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Shakespeare’s play, As You Like It, spins a tale of jealousy, deceit, love, misdirection and finally, resolution. The observation of “Melancholy Jaques” that “All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players…” has been often quoted when referring to lives outside the playwright’s world. During this time of stress and anxiety, the concept seems especially relevant.

Any good story keeps its audience engaged by weaving a compelling tale that consists of a plot and memorable characters. Typically, members of the cast can belong to one of several broad categories: protagonist, antagonist, support or bystander. Tension is created due to conflicts and forces that directly affect the primary characters and often a much wider group. Reactions are varied depending on temperament, training, emotional response. Irrational behavior is often included in the mix (i.e. “Don’t go into the cellar!”).

When addressing the conflict, characters are plausible, often reacting in a predictable manner but sprinkled with impulsive and flawed actions that complicate the problem. Those outside the story can often appreciate the full scope of action while characters within it have a limited view and can be frustrating but believable. Throughout a drama, even if an intense situation, humor, pain and joy are essential elements to achieve resolution. A surprise situation or element can heighten tension and create subplots that support the story’s primary focus.

During the current coronavirus crisis, we are all playing our parts in the grand play of life. A cursory look at the characters of our play include those who have an active role to maintain a semblance of normality. These are primarily first responders, essential industries workers and management personnel. Most others are playing supporting roles by observing the realities of containment and control. Few are left to simply stand by and watch. The major antagonist is a force of nature – a virus – that sparked the crisis and can, over time, be controlled. Tension in our story is heightened by drastic and extreme measures dictated by circumstance. In the midst of this turmoil, a confusing mix of characters at all levels of society have added rumor, innuendo and misinformation wittingly or through ignorance and hubris. Our current drama has all the elements of either an ultimate tragedy or successful resolution through understanding, cooperation and compassion.

All the world’s a stage… What part will you play?