About the advert

"Hello, I’m here about the advert."

"The advert?"

"‘Character wanted for short story. Apply within.’"

"You’d better come in. The story’s this way."

"Are you the author? I’ve never met a writer before. It must be very exciting."

"No, I’m just a minor character."

"A character! You mean I’m in the story already?"

"You’ve been in the story since the start."

"Wow, I never thought I’d be in a story. This is amazing.  So exciting. So this corridor we’re walking down – it’s all made from ‘words’ is it?"

"That’s how stories work, generally speaking."

"Wow, it feels solid, these words are marvellous stuff.  Must be a good writer, it’s a really good corridor, it even has colour, a sort of beigeish nothing."

"Right, if you wait here. The plot will start shortly. You can sit on that chair while you’re waiting."

"What’s the story about?"

"Don’t ask me I’m just a minor character.  By the time the action starts I’ll be long gone."

"I hope the readers like me. Do you think I come across well?"

"At this stage it’s hard to say. Character only truly reveals itself in action. It’s once the plot starts we’ll see what sort of character you really are, then the readers will decide whether they like you."

"So I just wait here. I’ll know when the plot’s begun will I?"

The minor character laughs extravagantly Oh yes, you’ll definitely know when the plot has started.

He walks away, still laughing.