There was a click of high heels in the hall behind us, and…
““There was a click of high heels in the hall behind us, and a young woman appeared. She was pretty enough, I suspected, but in the tight black dress, black hose, and with her hair slicked back like that, it was sort of threatening. She gave me a slow, cold look and said, "So. I see that you’re keeping low company after all, Ravenius." Ever suave, I replied, "Uh. What?" "’Ah-ree," Thomas said. I glanced at him. He put his hand flat on the top of his head and said, "Do this." I peered at him. He gave me a look. I sighed and put my hand on the top of my head. The girl in the black dress promptly did the same thing and gave me a smile. "Oh, right, sorry. I didn’t realize." "I will be back in one moment," Thomas said, his accent back. "Personal business." "Right," she said, "sorry. I figured Ennui had stumbled onto a subplot." She smiled again, then took her hand off the top of her head, reassumed that cold, haughty expression, and stalked clickety-clack back to the bistro. I watched her go, turned to my brother while we both stood there with our hands flat on top of our heads, elbows sticking out like chicken wings, and said, "What does this mean?" "We’re out of character," Thomas said. "Oh," I said. "And not a subplot." "If we had our hands crossed over our chests," Thomas said, "we’d be invisible." "I missed dinner," I said. I put my other hand on my stomach. Then, just to prove that I could, I patted my head and rubbed my stomach. "Now I’m out of character—and hungry.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A scene where characters use a secret gesture to signal being out of role, highlighting absurdity and meta‑theatrical play.
In simple terms: Characters perform a funny hand‑on‑head ritual to show they’re breaking the story’s rules.
Recognize when you’re playing a role that doesn’t fit you.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- role‑playing games
- improvisational theater
- writing workshops
- social gatherings
- online forums
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you ever feel forced into a role?
- How can you signal authenticity without breaking the scene?
The humor may mask deeper discomfort about authenticity.