#Comparison to conventional method

[maxdibert]

‘Snape is a child abuser’ is definitely coming from a generation of new Gen Z fans who weren’t growing up alongside the books and have failed to understand that the wizarding world is a reflection of 1970s-1990s British society and not 2025 therapy offices. Snape is an old school strict teacher who has methods - particularly towards Neville - that are mean and belittling and counterproductive but that also weren’t out of place with teaching in general back then. Corporal punishment wasn’t outlawed in English private schools until 1999. Nineteen Ninety Nine!! Historical context has been lost. Snape assigning cauldron scrubbing as a detention in comparison- he’s practically a softie.

He’s meant to be understood as a bitter, jaded, petty, tired to the bone teacher who has been held back by a job he’s too ambitious and too clever for. He’s not meant to be understood as truly abusive - because if he was, Harry would be deploying his usual coping mechanisms (conflict avoidance) instead of what he actually does, which is mouth off at Snape at every possible opportunity. It’s basic genre convention that every boy hero in a boarding school novel needs an antagonist teacher to put in his place while all the children cheer, lol. It’s not that deep.

Severus was designed so that kids at the time would see him as the classic rude, miserable teacher who ruins all the fun, is super strict, and seems to live to make sure you can’t do whatever you want. This was a very common archetype in fiction for those of us born in the ‘90s or earlier. He wasn’t created for people to think he was a child abuser but to remind you of that teacher who always gave everyone bad grades because they were extremely demanding, snapped at you for asking a question they thought was stupid, or seemed to live for catching students doing something wrong just to punish them.

We grew up with tons of characters like that (Miss Finster from Recess comes to mind—she basically lived to catch T.J. doing something wrong). They weren’t characters you saw as crossing a line with students, because EVERYONE had at least one teacher like that. The person we clearly saw as an abuser was Umbridge, but that’s because Umbridge wasn’t just about ruining fun—she wanted to repress and dominate the students. She physically harmed them and hurt them, abusing her institutional power. She was the character who scared you and made you angry. That’s why in the 2000s people hated her even more than Voldemort—because we had all either had a teacher like her, knew someone who had one, or heard horror stories about those teachers.

I feel like Gen Z doesn’t understand what it was like to grow up surrounded by boomers with zero emotional management skills who had done no self-work, and instead live in a paradise of Gen X and millennial teachers you can follow on social media. Honestly, they have a totally distorted view of things.

Anyone born in the ‘90s or earlier can clearly see the intention behind Severus as a teacher and what kind of archetype he represents—and they don’t associate him with someone abusive. Rowling wrote those books at a specific time for an audience that would understand that. I’m sorry some people were born 20 years later, but that doesn’t change the facts.

[literaryvein-reblogs]

What is the difference between urban fantasy and low fantasy?

Using the Fantasy Fiction Continuum, urban fantasy is closer to "reality" in comparison with low fantasy. But also consider other elements that further distinguish both of these fantasy subgenres.

Urban Fantasy - fantastical characters and concepts are placed in a real-world urban setting, often in the present day; also sometimes called "Modern Fantasy"

Low Fantasy - set in the real world, and includes unexpected magical elements that surprise ordinary characters

Urban Fantasy can also be split into 2 distinct subgenres of its own:

The fantasy elements are out in the open

Or they exist in a kind of a shadow society, with the rest of the world operating normally, generally unaware of its existence.

Elements of Urban Fantasy

If you’re asking yourself “what is urban fantasy?” think of it this way: Imagine a book that combines the dense worldbuilding of fantasy and science fiction with the gritty grounded reality of contemporary novels set in New York City, Chicago, or other iconic urban locales. That’s the urban fantasy genre. Here are some key elements of urban fantasy novels, short stories, and films:

Fantasy tropes: Urban fantasy storylines combine the real-life grit with of modern world with fantastical worldbuilding.

An urban setting: Although small town urban fantasies do exist, most take place in present-day major cities.

Magic: Supernatural elements, sci-fi technologies, fairy tales, and folk mythologies are all found throughout urban fantasy novels.

A noir aesthetic: Urban fantasies lift genre conventions from noir and gritty police procedurals.

Mythical creatures: Urban fantasies are populated with supernatural creatures including (but not limited to) undead zombies, vampires, werewolves, druids, demons, shapeshifters, and perhaps a mage or wizard.

A protagonist with a foot in both worlds: The main character of an urban fantasy is typically savvy to the real-life ways of their urban environment yet can also wield or exploit magical powers.

A young protagonist: Relatively young characters who practice wizardry or witchcraft are common in urban fantasy series.

Elements of Low Fantasy

Low Fantasy is a catchall, and inexact, term for secondary world (i.e., a constructed world; a completely fictional setting, rather than our world) fantasy.

The designation is not a description of the quality of the work, but rather the prevalence of fantastic elements.

Tends towards less “traditional” (simplistic) morality.

Sometimes comedies are also excluded from the genre, but either way the works that remain don't have a natural unity.

However, while there is no complete list of defining features, there are features and tropes common to many Low Fantasy works that can help distinguish them from other fantasy works; each tends to be the opposite of one of the defining features of High Fantasy. Examples:

Magic: While Magic is prominent in High Fantasy, it's generally rare if not non-existent in Low Fantasy. What magic does exist is complicated, ambiguous, reserved for a very select few and/or has specific scientific rules. It's also likely to be dangerous, corruptive, or difficult to control, and magic-users are likely to be distrusted and often genuinely untrustworthy sorts.

Heroes: Usually normal people that have taken up a cause rather than The Chosen Ones of High Fantasy. It's not uncommon for them to be an Anti-Hero of some kind and/or have non-heroic motives (e.g. they take up a cause for personal ambition, for vengeance or just to survive as opposed to doing it for the 'greater good').

Shades of Grey: While High Fantasy usually features Black-and-White Morality with clear-cut heroes and villains, many Low Fantasy works have Grey and Gray or Black and Gray. More importantly, the success of the victor often has no bearing on their motives or honor.

Methods: Victories are usually achieved through physical combat and cunning, not magical battles and certainly not by moral superiority.

Scope: Down to Earth. Tends to focus more on the survival and tribulations of one or a few individuals rather than the whole world.

Examples of Urban Fantasy Works

The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher (2000)

The Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch (2011)

The Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews (2007)

The Merry Gentry series by Laurell K. Hamilton (2000)

The Hollows series by Kim Harrison (2004)

The Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs (2006)

The Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter (2009)

The Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris (2001)

Moonheart by Charles de Lint (1984)

War for the Oaks by Emma Bull (1987)

Examples of Low Fantasy Works

When the plastic figurines come to life in Lynne Reid Banks’s The Indian in the Cupboard (1980).

A Song of Ice and Fire is a generally low-magic setting, with a cynically pragmatic worldview and a focus on political maneuvering between rival factions who are all at least morally gray; however, the politics spans two continents and reaches epic levels on its own even without more traditional, stirring High adventure elements. However, because The Magic Comes Back slowly over the course of the story, the fantasy does get progressively Higher as the series goes on, even though the general tone remains Low in nature. The magic and other mysteries are treated as ambiguous, yet highly dangerous, potentially world-changing and complicating factors in an already combustible political and social situation.

Tangled has very little magic — with the only source of it being Rapunzel's hair. Besides the animals being somewhat more intelligent than normal, there's little else. The protagonists are all human, and the story is mainly Rapunzel's journey to the kingdom. The antagonist is said to be a witch, but she has no powers other than knowing how to activate Rapunzel's magic. As far as Grey-and-Gray Morality goes, one of the lead characters is an unrepentant thief and various side characters are implied criminals with Hidden Depths.

Sources: 1 2 3 4 5 ⚜ More: References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

Do go through the sources for more details and examples. Hope this helps with your writing!

[futzfuck]

HEAVY SPOILERS FOR MONKEY MAN!!!! GO WATCH THE MOVIE IF YOU HAVENT ITS REALLY GOOD DAMMIT!!!!!!!

Anyway

I think an overlooked bit in Monkey Man is how bleach is used as imagery and association. Bleach is often use is to remove stains from clothes/surfaces, disinfect things, and just generally clean stuff. I think this plays a lot into the revenge narrative central to the film, as well as offering a comparison/contrast to the villians’ methods of “removing India’s scars”

When the Kid first shows his hands he says they look that way from bleach and chemicals and calls them his CV. Now, without the mention of bleach this scene is still impactful within context, bc the Kid is indirectly saying that his life is defined by his trauma and the death of his mother (and maybe even his inability to save her). Hands are also a reoccurring symbol throughout the film in an of themselves. But back to bleach. I think mentioning bleach is important bc it depicts bleach as corrosive and something higher ups don’t want to engage in. “Give me the job no one wants to do, and ill do it.” No one at Kings wants what the Kid wants, and no one there is willing to cleanse the city and the establishment of its own corruption.

There’s also the fact that Kid’s pseudonym comes from the brand of bleach he uses at his job. By naming himself after the bleach he uses, Kid associates himself with an aggressive way of cleansing, which is kinda the whole message of Monkey Man as a narrative. It’s telling that the closest thing to a conventional name we have for the Kid just reinforces his purpose within the story.

Finally, the Kid bleaches his monkey mask before he goes to Kings for the final act. I think this is symbolic of him stripping away his persona of “Kong” that he used as a fighter from the mask, replacing it with the identity of Hanuman he has come to inhabit. The lighter fur looks more like the fur Hanuman is shown to have throughout the movie, both in the children’s book and the puppet in the stage play. It could also symbolize the Kid “cleansing his mind” of what remains from before he was saved by the hijras, and fully embracing his purpose.

Am i thinking about this way to much? Obviously but i don’t care bc its fun lol. Love this movie.

[somebodys-nightmare]

Understanding the Romantic Narrative Arcs in Final Fantasy VII

There has been no shortage of discourse surrounding the “Love Triangle Debate”, (a fan-constructed term, I must inform you) of FFVII for a very long time. Most recently, with the release of FFVII Rebirth, this discourse has intensified and led to a wide spectrum of fan conclusions that range from grounded in narrative sense to completely baseless or delusional. Some takes are attached to contemporary relationship issues, personal experience, comparisons to other media or works of fiction, social constructs or societal issues, personal preference, or a lack of full context.

While any piece of media or fiction is subject to some level of interpretation (this is the very nature of humans consuming works of art), most works are created with intentional narrative direction. In fact, many works are formulaic, especially in genres such as fantasy, romance, mystery, etc. While of course there are always exceptions and deviations, as a writer and former English literature teacher I can say that most stories follow a general narrative structure or arc that makes them digestible and satisfying to readers/audiences. Such arcs impact the main, external, internal, and subplots of a story, as well as individual character arcs and character relationship arcs.

Final Fantasy is no different. While there are other cultural influences as FFs are Japanese stories, my experience with the series is the writing generally follows most storytelling conventions that can be found in all forms of archetypal writing, cross-culturally and generationally. FFVII is often accused of being ambiguous or open-ended in many aspects of its story. I tend to disagree with this idea and think that its storytelling is subversive rather than ambiguous, meaning that it requires players to work harder and use more critical thinking in order to reach the author’s intended conclusions. It also relies on false or misleading narratives for a good part of the story (such as red herrings, illusions, or unreliable narrators) as storytelling devices that help the truth in the story unfold in later parts of the narrative arc(s). Like any piece of media using these storytelling methods, this means that there will be controversy or debate as audiences contend with the author’s messages or intentions. However, that does not mean that the intentions are not there and that there is not an intentional outcome on the part of the writers.

