# I: Drafted explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Manly Wade Wellman.

## What happens

Gilbert Connatt, a down-on-his-luck former film star, is eating at a Times Square hamburger stand when he is found by Jake Switz, the press agent for actress Sigrid Holgar. Jake persuades Gib to meet the mysterious producer Varduk about a role in a horror play written by Lord Byron. Despite his pride and past falling-out with Sigrid, Gib reluctantly agrees to consider the offer.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Power of Belief and Ritual

Jake Switz's fervent belief in the play's horror and Varduk's mysterious authority suggest the power of belief in the theatrical ritual.

### Fear and Control

Jake's fear of Varduk's retribution and the play's intended terror highlight themes of fear and control.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Connatt

The protagonist, a former film star now down on his luck, eating at a hamburger stand.

### Jake Switz

Press agent for Sigrid Holgar, who persuades Gib to meet Varduk about a role.

### Varduk

Mysterious producer who suggested Gib for the lead in the horror play.

### Miss Holgar

Sigrid Holgar, the actress and Gib's former lover, who agreed to have Gib as her leading man.

### Gib

Nickname for Gilbert Connatt, used throughout the chapter.

## Key lines

> I’m not in pictures

Gib denies being a movie actor, though he once was.

_Gib's current state of denial about his past career._

> Varduk would cut my heart out and feed it to the sparrows if I found you and lost you again.

Jake is terrified of Varduk's reaction if he fails to bring Gib to him.

_Jake's fear of Varduk's power and control._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/i-drafted
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters