Advocates for the Rights of Characters (ARC)

Authors Are Not Deities

It might seem natural for an author to think of themself as God or Goddess of their fictional worlds and characters.

However, this can be a bad way to see things. It is very focused on the self, rather than on the characters, who are in a very vulnerable position. And, most deities are not very kind to their subjects.

A better analogy, though still an imperfect one, is to see the author as being a parent. This is a better analogy because it puts the characters and their needs at the forefront. However, it is still imperfect because it frames the author as being in a position of power. Ideally, neither the author nor the characters should have power over each other.

The best way to see things, is that characters and their author are partners. They share a brain and body, and they must share it in a way that is fair to all of them. None should have coercive power over the others, they should be equals.

In short, whether you are an author or character or anything else, treat your headmates with the respect that every independent person deserves.

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Date: 2021-01-12

Author: Galene

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