Personally, I believe that FFVII has a very clear narrative structure for all of its main plot, sub plots, and character arcs, but that its approach is challenging to many players who have to wrestle with the story as it unfolds to understand it. It is not spoon-fed, and some revelations may betray player attachments that were originally formed. However, in my view, this is what makes FFVII such an exceptional story when compared to many others. That being said, the lack (or refusal) of understanding of FFVII’s narrative arcs has led to discourse that unfortunately mischaracterizes many of the characters and pushes inappropriate perspectives onto the storytelling, mostly surrounding the romantic arcs of the main characters and the so-called “LTD” (the fan construction, remember?). I strongly believe that the best way to understand any story is to follow the narrative arcs in order to arrive at the author’s intended conclusions.

I’m going to attempt to do that for the romantic subplots in FFVII in hopes of bringing some clarity to this issue. This analysis is based on a standard Three-Act Romance narrative writing structure (which aligns with the Hero's Journey structure), as well common romantic archetypes and tropes, both for characters and plot, but applied to the specific context of the story, world, and characters of FFVII. Please note that this is my personal analysis and it is by no means perfect, nor am I saying this is the bible of how FFVII has been written. I just hope it gives some insight into why some storytelling interpretations of FFVII should make more sense than… others. This analysis will draw from bits of the entire compilation, but the primary focus of the structure will be looking at FF7R with the OG as a baseline.

This is a long thread, so please see the outline for discussion below.

Romantic Structure/Trope Analysis

Cloud/Tifa: The Slow Burn/Childhood Friends to Lovers Romance

Aerith/Cloud: The Unrequited Love/Not Meant to Be Romance

Zack/Aerith: The Long Lost Love Romance

Final Thoughts: The "Love Triangle" is a Narrative Illusion

Cloud/Tifa: The Slow Burn/Childhood Friends to Lovers Romance

Act 1: The Beginning

The Hook (Childhood Connection Revealed)

Romance Structure: Introduction / Setup

Purpose: Establish the protagonists in their everyday lives, showing what emotional or psychological issues are holding them back from love. Readers should get a sense of their internal conflicts and motivations, along with the external situations that will challenge them later.

Childhood Friends Layer: Introduce the deep connection between the two characters, showing them as lifelong friends with an established bond. There could be hints of one or both characters secretly harboring feelings for the other, but they haven't acted on it due to fear of losing the friendship.

Example: Cloud and Tifa are childhood friends with a complicated history. Although they were close when they were little, they drifted apart but secretly longed for one another. They shared a romantic promise and then separated for seven years. At the beginning of FFVII, they are reunited, but both characters are contending with serious internal and external conflicts - Cloud’s identity crisis and the Shinra Company’s greed and abuse of the planet.

The Inciting Incident / Call to Adventure / Meet-Cute

Romance Structure: Inciting Incident / The Meet-Cute

Purpose: The main characters meet or are pushed together by external circumstances. This encounter introduces the romantic conflict—whether it’s instant attraction or tension between them.

Childhood Friends Layer: Since they’ve already known each other for years, the “meet-cute” here is more about seeing each other in a new light. Maybe one of them returns to town after time away, or an external event shifts their dynamic, making one or both start to view the other differently.

Example: Cloud and Tifa reunite in Midgar and Tifa recruits Cloud to work for AVALANCHE. She does this primarily to keep him close so she can keep an eye on him as she is worried about him and his mental state. During this time, we see an instant chemistry between Cloud and Tifa as they reconnect after years apart. When conflicts are introduced, we see the strain that it puts on them, but we also see how there’s a lingering desire for closeness, whether it be in their discussion/memory of the promise, their mutual flirting, their skinship, etc.

First Plot Point / Refusal of the Call

Romance Structure: Rejection of the Relationship

Purpose: The characters resist the idea of a romantic relationship, often due to internal or external obstacles. There’s a clear push-pull dynamic as they fight their growing attraction, often rejecting the possibility of being together.

Childhood Friends Layer: The hesitation here comes from their shared history. Both characters are afraid to risk their close friendship for something as uncertain as a romance. This dynamic creates tension as they begin to realize how much they depend on each other emotionally.

Example: This isn’t directly addressed, but the narrative deflects from intentional romantic confrontations at this point because of Cloud’s identity crisis and the pressing issues of the external conflict. Neither character is outwardly pursuing a relationship, but they don’t exactly deny their desire for closeness. We consistently see the push/pull between Cloud and Tifa throughout the early part of their arc. It's also further complicated when Sephiroth starts to sabotage their relationship.

Act 2: The Middle

First Pinch Point / Acceptance of the Quest

Romance Structure: Giving the Relationship a Chance

Purpose: External circumstances push them together, forcing them to interact and face their growing connection. Even if they resist the idea of love, the bond between them deepens as they spend more time together.

Childhood Friends Layer: Their shared history becomes an advantage and a source of conflict. The deeper they dive into new romantic feelings, the more they rely on the comfort of their friendship, but they’re also terrified of crossing the line and ruining everything.

Example: Cloud and Tifa work together both with AVALANCHE and the party at large to combat the threats present in the external conflict. Additionally, they share deep trauma from the Nibelheim Incident that brings them closer together as sources of comfort. They become one another’s rocks, and though they still do not move toward any explicit romantic confirmation, it is clear from their behavior that they both hold deep feelings for each other and care for each other greatly. Cloud in particular holds on to his promise to Tifa, making it a cornerstone of his strength moving forward.

Midpoint Crisis / Trials and Temptations

Romance Structure: Midpoint / I-Need-You-But-Can’t-Have-You

Purpose: This is a major turning point where the characters either experience a "false high" (where they feel like things are going well but something still isn’t quite right) or a "false low" (where they feel like things are falling apart). There’s often a pivotal moment of intimacy that deepens their bond but also introduces new fears.

Childhood Friends Layer: The fear of losing the friendship intensifies. They might experience their first kiss or confession of deeper feelings, but the risk of ruining their long-established bond makes the situation more fraught with anxiety.

Example: This particular point in the arc gets a little tricky for Cloud and Tifa because of Cloud’s identity crisis and Tifa’s reticence around their mismatched issues. However, Rebirth has made it clear that before the end of disc 1, Cloud and Tifa are aware of their feelings for each other and that the narrative is still in the way of it. This arc intersects events that transpire from Kalm to Gongaga, and we see the build-up of tension due to the internal conflict between Cloud and Sephiroth.

Second Pinch Point / The Road Back

Romance Structure: Pulling Back Together

Purpose: The characters are drawn back together by external events, but their internal fears and conflicts still loom large. The romance starts to deepen, but both are still fighting their feelings in some way.

Childhood Friends Layer: They try to go back to being "just friends," but it’s clear that things have changed between them. The emotional and romantic tension keeps building, and they can’t ignore how much they need each other.

Example: We see this dynamic between Cloud and Tifa continue to build throughout disc 1, particularly in Rebirth. We are consistently reminded of the tension between them and the importance of their relationship, regardless of romantic intent. Gongaga and Nibelheim are great examples of this.

Second Plot Point / The Fall

Romance Structure: The Fall

Purpose: The characters are now falling in love, even if they haven’t fully admitted it to each other. There’s often a deeper moment of intimacy—physical or emotional—that makes them realize just how much they mean to each other.

Childhood Friends Layer: One or both characters realize they’ve fallen hard for their best friend, but they are still careful or hold back from telling the other, afraid it might ruin everything. Nonetheless, they give in to their feelings in some capacity, which marks a turning point.

Example: The Gold Saucer date would be the best parallel for this point in the arc for Cloud and Tifa. In the OG Tifa almost confesses to a very interested Cloud, in Rebirth, they confirm feelings and kiss. Either way, it’s clearly meant to signal at this point, the fall has happened.

Act 3: The End

The Crisis / Dark Moment

Romance Structure: Dark Moment / The Break-Up

Purpose: This is the point where everything falls apart. The characters break up or distance themselves, either because of internal or external forces.

Childhood Friends Layer: The weight of their shared history makes this moment even more devastating. The fear of losing the friendship forever becomes real.

Example: For Cloud and Tifa, this moment is really hinged on Cloud’s mental breakdown. After the Gold Saucer Date, Cloud’s mental state progressively worsens due to events that occur within both the internal and external conflicts, and his bond with Tifa is severed completely at the Northern Crater. Cloud and Tifa are separated when Cloud falls into the Lifestream.

The Sacrifice / The Crisis Resolution

Romance Structure: The Sacrifice

Purpose: One or both characters must confront their fears and make a choice. This moment often involves a grand gesture or a realization that love is worth the risk.

Childhood Friends Layer: The realization comes that their friendship has always been the foundation of something more. They understand that risking the friendship for love is not only worth it but that the friendship can only deepen through their romantic connection.

Example: This point comes in Mideel and the Lifestream Scene. Tifa reaches her own realization about her relationship with Cloud and how her reticence has impacted things, and her conviction to save him and be with him is both profound and clearly romantic. Inside the Lifestream, Tifa helps Cloud to find himself, and many revelations about his true feelings for her are brought to light. Of course, we have not reached this point of the story in FF7R, so it will be intriguing to see how it unfolds, given all of the additional context the remake series and ToTP have provided.

The Climax / Declaration

Romance Structure: Declaration

Purpose: The characters finally confess their love for each other, making the leap from friends to lovers. This is the emotional high point where the relationship is solidified.

Childhood Friends Layer: The confession of love is tied to their long history, as they realize that their deep emotional connection as friends is the foundation for a strong romantic relationship.

Example: This moment for Cloud and Tifa is the Highwind Scene in the OG, where they confirm, without words, that their feelings match. Once again, we will see how this event unfolds in Part 3 with all the new and deepened context of Cloud and Tifa’s relationship in 7R.

The Resolution / Denouement

Romance Structure: Denouement / HEA

Purpose: The characters are together and happy, giving the reader a sense of closure.

Childhood Friends Layer: The resolution emphasizes how their strong friendship has transitioned seamlessly into a romantic relationship, giving the sense that they’ll continue to support each other as both friends and lovers.

Example: In the OG, this is seen in the FMV of the game where Cloud and Tifa are together, leading to the resolution of the entire story as Holy and the Lifestream are released. While this scene isn’t particularly direct, it’s enough to show that Cloud and Tifa are together, which leads to ACC where they live and raise a family together. This entire ending segment will likely be greatly expanded in FF7R, and so it'll be interesting to see how these moments are handled, given all of the new context.

Aerith/Cloud: Unrequited Love/Not Meant to Be Arc

Act 1: The Beginning

The Hook (Unrequited Feelings Introduced)

Romance Structure: Introduction / Setup

Purpose: Introduce the protagonist, who falls for the other character. Set up their emotional and psychological conflict, showing how these unrequited feelings shape their interactions with the other character.

Unrequited Love Layer: The character’s love is clearly unreturned, but they hold on to hope. There is a mix of admiration, longing, and pain as they watch the love interest live their life without ever seeing them as a romantic partner.

