Hmm, yes. It does feel sort of like we're being quizzed on how well we can go back and check through facts, and apply them to character development, or something... (Not that I wouldn't do this for fun, being an English major and all
though I think your questions are a bit too broad.)
But I think MatthewM's frustration could carry over to other 'Downers. Is there any way to restructure this thread so it feels a bit more like
discussion? Unless, of course,
Nazgul, you actually
do want your thread to be run like a literary criticism forum? I'd be up for that, but a lot of other people might not...