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02/18/2015

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Mike Schiffer

Though as has often been pointed out, in Raiders Indy doesn't accomplish his goal: the Ark falls into Nazi hands, and he plays no role in their fate. Without him, either they never find the Ark (because they don't get the correct location to dig from Indy) or they get destroyed by the power of God anyway. But that speaks to your point: ultimately, what matters is the impact on Indy and Marian and Sallah and the monkey. (Poor monkey!)

Given when Casablanca was released, I do think audiences were expected to presume that Victor Lazlo's escape would have a major effect on the course of the war. Certainly that's how all the characters treat him: even Rick's cynicism doesn't shade his admiration or his belief that Lazlo's fate is important (hence his choice to sacrifice his happiness for it). The Nazis likewise aren't just trying to make an example: they're frightened of what he might do if free to act. (But the story's persistence in a world where we know how it all ends tends to back you up.)

Gregory Benford

Sometimes you can make the character's own development the main goal. He or she encounters wonders and learns from each. Reaches for more. Yearns and learns. I did that in IN THE OCEAN OF NIGHT and later turned the method of revelation into the whole Galactic Center series. I didn't consciously think any of this but can see in reflection that it mirrored my own development as a physicist. Life lessons!

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