Example: Aerith’s feelings for Cloud, who she meets first on the streets of Midgar and later inside her church, are inspired by her long-lost love, Zack, whom he reminds her of. We don’t know this immediately, but we find out soon enough, and the story, especially 7R, is full of visual and symbolic cues.

The Inciting Incident / Call to Adventure / Meet-Cute

Romance Structure: Inciting Incident / The Meet-Cute

Purpose: The characters are pushed together by external circumstances, giving the protagonist more time with the love interest. The character sees this as an opportunity to grow closer, but the other character remains unaware or indifferent to their romantic feelings.

Unrequited Love Layer: The character is thrilled to spend more time with the other character and hopes this will bring them closer. However, the love interest still sees the relationship as platonic, creating tension.

Example: While their interaction on Loveless Street is the fated moment for Cloud and Aerith, the meet-cute is their meeting in the church. This is the inciting incident that not only truly triggers Aerith’s latent Zack-longing, but also begins Cloud and Aerith’s friendship as they work together for a common cause. Aerith flirts with Cloud quite a bit at this point, displaying her interest, but Cloud does not reciprocate in any romantic sense. She also refuses to let him leave and follows him around, essentially solidifying Aerith’s place in the player party and cementing her role as the heroine driving the external conflict. From here on out, we are consistently reminded that Cloud reminds Aerith of Zack, the deeper reason for her interest in him.

First Plot Point / Refusal of the Call

Romance Structure: Rejection of the Relationship

Purpose: The protagonist’s feelings remain unrequited. The other character might express interest in someone else or explicitly state that they don’t see the protagonist in a romantic light. This deepens the emotional conflict for the protagonist, who struggles with unspoken feelings.

Unrequited Love Layer: The protagonist is heartbroken but holds onto hope. They keep pushing their emotions down, unwilling to let go just yet.

Example: Aerith meets Tifa and quickly realizes that she is someone deeply important to Cloud. In Remake, she realizes this even before meeting her when Cloud has a headache and calls out Tifa’s name. Her awareness changes her behavior somewhat, but internally, she still is still conflicted because of her internal conflict over Zack.

Act 2: The Middle

First Pinch Point / Acceptance of the Quest

Romance Structure: Giving the Relationship a Chance

Purpose: External circumstances continue to push the characters together, and the protagonist’s feelings deepen. They begin to cling to small moments, hoping that their love might one day be reciprocated.

Unrequited Love Layer: The protagonist interprets friendly gestures as signs of romantic potential. They invest emotionally in every small interaction, hoping it means more than it does. However, deep down, they start to feel the weight of their unreturned affection.

Example: The journey continues with the party leaving Midgar, and Aerith’s feelings for Cloud grow despite her knowledge of his bond with Tifa as the party travels together. In Rebirth this is further complicated by Aerith’s loss of foresight/memories to the Whispers. We are also constantly reminded of Aerith’s lingering feelings for Zack and her grief and sadness over his loss/disappearance. Throughout the journey, she seeks out opportunities to spend time with Cloud - “dates” even though these moments are not reciprocated romantically. A notable example of this is her date with him on the clock tower in Kalm, where she speaks to him about his relationship with Tifa (hinting at her knowledge of their bond and her jealousy over it) and then her public declaration that they were on a date (in front of Tifa). Cloud's reaction to moments like these continue to inform the audience he does not return romantic affections for Aerith.

Midpoint Crisis / Trials and Temptations

Romance Structure: Midpoint / I-Need-You-But-Can’t-Have-You

Purpose: A major turning point occurs where the protagonist either faces the possibility that their love will never be returned or sees a fleeting moment where they think it might be. The emotional stakes are higher, as the protagonist grapples with whether to continue holding on.

Unrequited Love Layer: The character might attempt to make their feelings known, either explicitly or through subtle gestures, but the love interest doesn’t reciprocate. The character is left feeling exposed and vulnerable, yet still holding on to hope that things might change.

Example: For Cloud and Aerith, this continues to be the nature of their relational development throughout most of disc 1, but their interaction on the water tower in Nibelheim is probably the best example of this. Aerith has to grapple with her jealousy over Cloud and Tifa’s bond, which she has been observing for the entire game. Her acknowledgment of her feelings over it is a major turning point as a character. Additionally, this moment really cements that Cloud views his relationship with Aerith as a cherished friendship, as we see the way that he cares about her angry reaction.

Second Pinch Point / The Road Back

Romance Structure: Pulling Back Together

Purpose: Circumstances force the characters to spend more time together, even though the character is starting to feel the emotional strain of unrequited love. There may be a moment of temporary hope, but it’s tinged with the growing realization that their feelings might never be returned.

Unrequited Love Layer: The character becomes more emotionally drained as they begin to sense that their love will remain one-sided. They might try one last time to be closer to the love interest, but the gap between them is becoming clearer.

Example: This moment could best be viewed through Cloud and Aerith’s Gold Saucer date. There, Aerith not only tries to get closer to Cloud but she opens up emotionally and gives Cloud insight into the root of her feelings, which is Zack. Cloud does not reciprocate any of Aerith’s romantic overtures in this date and rather displays discomfort or awkwardness throughout most of it. However, he does allow her a moment of emotional vulnerability, which he has not been willing to do previously. This is further contextualized by how, In Rebirth, Cloud has remembered Zack by this point (albeit incorrectly). Cloud, who cherishes and cares for Aerith greatly as a friend, is considerate of this connection and offers her comfort for the grief and loss she has just admitted to feeling and seeking consolation in him from. Hence "just until the ride's over"; "I didn't do anything" etc...

Second Plot Point / The Fall

Romance Structure: The Fall

Purpose: The character finally realizes that their love will never be returned. This is an emotionally intense moment where they are forced to confront the truth—they will never be more than a friend or confidant to the love interest.

Unrequited Love Layer: The protagonist may be devastated by the final confirmation that their feelings will never be returned. The emotional weight of unrequited love becomes too much, and they start to realize they need to let go, or come to other realizations about their feelings.

Example: The moment that most closely matches with this point in the arc is the dream stroll through Sector 5. Not only does Aerith accept that Cloud doesn’t return her feelings romantically, but she comes to a realization of her own feelings and questions them. This is clearly a reference to Zack, whose internal conflict has been consistently foreshadowed. Aerith also seems to recognize that she can’t help Cloud with his internal conflict - that is Tifa's role.

Act 3: The End

The Crisis / Dark Moment

Romance Structure: Dark Moment / The Break-Up

Purpose: This is the point of emotional reckoning, where they face the reality of unrequited love and move on in their arc.

Unrequited Love Layer: The character experiences grief over their unreturned feelings. They might decide to pull away from the love interest entirely, or they may try to come to terms with remaining friends while letting go of their romantic hopes and moving on.

Example: For Aerith, this moment is marked by her complete transition to her role in the external conflict. At this point, she has let go of her romantic fancy for Cloud and has committed herself to the bigger picture. It is at this point that she leaves the party, and leaves Cloud in the Sleeping Forest, to fulfill her role as a Cetra.

The Sacrifice / The Crisis Resolution

Romance Structure: The Sacrifice

Purpose: The protagonist sacrifices their unrequited love, realizing they need to move on for the sake of their own emotional well-being or greater purposes. This is a bittersweet moment of acceptance and self-growth, where they let go of the hope that kept them holding on for so long.

Unrequited Love Layer: The protagonist may realize that holding on to unrequited love is only hurting them or preventing them from reaching a greater purpose.

Example: For Aerith, this point in the arc is less about Cloud and more about her role in the external conflict. This is the point in which she travels to the Forgotten City, prays, and ultimately is killed. However, it is bittersweet and tragic for her, ultimately, because she dies with unrequited love from Cloud and without ever getting closure on her true love, Zack.

The Climax / Declaration

Romance Structure: Declaration

Purpose: Instead of a declaration of mutual love, this is the protagonist’s internal declaration of acceptance. They start the process of moving on.

Unrequited Love Layer: The protagonist lets go of the love interest in their heart, realizing that they need to focus on their own future. The love interest is likely unaware of this internal shift, but it’s a powerful moment of growth for the protagonist.

Example: For Aerith, this is perhaps best viewed in her complete transition after death to the larger role she plays as the heroine of the planet from within the Lifestream. Her arc has fully transitioned away from her feelings for Cloud into her greater purpose. In FF7R, we can hope to see how Zack, who has been trying to find her, begins to impact this next phase of her arc.

The Resolution / Denouement

Romance Structure: Denouement / HEA

Purpose: Instead of a traditional happy ending, this is a reflective, bittersweet resolution. The character has grown emotionally. There is a sense of closure, though it may come with lingering heartache.

Unrequited Love Layer: The character has let go of the hope that their love would ever be returned. They are stronger for it and have moved on.

Example: For Aerith and Cloud, this moment is best summed up by their brief Lifestream reunion at the end of the game. It will be intriguing to see how this moment is expanded and provides closure for Cloud and Aerith’s relationship, as well as Zack’s role in both.

Zack/Aerith: Long Lost Love/Tragic Love Arc

This arc is a little more complicated to map out since it is not only incomplete but riddled with mysteries at this point. However, I’m going to do my best to make the connections based on the information we have and where we can theorize things may be going.

Act 1: The Beginning

The Hook

Romance Structure: Introduction / Setup

Purpose: Establish the protagonist’s life after the estrangement, showing how unresolved feelings for their lost lover impact their emotional world. There’s a sense of longing and unfinished business that propels the protagonist’s actions.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: The protagonist is haunted by memories of their estranged lover and driven by a deep desire to find them again. This longing is fueled by unresolved emotional wounds, and the protagonist clings to the hope of a reunion.

Example: In Rebirth, from the beginning, Zack is singularly focused on reuniting with Aerith. After his escape from Nibelheim, even as he carries the wounded Cloud, Zack’s thoughts are consumed by Aerith. His love for her pushes him forward despite the dangerous and confusing circumstances he finds himself in. Zack’s motivation intensifies when he discovers, through a newscast, that Aerith is in danger. This revelation shifts Zack from hopeful longing to immediate action, driving home the urgency of his quest. His decision to prioritize Aerith’s safety over everything else, including Cloud, underscores how central Aerith is to his purpose, raising the stakes for his emotional journey.

The Inciting Incident

Romance Structure: The Call to Adventure

Purpose: The inciting incident transitions the protagonist from passive longing to active pursuit of reunion. Some event or revelation forces the protagonist to act, prompting them to seek out their estranged lover. Often, this is triggered by the discovery that the lover may be in danger.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: The protagonist realizes that simply hoping for a reunion isn’t enough—there’s now a tangible reason for urgency. This event serves as a catalyst for the protagonist to fully commit to the journey of reconnecting with their lover, increasing the stakes as they shift from passive longing to active pursuit.

Example: After mysteriously "surviving" his last stand against Shinra (as seen at the end of Crisis Core), Zack rescues Aerith from Shinra’s grasp in Rebirth. However, instead of a triumphant reunion, the moment is clouded with confusion and tragedy. This rescue scene signals Zack’s deep emotions for Aerith and heightens the sense of foreboding in their relationship arc. The player quickly realizes that the reunion isn’t straightforward and that darker forces are at play, casting a shadow over Zack’s determined rescue.

