be critical issues for the writer to consider. The tone, the feelings and ultimately the true meaning of the piece can be dramatically controlled, simply by focusing on whoever is between the reader and the action.

Take "Taxi Driver", the 70's movie, where Robert De Niro plays the role of cabbie, Travis Bickle. Paul Schrader wrote the screenplay, Martin Scorsese directed.

Now, who is between the viewer and the action? Travis Bickle, the character, correct? That is who we hold directly accountable, in this case, not the other three gentlemen.

Well now, let me bring it on around. When you submit a piece, and I, the reader am following along, is that you, the author that I am hearing with my mind's eye?(Sorry about that), or did you intend that to be a character in your story? Author or Character, that is the question.

Granted, most good writings on this site appear to come from first-hand experiences. The question begs to be asked - are you limiting yourself to other posibilities??

As you can probably tell by now, I vote in favor of character development.

What do you say?

(Inspired by recent conversations with my new friend and acquaintance, N.)

D