beta
relatively boring concept of revenge and infidelity is turned into something surprisingly interesting and captivating. I feel like there’s something very natural about the thought processes and patterns of the characters, and though it makes some of them unlikeable, it’s a lot more realistic than clear-cut boundaries of morality (that is to say, morally gray characters are much more interesting than black or white ones). I find revenge to be an uninspired basis for a story, because authors rarely define a logical pattern that leads characters to revenge - but I can’t really say the same in this case. The interpersonal impacts that the characters have on one another make for a very compelling and believable desire for revenge. It can be a little far-fetched, but it’s ultimately very understandable (though not commendable, lmao). It goes to show how boring concepts can be elevated by commitment to realism and developing the psychologies of its characters. Though not a great symbol, I like how Mina’s script foreshadows the events to come and how it implies the different ways that the ending of the story might play out. There are a lot of great qualities in the narrative that make it surprisingly good storytelling.