First Plot Point

Romance Structure: Refusal of the Call / First Obstacle

Purpose: The first major obstacle or refusal of the call introduces the initial challenges the protagonist faces in their pursuit of the lost lover. Despite their determination, external forces or internal doubts surface, complicating the journey.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: The protagonist’s optimism about reuniting with their estranged lover is challenged by harsh realities—whether through physical danger, supernatural elements, or emotional barriers. This moment introduces doubts about whether a reunion is possible, raising tension and uncertainty.

Example: Zack eventually brings a comatose Aerith and Cloud to Elmyra’s house. Zack’s devotion to them is evident as he cares for them despite their unresponsive states, but the world around him behaves in strange ways. The eerie sense of something deeply wrong in Sector 5 hints that Zack’s reality—and Aerith’s fate—are far from certain. He’s not just fighting to reunite with Aerith; he’s battling a reality that is becoming increasingly unstable. The player shares in Zack’s growing sense of anxiety and confusion, setting the tone for the more tragic layers of their arc to come.

First Pinch Point / Acceptance of the Quest

Romance Structure: Giving the Relationship a Chance

Purpose: The protagonist resolves to pursue their lost lover, hoping to rekindle what they once had. However, unresolved issues and emotional scars from the past begin to surface, complicating their journey.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: Time and distance have changed both characters, making reconnection difficult. The focus is on how time has altered both individuals and the lingering emotional weight of their separation.

Example: Zack’s attempt to reunite with Aerith is complicated by the metaphysical separation created by the Lifestream. Aerith remains comatose, as does Cloud, and Zack has to contend with both his own internal conflict as he tries to help them as well as the external conflict of his strange and mysterious circumstances within "Sector 5".

Midpoint Crisis / Trials and Temptations

Romance Structure: Midpoint / I-Need-You-But-Can’t-Have-You

Purpose: The protagonist’s need for their lost lover intensifies, but the relationship is far more complicated than expected. Old wounds and emotional or external barriers resurface, making reunion seem out of reach. Despite their determination, the protagonist begins to doubt whether they can ever restore what they once had.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: Time and emotional distance have changed the dynamics of their relationship. While both may care for each other, the past cannot easily be erased, and their attempts to reconnect are fraught with tension.

Example: External forces such as Sephiroth’s manipulations, and Aerith’s internal conflict over Cloud create an emotional barrier between her and Zack. Aerith, “asleep” in Zack’s world, remains unaware of his presence. As Zack learns from Marlene that Aerith’ "likes" Cloud, more tension and conflict is added. Despite these challenges, Zack remains unwavering in his commitment to reconnect with Aerith, determined to overcome the growing emotional distance.

Second Pinch Point / The Road Back

Romance Structure: Pulling Back Together

Purpose: The protagonist makes another push to reconnect with their lost lover despite significant setbacks. Faced with the reality that time is running out, the protagonist must act decisively to restore the relationship. While emotional connections may deepen, unresolved challenges threaten the outcome, leaving uncertainty in the air.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: Despite growing obstacles, the protagonist remains committed to rekindling the relationship. The emotional and physical distance between the lovers may still seem insurmountable, but the protagonist refuses to give up, holding onto the hope that they can salvage what they once had.

Example: Even as Zack’s hope begins to wane, he remains steadfast in his desire to reunite with Aerith. Zack finds himself pulled in multiple directions, creating additional conflicts. External forces and emotional entanglements continue to complicate their relationship, but Zack’s determination to bridge the emotional gap keeps pushing him forward. This section of Rebirth continues to heavily foreshadow both the truth about Zack as well as the future of Zack and Aerith's relationship, despite the conflicts.

Act 3: The End

The Crisis / Dark Moment

Romance Structure: The Break-Up / Darkest Hour

Purpose: The protagonist faces their darkest moment, where it seems that the reunion will never happen. Emotional scars or external forces tear the lovers apart, and the protagonist believes they’ve lost their final chance to reconnect. The relationship nears failure as the protagonist faces the harsh reality of their situation.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: The conflict grows to the point of no return. Previous mistakes or external conflicts surface, causing the relationship to fall apart, and the protagonist is left devastated, feeling that the reunion may never come.

Example: In Rebirth, this moment comes near the ending of the game when Sephiroth's confluence of worlds plays a role in role in further uprooting Zack's existence in the Lifestream. We also know that this is the time that Aerith dies in the real world, further complicating matters and adding new layers of conflict.

The Sacrifice / The Crisis Resolution

Romance Structure: The Sacrifice

Purpose: The protagonist realizes that to win back their lost lover, they must sacrifice their pride, fear, or ego. This emotional climax reflects their willingness to make a grand gesture or display vulnerability, showing they’ll do whatever it takes for a second chance.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: The protagonist makes a final, heartfelt plea to the estranged lover, acknowledging their mistakes and baring their soul. The lover, moved by the sincerity, must decide whether or not to take the risk of rekindling the relationship.

Example: Although we don’t yet know how this will play out in the Remake series, it’s likely that Part 3 will feature a reunion between Zack and Aerith. The conflicts that have built up—including Aerith’s internal struggle regarding Cloud—will need resolution. Advent Children (ACC) shows Zack and Aerith together in the Lifestream, setting the stage for a reunion in the Remake. The exact nature of this reunion remains speculative, but it’s likely Zack will make a significant sacrifice or grand gesture to resolve the emotional conflicts that have kept them apart.

The Climax / Declaration

Romance Structure: Declaration

Purpose: The estranged lover finally decides to take the risk and give the relationship another chance. After much internal struggle, they admit they’ve never stopped loving the protagonist, and they’re ready to move forward together. This is the emotional peak where both characters commit to each other.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: The reconciliation finally happens. After everything they’ve endured, the estranged lover acknowledges their lingering feelings and agrees to rebuild the relationship. Both characters take a leap of faith, trusting that they can overcome the past and move forward.

Example: Though speculative, if the arc follows the long lost lovers trope, Zack and Aerith will likely experience a heartfelt reunion in Part 3. Their lingering feelings would finally be acknowledged, clearing up Aerith’s complicated feelings for Cloud while reaffirming her bond with Zack. This declaration of love would also tie into the larger narrative arc, offering emotional resolution for both characters and allowing their story to move forward, especially in support of Aerith's role in the external conflict of the Planet.

The Resolution / Denouement

Romance Structure: Denouement / HEA

Purpose: The story concludes with a glimpse of the couple in their newly rekindled relationship. The emotional weight of their past has been lifted, and they are now ready to face the future together. Even if circumstances prevent a traditional “happy ending,” there is emotional closure and a sense of peace.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: After the pain, separation, and emotional struggle, the couple is finally together. The audience is left with a sense that their love will endure this time, offering a bittersweet but satisfying conclusion to their long journey.

Example: In Advent Children (ACC), we see Zack and Aerith reunited in the Lifestream, helping Cloud in his final battle. Their reunion suggests that, while they may no longer live in the physical world, their connection endures beyond death. Though bittersweet, their reunion offers emotional closure. The final installment of the Remake series will likely bring full resolution to Zack and Aerith’s arc, providing a satisfying conclusion, even if there are tragic elements along the way.

Final Thoughts: The Love Triangle is a Narrative Illusion

Cloud and Tifa’s Slow-Burn Childhood Friends to Lovers (Canon)

Cloud and Tifa’s relationship in Final Fantasy VII is a carefully crafted slow burn, rooted in a deep bond that extends back to their childhood in Nibelheim. Their connection is not built on superficial or flimsy romantic interactions but on a shared past and the quiet intimacy that grows from years of unspoken longing but is complicated by trauma.

Cloud and Tifa’s natural chemistry is driven by their subconscious desires and the deep, unspoken feelings they have for one another. For Cloud, his buried emotions instinctively reach out to Tifa, even though he isn’t fully aware of them. The narrative hides these true feelings, but subtle moments of affection and protectiveness reveal that, deep down, Cloud’s heart is already tied to hers, laying the groundwork for their eventual emotional connection.

The game’s emotional climax in the Lifestream, where Tifa helps Cloud piece together his shattered memories, is a pivotal moment in which both characters finally confront the depth of their feelings for each other. Their journey isn’t one of dramatic declarations, but rather a gradual, emotional reconnection that allows deeply held, mutual love and longing to blossom—a love that is grounded in shared history, healing, and mutual understanding and compassion.

This slow-burn romance stands as the true heart of Cloud’s emotional journey, dispelling the illusion of a love triangle and making it clear that Cloud’s deepest emotional ties are with Tifa.

Aerith and Cloud’s Unrequited Love / Not Meant to Be Semi-Canon/One-sided) (Fanon - mutual)

The dynamic between Aerith and Cloud, while often misinterpreted as romantic, is better understood through the lens of unrequited love and fate’s intervention. Aerith’s initial attraction to Cloud is undeniably influenced by his resemblance to her first love, Zack Fair.

As time goes on, Aerith tries to see Cloud for who he is, but tragically, this is not possible before her death, and her feelings remain complicated and unreciprocated. Their bond, while significant as friendship, never goes beyond that, reinforcing the fact that Aerith’s feelings for Cloud are more of an echo of her past with Zack.

Cloud's true self being in love with Tifa and Aerith’s tragic death seal the fate of their relationship as one that was never meant to be—a fleeting connection, shaped by circumstance rather than true compatibility.

The tragedy of this unfulfilled arc serves as a powerful narrative device, but it is clear that Cloud and Aerith were never destined to end up together, further dispelling the notion of a love triangle.

Zack and Aerith’s Long Lost Love / Tragic Love (Canon)

Zack and Aerith’s relationship is the quintessential tragic love story in Final Fantasy VII, defined by separation, longing, and loss. Aerith’s first love, Zack, vanishes from her life without explanation, leaving her with unanswered questions and unresolved feelings. Even as she begins to move forward, her heart never fully lets go of Zack, who is revealed to have fought valiantly to return to her—only to tragically lose his life in the process.

The tragedy of their love lies in the fact that both characters hold onto each other, but fate conspires to keep them apart, making their love story one of the most emotionally poignant elements in the game. Even in death, their connection endures, with Zack and Aerith appearing together in the Lifestream in ACC, symbolizing a love that transcends life itself. This arc, while bittersweet, resolves the narrative of Aerith’s romantic life—Zack was her true love, and Cloud was a reflection of the man she had lost, not a new love interest.

Their tragic love story dispels the myth of a love triangle in Final Fantasy VII, emphasizing that Aerith’s heart always belonged to Zack, even as she developed a bond with Cloud during her journey.

All of the relationships in the game are important. However, Cloud/Tifa & Zack/Aerith are the canon, mutual romantic relationships of Final Fantasy VII. Cloud/Aerith have a cherished friendship, but any romantic subtext of their relationship in the game is used as a vehicle to drive the conflicts and truths of the canon relationships forward. This is accomplished through illusions and subversions in storytelling, as well as creating internal conflict for the characters and canon relationships.

FFVII’s storytelling is deliberately designed to mislead the player through incomplete truths and emotional misdirection, including the use of red herrings, illusions, unreliable narration, and the omission of critical information or context. Cloud’s confused memories and persona, coupled with Aerith’s initial attraction to him based on his similarities to Zack, create the illusion of a romantic triangle, but the deeper truths—Cloud’s unresolved trauma and false identity, Tifa’s role as the keeper of Cloud’s real past and his true feelings, and Aerith’s ultimate fate as the Planet’s protector and her true love being Zack—gradually dismantle this illusionary love triangle.

