Short Fiction · Character
Michael
A successful author and gentle father who watches his family drift from him even as he tries, with careful kindness, to hold them close.
major
Also known as III, Micky, III Micky
First appearance: I
As a major figure in Short Fiction, Michael is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
A young man whose athletic vigor and later decline illustrate the chapter's central conflict between life's energy and its eventual decay.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
With Harold (family): Harold and Michael are likely brothers or close relatives, with a familiar and possibly supportive bond. With Janet (romantic): Janet and Michael are lovers or romantic partners, with a deep…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Michael sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Michael in ICharacter Web
9 connectionsA slice of how Michael sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Family
- Romantic
- Other
Character groups
- Recurring pair
- Social circle characters
- Italian panic group
+4 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Michael's grie…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Harold
family · positive
Harold and Michael are likely brothers or close relatives, with a familiar and possibly… How this plays out →
- Janet
romantic · positive
- Harold
family · positive
Harold and Michael are likely brothers or close relatives, with a familiar and possibly… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Michael in IIn the story
Michael appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Michael unlock in the free preview.
See Michael in I