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The ‘Seinfeld’ Theory of Fiction
Annoying characters let us admit that we might be annoying too.
TL;DR
- The novel Down Time by Andrew Martin uses the principle of annoyance to explore characters during the early COVID-19 pandemic.
- Martin focuses on entitled Millennials whose pre-existing issues, like addiction and self-involvement, are amplified by lockdown.
- The book avoids typical pandemic narratives by concentrating on characters' cowardice and grievances rather than heroism or fear.
- Martin uses acute psychological observation to depict characters' obnoxious qualities and individual woes, making them relatable.
- The novel examines themes of societal responsibility, individual behavior during a crisis, and the reluctance of characters to change.