I cannot stress enough that FFVII is not a love drama or soap opera where the game’s conflict centers on romantic rivalries, betrayal, deception, or morally questionable behaviors.. It’s a complex story that focuses on themes of life, loss, identity, self-discovery, legacy, and on and on.

Love - all kinds of love, including romantic, platonic, and familial - is a theme of FFVII, but truly and holistically, not for the sake of creating meaningless drama between the characters. The relationship dynamics appear messy at times in the earlier parts of the story, but these dynamics are designed to help us reach the proper conclusions about the story and the characters’ arcs, and how true love is a vehicle for reaching resolution for both.

Player’s choice is irrelevant to the plot. You cannot decide or alter the story structure or direction or individual character arcs or relationships. The most you can do is view the game through a slightly different lens by gaining an expanded understanding of character arcs and motivation with new replays.

Shipping is a fandom construct. It’s meant to be fun, and you can ship whatever you like. But shipping doesn’t intersect with the facts of a story or its narrative. Lying about any piece of media to convince yourself or others of its canonicity is bizarre behavior.

Respect the work and its intention, while having your shipping fun within your fandom. Don't embarrass yourself by saying an FF protagonist kissing the girl he’s loved since childhood and joined the army to impress means nothing, or worse, proves he the opposite of a hero.

You can ship your fanon without doing all that.

Last thing: Reunion is a primary theme of Final Fantasy VII. You may have noticed that it is also a primary theme for both of the canon romantic relationships. Personally, I believe that Part Three is going to drive this message home in a way that is unmistakable. I also believe that both lovers' reunions will be instrumental in resolving all of the conflicts of FFVII in the final game.

It’s not a coincidence that both reunions will take place in the Lifestream, or that they've been foreshadowed by the presence of the yellow flower.

I also believe that the dual Rebirth cover arts, described by Tetsuya Nomura as Sephiroth "tearing Cloud and Zack's worlds apart" are heavily foreshadowing the resolution of these relationships along with their connection to the the larger story structures of FFVII/FFVIIR.

Let's wait and see when Part 3 comes along.

[marinettesaltprompts]

Not sure if you're still active, but here's a 'prompt':

Maribat, but without the wish-fulfillment:

The bats-family comes to Paris, and the usual Maribat stuff happens. Shadowmoth is found, Lila gets revealed, Marinette gets to castigate her friends to the bone beofre dimissing them as vile people beneath her notice and Adrien gets summarily replaced because Plagg's Miraculous is apparently Ladybug's engagement ring and Damian is "just better". To top it all off, Marinette is taken under Batman's wing, and without an active threat in Paris leaves for Gotham.

It's not what she expected.

She realises the true depths of human cruelty without the insanity of Akumatisation to hide behind,

She gets to learn what it's like to be the last person to know plans because SHE'S not the one calling the shots anymore, indeed: she's the most junior person int eh chain of command. She's the one who has to shut and obey when push come to shove, and get excluded from decisions that effect her and information that she should have but Batman keeps locked up under "need to know". And she's not on the list.

Because why would she be? She was the child who struggled to find Shadowmoth while she had a box of magical superweapons- including one that could give her any power she asked of it- when it took Batman his Robins maybe a week at most to do the same with conventional methods.

She even finds out that Batman has a dozen contingencies in place to take the box and Miraculous from her if she goes rogue. Based on information he's accumulated from her while she spent time under his roof and trained to impress him.

Oh, and to add salt to the wound: Damian makes it clear that he doesn't consider her his equal. Guardian or not. Certainly not someone he's going to take orders from, or someone he's interested in romantically for that matter. It takes more than a reasonably attractive face and talent for magical devices to interest Damian Wayne; and beyond those things what's exceptional about Marinette Dupain-Cheng compared to the other potential love interests he already had?

Did it occur to her that he might already be in a relationship before she gave him the ring? Because it seems like she's committing the same sin that Adrien Agreste once did in assuming the bearers of Destruction and Creation have some special destiny to be together.

(Adrien could tell her how that works out).

So now Marinette's stuck in a new, far less friendly city, speaking a foreign language and in a home filled with strangers she impulsively threw her old life away to be with. And she has to live with it because of how she burned her bridges.

Great Post! You put a lot of thought into the prompt, and the idea of Ladybug being brought into a situation where she's way in over her head and not instantly the main person in charge (just because she holds a powerful set of magical earrings) actually sounds great! Though that itself could be its own fanfic idea.

I myself am not personally fond of the Maribat part of the fandom or the idea of even mentioning it, given that it and the the idea of Marinette and Damian ever being a thing represents everything bad about the salty part of the fandom, especially from people who likely never read any actual DC comic involving Damian.

However, I do appreciate how you deconstructed the idea of not only Damian instantly being Marinette's love interest, but also how Marinette meeting the Batfamily would instantly make her part of it or even their favorite, since neither of those would likely ever happen given the dark and gritty nature of Batman comics contrasting with the light and generally perfect world of Miraculous.

I mean, the idea of Marinette relating in any way to the BatFam would be ridiculous in canon, considering her generally perfect and happy family life in comparison to everyone in the BatFam differing flavors of trauma. By comparison, Lila being a bitch or her friends not believing her seems mundane by comparison.

Anyways, love the post!

[yuseirra]

A comparison: What’s Up with Death Note Musical's Lyrics? KR(JP) VS English

It's quite different in tone!

To shift the mood from what I usually talk about- I thought it'd be fun to discuss about some of the songs I like from the Death Note musical I mentioned before! I've been listening to them quite a bit and they're enjoyable to listen to.

Out of all the songs I’ve heard from the Korean version(since I understand the language), my favorite is “The Unchanging/Unwavering Truth.” (I also listen to “ Ready to Love(I'm Ready)” and “Death Note(Hurricane)” quite a lot.)

From the English version, the songs I listen to the most are Playing His Game, Where Is the Justice?, and Hurricane. The lyrics are just so interesting.

It’s fascinating how even though there’s some overlap between the Korean and English versions, the songs that stand out for me do differ(they're all good ofc)—and sometimes, the tone of the lyrics is completely different.

Personally, I found the lyrics of the English version of Hurricane to be full of bold, passionate energy—really entertaining. The English version’s Light gives the impression that he’s been waiting for the Death Note all along. He doesn’t hesitate. As soon as he gets it, he’s like, “Wow… with this, I can finally do everything I’ve always wanted!” He comes off a bit unhinged, in a compelling way.

This may have to do with the U.S. being a country that allows gun ownership. Maybe the emphasis on self-defense or the constant awareness of danger plays a role. There are lyrics in several songs that compare the notebook to a gun. Phrases like “Writing is the gun, and I only have to aim” or “He’s not killing people with knives or guns...” That comparison doesn't exist in the respective KR/JP versions. The focus seems to be on how Light now has access to a method that’s easier and leaves fewer traces than conventional weapons, than the act of being able to murder someone in the first place.

Unlike a knife, which has other uses, a gun is inherently made to kill. And if something like that were to be released into the world… I feel like the impact it could have on people’s minds would be significant.

The English version of Light really shows this mindset (a mix of idealism and madness) clearly—especially in the first song, Where Is the Justice? He doesn’t really seem to struggle with doubts like “Is it okay for me to do this?” Rather, he already knows what he wants to do. He throws challenging questions at teachers who speak from a rational, rule-of-law perspective. He asks, “Should the world really be like this? Where is the justice?” expressing his own dissatisfaction with the state of the world.

So the moment he picks up the notebook, he’s not shocked like, “Oh no… did I just kill someone?”(this happens in the respective JP/KR counterparts of this song. In fact, that version is about Light's Dillemma and resolve and overcoming his doubts of killing people as the means to serve his ideals. Super interesting, isn't it?)—he seems more euphoric. It’s like, “Wait right there, criminals! I’m going to take you all down. I’m the hurricane!”

In a way, this does seem to somewhat align with how Light was portrayed in the original manga. As I recall, the manga didn’t focus much on Light’s inner turmoil over the act of killing itself. It was more like, “Sure, I’ve killed a lot of people. But it was a necessary evil. The world is full of people we don’t need, and I’m simply cleaning things up. Crime rate has dropped over 70%, hasn’t it?”

That’s how I remember it—though it’s been 3-4 years since I read it, so I may not be completely accurate. But I felt like he genuinely believed that. He had such strong conviction in his own sense of justice that he didn’t waver much. Even when he started killing the FBI agents chasing him, he didn’t seem to feel particularly troubled about it.

If Light had been the kind of person who constantly wrestled with his own justification, the whole vibe would’ve been different.

Anyway, I’ll leave that there for now.

As for The Unchanging/Unwavering Truth—my impression is that the Korean actor who played L added a lot of his own interpretation to the role. The mood is very different from the sample version.

I’m not sure, but I think the Japanese version followed the atmosphere of the sample more closely (though I haven’t listened to it in detail). I’ve seen comparison clips.

In the sample version, unlike the powerful Korean performance, the tone is much more subdued. I’ll bring in the songs to show what I mean.

And for the Korean version… among the ones on YouTube, this is my favorite:

I love it because it’s so powerful!

I haven’t seen the musical live—I’ve only listened to some of the songs, so I might be off—but from the lyrics, it seems like this song comes after L deduces, through deduction, that a supernatural entity like a Shinigami must actually exist. So he accepts that truth and decides to move forward with it.

In terms of direction, I think the Korean and English versions of this song express things differently.

In the Korean version, L seems just as bold and principled as Light—maybe even more so. His stance is basically: “I’m the one who’s right. You’re just a hypocrite and a murderer." (This is present in The Game Begins.) Almost like Inspector Javert. There’s conviction, a sense of personal justice that stands against Light’s, and a battle of wills that’s more important than even their lives. It’s a high-stakes, head-to-head clash. (And really, that’s probably the kind of resolve it would take to stand against a mass murderer.)

I think the Korean actor’s interpretation plays a big part in this. I find reinterpretations like this to be a great fit for the musical medium, and dramatically engaging. Plus, the acting and singing are top-notch—it’d be so fun to watch. The original L is also quite stubborn, so this take feels like a compelling angle—it suits him.

The English version of L, on the other hand, feels more like a classic detective. From what I’ve heard in the songs, he has strong principles, but it comes through differently—sharper, more precise. The Korean version is more emotionally intense, while the English version feels like a scholar or researcher who’s digging deep.

So the vibe of the song is a bit like… a scholar who’s spent his whole life believing in one thing, only to discover evidence of something that completely contradicts it.

Like: “Whoa… is this truly the truth? It’s so different from what I’ve always believed… but if it is the truth, then as a seeker of knowledge, I have to accept it and uphold it—because that’s what truth demands.”

That’s the kind of image I get.

Kind of like an astronomer discovering a previously unseen star, or a scientist uncovering a new law of nature.

If I had to sum it up:

The Korean version’s L is Light’s rival and arch-nemesis. He’s basically saying, “I’ll stop you no matter what it takes!”

