I am writing this because a friend said that not all novels are playable as RPGs. He picked out the works of Zadie Smith as an example. I will not let this stand unchallenged. I present, therefore, a short review of Zadie Smith’s The Autograph Man, and some play advice and plotting suggestions.
Because why not? I wasn’t doing anything else.
The Autograph Man was published in 2002 and was Zadie Smith’s second novel. This is my favourite of Smith’s novels, and it presents a masterful narrative that skillfully weaves together themes of obsession, identity, and cultural heritage into a rich tapestry of human experience. The novel centers around Alex-Li Tandem, a young autograph enthusiast whose pursuit of celebrity signatures becomes a reflection of his own quest for validation and understanding.
Smith’s prose is both sharp and witty, guiding readers through a narrative that seamlessly blends the mundane and the surreal. The story invites contemplation of the nature of obsession and the sometimes arbitrary ways in which we seek meaning in our lives. Yet, it also delves into the complexities of cultural identity and heritage, particularly Alex’s Jewish roots, which add depth and resonance to the narrative.
The characters in The Autograph Man are multifaceted and relatable, each grappling with their own desires and insecurities against the backdrop of their cultural heritage. The exploration of Alex’s Jewish identity and the trauma of losing his father when he was young, juxtaposed with the modern pursuit of authenticity in autographs, underscores the universal themes of belonging and self-discovery.
As the characters navigate a world filled with the seeking of celebrity encounters and a number of surreal moments where reality insects with mysticism, the novel invites readers to ponder the interplay between obsession, identity, and the nature of fame and celebrity. Smith’s skillful blending of cultural fusion, where Eastern and Western influences converge, adds layers of complexity to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read. Most importantly, it’s also a fun read that is equal parts funny and tragic.
Now, if you’re ready to step into the world of “The Autograph Man” in an RPG scenario, here’s some advice:
- Embrace Obsession: In the RPG scenario, players should fully embrace the theme of obsession. Encourage them to develop characters with strong desires, whether it’s collecting autographs, uncovering secrets, or pursuing personal goals. The game should revolve around these obsessions and the consequences they bring.
- Explore Identity: Just as Alex-Li Tandem grapples with questions of identity, encourage players to delve into their characters’ identities. Allow them to explore their characters’ backgrounds, cultural influences, and personal struggles, making identity a central theme in the game.
- Create Complex Relationships: The novel’s characters have intricate relationships that drive the story forward. In the RPG scenario, emphasise the importance of relationships among the characters. Encourage players to develop connections, conflicts, and deep bonds with NPCs and other player characters.
- Blur the Lines: “The Autograph Man” blurs the lines between reality and illusion. Incorporate surreal or dream-like elements into the game to challenge the characters’ perceptions and test the boundaries of their obsessions.
- Themes of Meaning and Connection: Throughout the scenario, weave themes of meaning and connection into the narrative. Allow players to grapple with questions of purpose and the significance of their actions within the game world.
By incorporating these elements into your RPG scenario, you can capture the essence of “The Autograph Man” and create a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging gaming experience for your players.
In coming up with a plot for a scenario, we’re going to cherry-pick elements of the story, rather than trying to recreate the novel in its entirety. We’re going to start by ditching the main character of the novel, for example. His Asianness, Jewishness, and fatherlessness are all such specific and central elements of the story that there’s very little wiggle room for any player character than tries to step into his shoes. Instead, we’re going to focus on his mission to secure an autograph from golden age actress, Kitty Alexander.
In terms of a system for the game, I think that GUMSHOE would be a good fit. It’s made for the sort of investigative play we’re going to explore. You could use a number of different GUMSHOE-based games for this, but I’d suggest either Trail of Cthulhu or BubbleGumshoe.
There are other games that you could use, but these are solid choices. In addition, before running your game, I would recommend our series on running investigative roleplaying games. It’s a long, 7-part series, but it covers a lot of ground that might be useful to you. Here’s a link to the first entry in the series:
This RPG scenario immerses players in a world of autograph collecting, obsession, and the enigmatic figure of Kitty Alexander. It does not follow the plot of The Autograph Man, but takes some key elements and themes and runs with them. The narrative is heightened and less realistic than the novel, and that’s okay. It borders on incorporating elements of the Cthulhu Mythos, or at least the sort of uneasy quasi-horror that the mythos exudes.
Within the investigative framework of the GUMSHOE system, players will uncover the secrets hidden in autographs while exploring their complex connections to the mysterious and elusive figure of Kitty Alexander.
Setting:
The scenario unfolds in contemporary London, faithfully capturing the novel’s ambiance. Players step into the shoes of passionate autograph collectors, navigating the intricacies of authenticity, rival collectors, and the elusive signatures that hold the key to a deeper mystery.
Plot:
Act 1: Obsession Takes Root
Players craft characters driven by their fervent passion for autographs, each with their own distinct motivations. The narrative begins with the discovery of a mysterious autograph bearing the enigmatic name of Kitty Alexander. As players embark on their quest to unravel the autograph’s significance, they are inexorably drawn further into the world of autograph collecting.
Act 2: The Investigation Commences
The GUMSHOE system comes into play as players investigate the autograph’s origins, unearthing historical records, consulting experts, and solving cryptic puzzles. Along the way, eerie coincidences and strange occurrences suggest a deeper connection between the autograph, Kitty Alexander, and their own pasts.
Act 3: Unveiling Shadows
As the characters delve deeper into the mystery, they unearth dark secrets intertwined with the autograph’s history, including its previous owners and the collectors who coveted it. Players encounter a formidable rival collector determined to seize the autograph at any cost. The line blurs between their obsession and the peril it poses.
Act 4: Redemption and Revelation
In the climax, the characters must confront not only their obsessions but also the elusive and enigmatic Kitty Alexander. The supernatural nature of the autograph is revealed, and they face a pivotal choice: exploit its power for personal gain or seek redemption by breaking free from the cycle of obsession. Their decisions will ultimately shape their destinies.
Final Thoughts:
Kitty Alexander serves as a central enigma in the narrative, with her mysterious autograph acting as the linchpin connecting the characters’ obsessions and their path to redemption. The GUMSHOE system’s investigative mechanics are ideally suited to this narrative, permitting players to immerse themselves in the world of autograph collecting while harnessing their investigative skills to unearth the autograph’s secrets. This scenario challenges players to strike a balance between their obsessions and the possibility of personal redemption, resulting in a thought-provoking and emotionally charged RPG experience.
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