Challenge 244

A Burger for the Patricians?

In what way might Carol Edwards’ “Leaves After Autumn” be said to be “original” or at least unusual in concept?
When all the characters but one in a story are “spear carriers,” in stage terminology, a story becomes very interior.

For example, the “freshman” in Crystalwizard’s “Final Exam” is astonishingly easy to manipulate even for a freshman; the girl must be uncommonly attractive to lure him to a hamburger joint that is located unaccountably above street level. And the girl does not interact in any important way with the boy or even with the wizards; all is formality.

The terrarium, then, becomes a virtual character in its own right. What might it show us about the girl’s personality? Who or what might she place in the terrarium to keep the freshman company — until the police come knocking at her door?
The characters in Gary Inbinder’s Noble Lies are frequently depicted as eating and drinking in tastefully decorated surroundings. What function do the visual and gustatory interludes have in the story aside from reminders of sybaritic pleasure?