The English version’s L feels more like a detective who, while working a case, comes across Light and thinks, “Hmm… this one’s a bit strange.” Then gradually realizes, “Wait, this is something much bigger.” He becomes more serious about it.

This L does want to uncover Light’s truth, but more than that, it feels like Light is just one of many mysteries he’s dealt with in his line of work. He’d probably give this much attention to any major case. It just hasn’t been this complex before.

So he approaches Light as a “problem to solve,” but not someone who shakes him to his core. (I can be wrong because I haven't heard all the songs nor have watched the musical as a whole, this is just what I get from this particular song alone)

The Korean L won’t budge either, of course—but there, it feels like Light and L’s battle goes all the way to a personal, human level. Each becomes the other’s focus.

In the English version, both Light and L are so self-contained in their respective worldviews that their goals are more objective. They don’t dive deeply into each other’s emotional or inner world to the extent that they get so affected by it. Their main drive isn’t “defeating the other and proving I’m right,” but more like, “I’m going to stay true to my path (become the hurricane / uncover the truth).”

You can feel this even in the lyrics of Playing His Game.

Both versions explore the other intensely—but in the English version, it’s like gathering data and analyzing objective details to figure out what the other is thinking: What do they like to eat? Where do they go? Do they dream? What will they do next?

In contrast, the Korean (and maybe Japanese) versions have more abstract lyrics—things like “You’re all I see,” “burning up,” “entangled,” “we’re the only ones in this world…”—so it feels more emotionally charged.

There’s more personal emotion in how they approach each other. More subjective assessments, more provocations.

Which version is more accurate to the manga? I'd have to reread it, both are convincing and intriguing takes!

It’s really interesting how these subtle differences pop up—maybe it’s a cultural thing, like a contrast in emotional sensibilities between the East and the West? Even in terms of goals, the English version focuses on "me winning," while the Korean/Japanese version shifts the spotlight to "I’ll cut off your breath," putting the emphasis squarely on the opponent. It’s like they’ve become deeply significant presences to each other—“That person has become my goal. I need to figure out how to defeat them.”

Now, finally circling back to the song, "Unwavering Truth" and its lyrics-

In the English version, the song "Unwavering Truth" has the title, “The Way Things Are.”

I think you can interpret this title as, “The Way the World Works” or “The Truth of How the World Turns” might work well. It's subtly...different. And it makes sense, let me discuss about it a little more.

Interestingly, the line "The Way Things Are" actually appears in the English lyrics of "Where is the Justice?"—the first song that plays when Light makes his debut:

What about the victims

Waiting for some justice?

How can we turn away and say

That’s just the way things are?

This shows that Light’s definition of justice begins with resisting “the way the world works.”

As if to say, “Who cares about how things are ‘supposed’ to be—there are people suffering right now, right here!”

On the other hand, in L’s song, he says:

The cold, hard truth

Can’t lock it out

You can’t change it

True or false, no

Shadow of a doubt

Can’t rearrange it

The cold, hard truth

Is my north star

So I know I’ll live and I’ll die

The way things are.

So L is basically saying the opposite—“I will live within the boundaries of this truth, of the way the world is.”

They both use the phrase "the way things are," but the contexts are completely different.

For Light, the phrase represents something to rage against.

For L, it’s the unshakable truth that guides his path—a light by which he lives and eventually dies.

It's such an intriguing opposition, right?

Maybe it's also meant to emphasize that the two are destined for a conflict where only one can survive.

I don’t think this kind of nuance exists in the Japanese or Korean versions.

Since the English lyrics are the original, the lyricist probably embedded devices like contrasts and mirrored phrases deliberately.

In a way, Light comes across as “the one who wants to destroy the system,” (and “Hurricane” definitely fits that image), while L feels more like “the guardian of truth.”

Their portrayals are similar to the original, yet also subtly different.

I remember Light being someone very structured—he tries to create and enforce a system.

Meanwhile, L feels more unconventional—less bound by norms, willing to get what he needs by bending the rules.

But ironically, Light’s the one who ends up crossing society’s moral lines, whereas L usually doesn’t step beyond a certain minimum threshold.

Their character construction is so well done.

Personally, as an idealist, I tend to believe that ideals aren’t things you achieve by settling into the current reality—they’re things you move toward by changing and evolving.

So even if I’m unsure in terms of real-world behavior, when it comes to philosophy, I’m usually drawn to the idea of “let’s change it for the better.”

Ironically enough, however, I did also root for L when I first read Death Note.

That's because the moment Light started killing investigators, it became clear that his justice wasn’t exactly just anymore.

Because I’m idealistic, I instinctively hit the brakes at that point—“This isn’t right.”

That said… even though Light obtained the power to kill anyone at will, he didn’t exactly use it for selfish personal gain.

He could have, but instead, he genuinely believed “I am the god of a new world.”

Now, I know that phrase sounds a little juvenile—and the fact that he gets so hung up on it might seem a bit cheesy—but ironically, that does make him more human.

He genuinely believed in his sense of justice.

I think he was pure in a way (even if his facial expressions do become more sinister as things go on).

But here’s the thing—someone who never doubts their own beliefs is dangerous, regardless of whether they’re good or evil.

He was given immense power, and I can’t help but think that if he hadn’t picked up the notebook, he might’ve lived as a model citizen with a strong sense of justice.

There was a bit of disillusionment with the world, and then, in the middle of an incomplete adolescence, he picked up the notebook—and that, combined with his brilliant mind, created a really bad synergy.

Light is… well, pure, in a sense.

Rather than “good” or “evil,” it’s his conviction that’s the real issue.

When it comes to justice, I do think it’s okay to be firm in your convictions.

But his were so strong, so absolute, and they directly translated into action.

And that’s probably why the story was so compelling—because Light acted without hesitation.

Death Note has the potential to go really deep philosophically or ideologically, but the story intentionally avoids diving in too hard.

Instead, it focuses on the psychological chess match between two geniuses, which makes it easier to enjoy without being overwhelmed.

I was always watching with curiosity, thinking, “What are those two going to try next?”

Earlier I mentioned that English-version L felt a bit like a scholar.

There’s one particularly striking song of his—was it “The Game Begins”?—where he sings about analyzing numbers, data, and graphs.

Maybe it’s because of the way the actor sang it, but the lyrics just stuck with me… haha.

Those lines were probably kept almost exactly from the English lyrics.

And really, in psychology and sociology, data is crucial.

You gather information, build a statistical foundation—big data, essentially—and that becomes your starting point.

It reminded me of that, and I really liked it.

Well, that's my analysis on these songs! I'd like to reread this manga again sometime too, I remember it having been quite good!

[pleaseeeimjustagirl]

♡Weekly Chronicles♡

Hey babes! I've missed you guysss I am so happy I had an amazing trip it was so nice. I went to a convention in Maryland for 5 days it was so nice. I definitely left with a lot of knowledge so many amazing people spoke at the lectures<3 and I'm sorry I missed the weekly affirmations for this week.

♡Education♡

I applied for all my classes for next semester before my trip. I’m low-key excited about the classes I have coming up. Lot of different courses since I'm almost done with my major required classes now I need to fill the rest of my credits with electives. I have an art class next semester just for fun. I can't wait to meet the people in my classes. I have to take this math class I am not excited for at all I hate math lol so every time I update you girliesss on this class I'll probably be complaining lol.

♡Mental♡

Interacting with different people this past week has been very good for me mentally. It brought me back to pre-quarantine Khadija who was such a big extrovert. After covid, I started to have mild social anxiety so this was needed. I dealt with a little insecurities while on my trip interacting with so many beautiful women I started to doubt my looks comparison is the thief of joy, I practiced a lot of the methods my therapist recommended like canceling one negative thought with two positive thoughts. I realized I was all in my head for no reason. I love watching Leo Skepi when I am feeling this way he always gets me together. I highly recommend him if you are dealing with a lack of discipline, self-confidence, or just need someone to get you together with tough love he is that guyyy. Side noteee I missed my antidepressant dose twice in a row because of traveling back to New York and it low-key made me hazy like it was super weird but I took it today. 

♡Physical♡

While I was away I ate super bad! The event was an African-focused event so the food there wasn’t healthy at all. I was going to stick to my diet while on my trip but I decided I'm on a trip let me relax and I don't regret it at all. But I am seeing the consequences of my food choices now I am soooo bloated lol. So I am starting a cleanse tomorrow for the next 14 days I already prepped my ginger shot for the morning I want to flush my system out completely going into the new year. I don't recommend cleanses especially to my babes that have dealt with ED’s always consult your doctors before starting anything. I just do what works for me. 

♡Hobbies♡

Now that I am back I can get back to being consistent with my Italian, pilates, and weight lifting. I was so sad I could not lift I feel like I'm low-key obsessed with lifting lol it feels so good and I've been seeing results, especially in my lower body. While I was gone I didn't have any time to do my hobbies they had us in lectures and events constantly. I practiced my Italian once which I'm happy about. I plan on starting jewelry making next week I'm super excited it was one of my favorite hobbies when I was in middle school. I used to make earrings and bracelets. 

♡Plans For The Weekend♡

My birthday is Sunday, December 31st! I am turning 21 yay! I am super excited I don't have anything planned for my birthday. I am going to have a mini celebration with my family and watch the ball drop my siblings bought me presents so I'm excited to open everything. I'm starting my cleanse so I'll be working out and taking good care of my body internally and externally so I'll be off social media this weekend and focused on my mental and physical health. I plan on creating my vision board and listing my goals this year. My dad is ordering my camera I used to have a YouTube channel but I took a break to work on my self-improvement journey I do plan on getting back on my YouTube grind soon lol so look out for that coming out in 2024! 

This week's little journal entrieee a lot happened this week and I'm excited to see what this new year brings babesss. Comment your plans this weekend and how did your week go?

[laminatednewspaper]

Hi I am formally asking you about your analysis on how Moash and Adolin are foils, I have a vested interest in Moash Adolin comparisons

Yaaaay, thank you for indulging me! Okay! So! I have theories and they might not be eloquently explained but feel free to ask if I’m not clear on something!

I wanna preface this by reminding everyone that these are all fictional characters and we’re all allowed to have different opinions on their actions! I can like a piece of media and also be frustrated with it! If you just want to say “fuck Moash” I’m happy for you but it would probably be more productive if you made your own post

(Words of Radiance and Oathbringer spoilers under the cut)

This isn’t a formal essay or anything, so it won’t read like one. None of you are my professors so you can’t force me to be professional.

I think that Moash and Adolin reflect each other in a really interesting way as foils, both of them having an incident in which they use extreme violence to make sure a man in a position of authority can no longer use their power to kill or hurt people. Furthermore, they kill and ultimately they receive two very different treatments for it.

We must remember that both men (Adolin and Moash) have had their loved one’s lives threatened/destroyed by a man who is in a position of power over them, and neither one are given the ability to gain recompense. Moash had his entire remaining family killed by a decree that Ehlokar enacted, and subsequently he is given no framework or means for airing grievances. Adolin had to thwart at least one assassination attempt on his father’s life by Sadeas, a man who freely admits he’ll try again ASAP, and Adolin is unable to challenge or stop Sadeas through conventional dueling avenues. Ehlokar never provides any kind of kingly recognition or recompense for the lives he destroyed, and very late in the series does he even make any steps to becoming a better ruler on a structural level. Sadeas loves to cause problems for the Kohlin household on purpose, and freely admits he’ll never stop as long as he’s still alive.

