Nathan is an actor in the same company as William Shakespeare and he asks his friend, who is always scribbling ideas down in a book, what kind of plays he wants to write:

    Shakespeare took a deep breath. “I want…I want to tell a story that will so enrapture an audience that they will forget they are in a theatre. I want them to be totally silent…”
    He became more insistent. “Yes, silent! As if they were spying at the unfolding of someone’s life through a window and they dare not breathe in case they are discovered. I want the audience to care about each character – to care if they live or die. I don’t want them to just care about the actors. To applaud their favourites and talk all the way through the performances of those that they do not care for.”
    Will looked intently at Nathan. “Now Master Fox, there is a service you can do me.”
    “Of course.”
    Shakespeare’s eyes gleamed. “Remember all your adventures, Nathan – every single detail. I want to know the characters you meet, the devilment, the politics and the cunning. Seek me out while all is still fresh in your mind. Your life may prove to be a window into other men’s souls. Will you do that for me?”