Some Posts Are Fractal, or, It's Foreshadowing And Characterisation All the Way Down

[elisem]

So I just clicked over to Jeremy's goofing up the private message on an Order Only post, and reading through it reminded me how very many things get done at once in a lot of Alternity posts. (I know I'm talking about my own character, but it happens in every character's timeline.) In this one post, early in Jeremy's played time, there's:

* foreshadowing for the working relationship Bill and Jeremy have (which will eventually lead to Jeremy asking Bill to be best man when Jeremy and Maureen finally wed)
* an example of how the ISS group pools info to figure out what the grownups are not telling them
* Kingsley's guidance, and why he is so very much missed
* Sally-Anne, Pansy and Ron talking over interpersonal dynamics with an eye to future trouble and calculating the risk thereof
* Jeremy demonstrating his unexamined cluelessness about emotional impact by using the word squib as a self-putdown -- in front of Alice, while everyone is waiting to see if Frank has lost his magic for good. (This cluelessness about emotional impact will flower when he offers Hermione Teddy Nott's wand as a trophy and working tool.)
* showing how Remus/Sirius/Alice/Molly look after one another in times of stress and worry
* good early example of how Sally-Anne and Jeremy chat and banter (Sally-Anne telling him " I just lack the commitment to science and data-gathering that some Ravenclaws have, which is probably why the Hat put me in Slytherin.")

... and probably more. One of the things I love about Alternity is how interwoven all the pieces wound up being, and how not only the playing advanced the narrative, but how many directions it so often advanced the narrative at once.

Got any examples of fractal posts that you liked a lot? Pivotal ones? Or just things where the interplay and worldbuilding delighted you?

Comments

[jenett]

The one about 'you're engaged, here's how to get to know your in-laws' got referenced, too, when Siz commented to Tosha that she could not imagine anything less likely to happen with Bella. The relevant paragraphs, for amusement:

If your fiance has grown brothers or sisters, their approval can go a long way in making you truly a part of the family. Encourage him to spend time with his brother, and all the genial friendly teasing of that kind. Ask his sister to tell you the things he will not admit himself: the little childhood foibles and stories that knit the family together. Do not put yourself or your preferences forward, but stick to friendly, easy, communal topics.

But in particular, reach out to his brother’s wife, if there is such a person. She, of all people, can tell you the secrets of marrying in. Invite her out to do something frivolous and coax all the best stories of the family out of her, the things she wishes someone had told her. Get her to look on you as a younger sister, in need of guidance and gentle assistance. If she has children, offer to be of help to them, even at cost to your own family. Gentle, friendly outings - a tea shop, to try on clothes, a walk through one of New London’s parks - may be best, but daring younger women might choose to shop for honeymoon attire or other such amusements together.

[elisem]

... but daring younger women might choose to shop for honeymoon attire or other such amusements together.

Siz and Bella...

OK. BRAIN GO SPLUNGE NOW.

[naomikritzer]

OMG. ::rofl::