Both Moash and Adolin have been hurt by these people who are in positions of authority over them, who they cannot confront them through conventional means, and choose to prevent those men from ever hurting anyone again by killing them. Ehlokar can’t lock innocent peasants in the oubliette if he’s dead, and likewise Sadeas can’t betray Dalinar for the 400th time if he’s not alive to do it.

Now you might say that comparing Ehlokar and Sadeas is foolish! Sadeas is a scheming villain and Ehlokar is a wet napkin of a man! It is easier to love Ehlokar because he is depicted in a sympathetic light, and it is easy to hate Sadeas because he is not. Since Ehlokar is not a POV character we see him through the eyes of those who love him the most, often times his family. Sadeas is mostly seen and described in the series by those who he is actively trying to kill and those who he exerts his power over. I’m not saying Sadeas is a great guy and Ehlokar is awful, I’m saying they’re both men who we as the reader are seeing through biased lenses. Ehlokar is a man who we know has, intentionally and unintentionally, killed innocent people who he had absolute control over during his time as king. Sadeas successfully caused the deaths of Adolin’s close friends and comrades in that betrayal on the plateaus.

Now back to Moash and Adolin! Both of these young men have met the men who have hurt them, and been unable to use judicial or social methods to gain recompense for wrongdoings. They both resort to the only way they can trust to get recompense, stabbing a guy. Sadeas was never going to stop trying to kill Dalinar and destabilize the Alethi government. Ehlokar only made any active attempts to be a better ruler to his subjects once there’d already been an attempt at his life, and never acknowledged that he killed Moash’s family, let alone apologized for it.

Murder is committed by both Adolin and Moash! However, these incidents of violence have entirely different results, and I believe this is where we all get lost in the weeds.

What is differs in Adolin and Moash’s situations is that ultimately Adolin’s position of wealth and robust support network means that he ultimately faces little to no repercussions for his crime, whereas the fact that Moash isn’t wealthy and has no one who will stand up for him means that he is ostracized from society completely, leading him more frequently to situations in which he is pressured to do violence to survive.

Adolin has a father, a brother, cousins, an aunt, and a supportive significant other. These are people in his life who, although he can’t share what he has done with, will be there in his life as a positive influence. These people in his life encourage him not to use murder as a means of conflict resolution, but they love and support him regardless. What is SO important about his assassination of Sadeas is that he ultimately faces no trial or any repercussions. Sure he’s uncomfortable for a couple of months, I mean he’s got to investigate the murder that he himself is the culprit of, but when this crime is discovered, it’s no big deal. All of the people in charge either wanted Sadeas dead or didn’t care enough about the whole thing. Adolin is the son of the Blackthorn, when members of Sadeas’ court and family demand punishment, they are dismissed.

So, after assassinating Sadeas, Adolin’s life is largely unchanged and he has no need or want or pressure to continue murdering to survive or protect himself. He can kill a guy, have the time and space to think over his emotions in relative comfort, and decide he doesn’t want to kill any more high lords! Yay!

For Moash, this is not the case. He is ultimately punished and ostracized even before he’s even done anything. His failed assassination attempt gets him exiled, and ultimately this isolated him from the positive influences in his life. Kaladin, who has otherwise agreed with Moash up until that point does a complete 180 and cuts all contact. We as the reader can’t know what Moash’s relationships with the rest of Bridge Four were like, but extrapolating from Kaladin, Teft, and Renarin we know that they were most likely positive and supportive. The conspirators he allied with in WoR weren’t interested in forming these productive and uplifting relationships with him, and ultimately their rapports were entirely built of getting a job (assassinating the king) done. Moash is ultimately an adult who makes his own decisions, but it is possible to see how someone could make the decisions he did in his scenario. He is immediately thrown to the elements (both figuratively and literally) after taking a stand, and is no longer given the time to think about his upcoming decisions or the support network in his life who have his best interests at heart to help him make those decisions.

Now I don’t think it’s a controversial statement to say that Odium doesn’t care about the self esteem and general wellbeing of his subjects. In my personal opinion I don’t think the fused really know how to form healthy and supportive relationships anymore, at least not ones that don’t revolve around violence in some aspect (they are constructing intricate rituals). Characters like Khen, and Sah are ultimately no more equipped to help Moash then they can help themselves, since everyone seems to be exploring their self-determination after a long time in slavery. So, this means that Moash ultimately gets no way to work out his anger and frustration in a healthy and productive way. To decide if killing is what he wants to do. Those who he clings to to give him a sense of community provide him with a false dichotomy of “get revenge by killing or you’re a loser who deserves to die” which I think is part of the reason he eventually goes through with killing Ehlokar. After he kills Ehlokar he isn’t given any more time and space to figure out how he feels about his actions, Odium is there and he manipulates Moash into continuing in the sunk-cost-fallacy with more killing.

Now I don’t know if I have an overall take-home message with this comparison beyond “Moash killing Elhokar isn’t ultimately that crazy when you think about the types of violence that other sympathetic protagonist characters do.” And “therapy would REALLY help some of these guys” and “In this house we love revenge and think it’s cool” But it’s an interesting comparison I’ve noticed. I’ve probably got even more so blab about, but I think that’s enough for now…. :-)

[hadleysmis]

Nguyễn Văn Vĩnh’s Translation of Les Misérables in Vietnam, 1926

Special thanks to @minusforty of course

Translation from Facebook post linked down below. It's written in French.

In 1926, Victor Hugo’s works reached Vietnam for the first time, with a translation of Les Misérables by Nguyễn Văn Vĩnh (1882–1936), published by Trung Bắc Tân Văn in Hanoi.

This bilingual edition, which aligns the French and Vietnamese texts for comparison, allows readers to explore the various methods employed by the translator.

Furthermore, it demonstrates how Nguyễn Văn Vĩnh utilised the French language—particularly Hugo’s unique literary style—to craft a new form of Vietnamese expression, one that sought to break free from the constraints of traditional Chinese poetic conventions.

We must think about this particular approach to translating to the colonial context of 1920s Vietnam, when the romanised Vietnamese script, "quốc ngữ" (romanised Vietnamese script), was on the verge of permanently replacing ideograms.

Using this script, Vietnamese intellectuals in the early 20th century used the quốc ngữ to build modern Vietnamese literature, drawing inspiration from French literary models which relied on translations of major French classics—from Rabelais to Dumas—to familiarise themselves with narrative techniques and the poetics of the novel.

Original post: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10158274084022880&set=a.468470067879

It was very informational! A very fun read and exploration in research I must admit.

Additional note: Don't get it confused though with the Vietnamese book adaptation also from 1926, by Hồ Biểu Chánh, which actually retells the story of Les Misérables but under Vietnamese context XD

[mirqmarq428]

Powershell syntax is not confusing

(you are just confused because posix compliant shells have corrupted your mind)

> do-action -param "string" $variable (do this first) [type]value

To declare a function:

function do-mythings {

param([int]$argument)

$argument + 5

}

> do-mythings -arg 5

10

That's all you need to get started.

Numbers are just numbers.

Inline math just works. Parentheses for order of operations.

Strings you put in quotes - double quotes allow interpolation, single quotes don't. This is the same as sh.

All variables are prefixed with $s. Even when declaring them. This makes slightly more sense than sh.

A region in {squirrelly braces} gets the [scriptblock] data type. It's like a lambda but comprehensible by mere mortals.

if (test) {success} else {fail} - the test is always executed first because (). Success and fail conditions only depending on the test. They're script blocks. No weird special syntax, if may as well be a user function.

Functions can be named anything, but the convention is Verb-PlaceThing. Not case sensitive.

Named arguments are specified with a single hyphen, like MIT Unix software (xorg for instance). If there is only one parameter the name is optional, etc. Param names can be abbreviated as long as they aren't ambiguous. This is also easy to follow with your own functions, unlike in sh (fricking hate getopt).

Types are inferred dynamically because it's easier to write scripts that way. If you need to force something (variable, expression, whatever) to have a specific type, put it in [brackets] beforehand. The type names are the same as c# and every other post-algol language. For comparison, posix shell only has one type, String.

To make an array, @(item1, item2, etc)

To make a hashtable, @{

key1 = val1

key2 = val2

}

Adding strings concatenates them together. Adding numbers adds their values. If this is not satisfactory, declare their types and it will work.

All expressions are technically objects with properties and methods. $var.property returns the value of that property. $var.invokeMethod() runs the method, which is just a function built into that data type by some poor intern 20 years ago.

Pipes (|) work similarly to sh, but transfer objects. The current object in the pipeline is always the variable $_.

As a bonus, here's a one-liner for opening Internet Explorer on Windows 11 (they lied, it's still there, they will never remove it)

(new-object -com "InternetExplorer.application").visible = $true

COM is an old windows api. Com Objects are just instances of apps. We open internet explorer as a com object.

The parentheses sets that as an expression, and its return value _is_ the exploder. It has properties like visibility, which is $false by default. This is boring so set it to $true. Now we have a real working instance of an app they've been trying to remove for years, because they can't actually remove it merely hide it away. As long as the windows api can parse HTML, this will still work.

[fantasticspirematrix]

The Finest Practices for Running Effective Virtual Gatherings

Effective virtual meetings have turn into an integral part of our legitimate lives, specifically in a global that's increasingly leaning against far off work. With the rise of video conferencing resources and systems, learning the paintings of undertaking digital meetings is foremost for successful communication and collaboration. In this complete aid, we will discover The Best Practices for Running Effective Virtual Meetings, making sure you might have your complete methods and approaches essential to interact your viewers and gain your meeting ambitions.

Understanding Virtual Meetings What Are Virtual Meetings?

Virtual conferences are gatherings that ensue remotely, permitting individuals to glue as a result of video conferencing application or different online verbal exchange tools. These meetings can quantity from small group fee-ins to great meetings with hundreds of attendees.

Why Are They Important? conference room video conferencing equipment

In ultra-modern fast-paced world, virtual meetings keep time and assets. They eliminate geographical obstacles, making it less demanding for groups to collaborate throughout distinct places. This flexibility raises productivity and enhances crew dynamics.

The Best Practices for Running Effective Virtual Meetings 1. Choose the Right Video Conference Equipment Essential Video Conference Equipment for Your Meeting

When making ready for a virtual assembly, deciding upon the excellent video conference package is imperative. High-exceptional audio and visual additives can drastically adorn the assembly enjoy.

Webcam: Invest in an incredible pleasant webcam that gives clean photograph first-class. Microphone: A dedicated microphone can give a boost to sound readability in comparison to integrated laptop mics. Speakers: Quality speakers or headphones help curb echo and get well standard audio enjoy. 2. Prepare Your Conference Room Video Conferencing Equipment Setting Up Your Conference Room for Success

If you’re through a delegated convention room for virtual conferences, make sure that that your convention room video conferencing machinery is installed true:

Make confident cameras are put successfully to catch all individuals. Check lighting prerequisites; ordinary faded is great but dodge glare. Ensure that all science is examined forward of time. 3. Create an Agenda in Advance Why an Agenda Matters?

