Elliot had a difficult childhood and struggles to find his way in the world until he is taken in by Barbara West. Although she doesn’t offer much in the way of mentorship, in her library, Elliot stumbles upon “[a]n elderly, obscure-looking volume, published in the early 1940s. The Techniques of Playwriting, by Mr. Valentine Levy” (127). This text gives him a way to understand the world, even if, in the end, the narrowness of this perspective proves to be his downfall. Elliot uses the principles in Levy’s book as a lens through which to make sense of the world, organize his life, and make decisions.

Elliot uses dramatic storytelling principles to interpret the world and understand himself. As he tells the reader, “I often apply theatrical structure to my own life, you know. I find it extremely helpful. You’d be surprised how often the same rules apply” (127). Much of Levy’s advice revolves around an understanding of the characters as central to story. As Elliot says, “if we ever want to understand ourselves or other people—real or fictional—we must explore our motivation with all the diligence of a Valentine Levy” (128). He uses this understanding to assess his own goals and motivations and extends that understanding to others as well.