QUOTE : As narratives became more contemporary and enlightened, the rules changed. You don’t kill kids or pets, because it pisses people off. You also don’t kill main characters. At least, you aren’t supposed to. It’s kind of like a contract. Or a promise. It’s uncool to break your promise. To paraphrase someone in the know: when a narrative works well, it is so real that it becomes a vicarious workout of your limbic system. The emotions you feel are indistinguishable from real emotions, but without real-world connections or consequences. You laugh along with, and at, the characters. Fear for them when danger looms. And cry when bad things happen. Luke blows up the Death Star, and it’s your triumph. You feel just as happy as if you saved the universe yourself. Leonardo dies at the end of Titanic even though there was room on that door for two people, and you feel the loss.