An time table supports avert your meeting focused and productive. Share it with participants in advance of time so all of us understands what to expect.

Outline key themes to be mentioned. Allocate specific time slots for each matter to maintain format. 4. Invite Participants Wisely Who Should Attend?

Choosing the accurate contributors is a must have. Only invite folks who need to be there; too many attendees can lead to distractions.

Consider sending calendar invitations with details about the assembly topic. 5. Set Ground Rules Before Starting Establishing Expec

[thana-topsy]

Hi Topsy! A Neloth prompt for you—at your leisure, to play around with as you will. [Officious looking letter, penned on creamy parchment] "To: Master Neloth of House Telvanni. I hope this letter finds you in good health. I have been following your research with unwavering interest for a number of years, so it is with great pleasure that I would like to invite you to give the keynote address for this year's "Vanus Galerion" Invited Speaker Series at the Arcane University. The year's theme is "The Theory and Methods of Summoning." I have no doubt that your insights on the subject would be of great interest to both our students and our faculty, and it is my great hope that you will consider this invitation favorably. As always with a keynote address, we would be pleased to offer an honorarium, as well as cover all travel and lodging expenses. I patiently await your response. Respectfully, ~Hannibal Traven"

[Included along with Master Neloth's letter of acceptance is a brief excerpt of his proposed lecture]:

To begin, Theory and Method (of any particular subject) I consider, at times, to be dialectically opposed. The theory of summoning in many cases does not hold even a single drop of water in comparison to the actual torrent of the practice itself. I have no doubt that you’ll find an inexhaustible stream of scholars willing to drone on about theory until they’ve lectured themselves hoarse, so I shall skip forward into the methodology to save us all time and precious mental capacity.

First and foremost, a summoner is nothing without a strong, well-honed force of Will. Any budding mage could feasibly rip a gash into Oblivion and fish out a passing scamp, but to control such a thing requires the ability to assert your Will over another’s mind. The more powerful the intelligence of said creature, the more difficult it becomes to maintain control. Low-level summoning forms, usually of the more animalistic variety—scamp, imps, clannfear, and the like—are often considered ‘beginner’ summonings. Theirs is a lower-level, more primal intelligence based on survival instinct, and one that is easily overpowered when one knows how and where to apply the correct amount of pressure.

The practice of strengthening one’s Will begins with a simple act that has set many an apprentice groaning and bemoaning my cruelty when I require it as part of their daily routine: meditation. The ability to filter one’s thoughts with needle-thin precision is nothing short of mandatory. If you cannot manage to sit still for five minutes without planning your next meal or scratching your nose, what makes you think you’ll be able to control a sentient creature with any amount of success? 

Once you have strengthened your Will, then it is simply a matter of practice. Novice summoners will find great success working with atronachs and lesser churls, as these are creatures who are predisposed to servility. However, it is important not to get too far ahead of one’s own abilities in the process. To reference one of the preeminent scholars on the matter, the current Master of Conjuration at the College of Winterhold, Falion: to wrangle with a bound summons is not unlike attempting to wrangle a very large fish on the end of a line. If you have not exercised the proper muscles or crafted a tenacious tether, you may find yourself with a snapped line and a very angry fish that will attempt to kill you.   

Now, given the namesake of your little convention, I can only assume that to delve further into the subject might very well see me in shackles in one of your fine correctional institutions. So, for the sake of adhering to the legal limitations of your country, I will state that, to attempt to bring anything more powerful than a Kynval onto our plane is unwise and unsanctioned. Hopefully that will suffice.  

We will take a brief recess, and, upon return, will discuss the Direnni method of binding, the hierarchy of summoned entities, and lastly, I will share the most common sigil forms for single entity binding, as well as second-order binding.  

[bigfootbeat]

Bigfoot Canniblism?

Bigfoot has fascinated and divided people for decades. Reports of the enormous, bipedal creature, resembling a human-ape hybrid, are widespread across North America. Most Bigfoot material is anecdotal or theoretical, but discussions of its likely behavior generally explore its multifaceted, sometimes unnerving nature. Suggested cannibalism for this secretive creature adds to its mystique. Bigfoot may behave like humans and giant apes, according to eyewitnesses and hypotheses. These include foraging, shelter-building, and family-based social interactions. To maintain its size, many experts and enthusiasts believe Bigfoot eats plants, fruits, tiny animals, and possibly scavenged carrion. In resource-scarce environments, cannibalism is a darker, but feasible, survival strategy. Chimpanzees, one of humanity's closest relatives, cannibalize. This behavior comparison raises questions about whether Bigfoot, if it exists, could behave similarly in specific settings.

The idea of bigfoot cannibalism comes from stories and mythology about violent or predatory instincts.  Some Native American legends describe hairy giants who capture and eat humans or their kind. These stories are generally allegorical or cautionary, but they add to Bigfoot's conceivable behavior. Modern Bigfoot tales occasionally describe hostile encounters, suggesting territorial issues or resource rivalry could lead to violence. Cannibalism may be a rational reaction to survival demands if such disputes end in death, especially in severe climates or food shortages. Other species seem to support Bigfoot cannibalism. For instance, chimpanzees have been known to kill and eat rival group members to show dominance or eliminate competition. Large creatures like bears have been known to scavenge their own remains. These acts remind us that in nature, survival often trumps human social conventions or taboos. If Bigfoot is a highly intelligent but non-human primate, it might engage in cannibalism following the death of a group member or as a display of dominance. Skeptics regard such speculation as ridiculous because Bigfoot's existence and behavior are unproven. Despite the lack of definitive proof, proponents argue that we can understand its potential behavior by drawing analogies with other primates. Deep forests and distant wilderness places, where survival methods must adapt to severe conditions, are home to Bigfoot. This mysterious monster may use cannibalism, which is frightening to humans.

We must consider the danger of anthropomorphism when discussing Bigfoot's cannibalism. Projecting human morals or cultural taboos onto a creature that may act only on instinct and survival clouds its behavior analysis. Bigfoot may not stigmatize cannibalism as much as humans do. One could perceive it as an uncommon, innate reaction to environmental stressors or population dynamics. Cannibalism by Bigfoot is hypothetical and contentious, yet it prompts more thought about the creature's complicated behavior. Whether as a survival technique, social behavior, or outlier, Bigfoot's cannibalism suggests a violent and ruthless nature. Until we find tangible evidence, these theories will remain part of the cryptozoology debate.

[govindhtech]

V-Score: A Novel Metric For Quantum Algorithm Performance

Researchers and scientists are continuously searching for methods and tools that can improve quantum problem-solving abilities in the rapidly changing field of quantum computing. The V-Score is one such invention that is causing a stir in the industry. This cutting-edge measure is revolutionizing the evaluation and optimization of quantum algorithms and advancing the limits of what is feasible in quantum computing.

We will discuss the V-Score‘s definition, operation, and reasons for being heralded as a secret weapon in the field of quantum problem-solving in this extensive post.

What is the V-Score?

A new metric for assessing the efficacy and efficiency of quantum algorithms is the V-Score. To put it simply, it is a quantitative instrument that assesses the performance of a quantum solution in relation to classical techniques. Researchers can better understand how quantum systems can beat traditional computers in tackling complicated problems by using the quantum, which evaluates a number of criteria such processing time, energy consumption, and solution correctness.

The capacity to correct for quantum noise and errors is one of its most notable properties. Despite their immense capacity, quantum systems are still vulnerable to operational mistakes and decoherence, which can compromise the dependability of their solutions. The V-Score aids in measuring these flaws and offers information on how near error-free a quantum solution is.

Why is the V-Score a Game-Changer for Quantum Problem Solving?

The intricacy of quantum problem solving and the enormous amount of computing power needed to solve it are frequently used to characterize the field. Problems that grow exponentially, such molecular simulations, cryptography, and optimization tasks, are difficult for conventional computer systems to handle. This is the area in which quantum computing shines. The difficulty has always been demonstrating that quantum solutions are superior to classical systems in practical applications, particularly in noisy settings.

By providing a consistent benchmark for comparing quantum algorithms to classical ones, the V-Score alters the rules of the game. Researchers may now clearly respond to the question of whether and to what degree quantum solutions are superior in particular situations by employing this metric. Improved assessment of the quantum advantage creates new opportunities in sectors like finance and pharmaceuticals, where more rapid and effective problem-solving may result in ground-breaking breakthroughs.

How Does the V-Score Work?

A number of metrics that measure a quantum algorithm’s performance are used to compute the V-Score, including:

Speed: In comparison to traditional algorithms, how fast does the quantum algorithm tackle the problem?

Precision: Does the precision of the quantum solution equal or exceed that of the classical approaches?

Energy Efficiency: Although the V-Score calculates the exact energy savings in particular situations, quantum computers generally use less energy than conventional systems.

Noise and Error Resilience: This measure takes into consideration how well the quantum system handles quantum noise and mistakes that arise during calculations.

These criteria are combined by the V-Score to create a single score that may be used to compare various quantum algorithms or solutions. A quantum solution with a higher V-Score is more efficient.

Applications of the V-Score in Quantum Computing

In a number of sectors where quantum computing is anticipated to have a revolutionary effect, the V-Score is proving to be an effective instrument. The V-Score is used in the following important areas:

Molecular Simulations and Drug Development

In order to precisely represent complicated molecules and chemical reactions that are challenging for classical systems to model, pharmaceutical companies are using quantum computing. Researchers may expedite the drug development process by using the V-Score to evaluate which quantum algorithms are best at forecasting molecular interactions.

Risk analysis and financial modeling

Quantum computing has the potential to resolve intricate optimization issues pertaining to risk assessment, pricing, and portfolio management in the financial industry. Financial organizations can assess whether quantum algorithms provide a notable edge over classical models in forecasting market movements or portfolio optimization by utilizing the V-Score.

Security and Cryptography

The field of cryptography faces both opportunities and risks due to quantum computing. They can develop new, quantum-resistant encryption protocols in addition to breaking conventional encryption techniques. By assessing the security strength of quantum encryption techniques, the V-Score makes sure that they are resilient enough to resist potential quantum assaults.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence

It is anticipated that quantum computing would transform AI and machine learning by improving the capacity to handle enormous volumes of data and identify patterns more quickly. AI researchers can improve the efficiency of their quantum-powered models by using the V-Score to assess how well quantum algorithms perform in model training and prediction.

The Future of the V-Score in Quantum Computing

The V-Score will become more and more significant in determining how problems are solved in a variety of industries as quantum computing develops. It makes it possible to assess quantum advantage precisely, which is essential for demonstrating the long-term sustainability and superiority of quantum solutions over classical techniques.

It is may anticipate that will continue to develop and improve, possibly incorporating new metrics that assess the efficiency of multi-qubit interactions, error correction, and quantum annealing. The V-Score will continue to be the standard metric for evaluating the performance of quantum computing with this development.

In conclusion

The V-Score is quickly emerging as a vital tool for tackling quantum problems. For scientists and business executives hoping to fully utilize quantum computing, its capacity to assess how well quantum algorithms perform in comparison to traditional methods makes it indispensable. As this field develops, will remain essential in spurring innovation, opening up new avenues in sectors like healthcare and finance, and assisting in the resolution of some of the most difficult problems facing humanity.

Read more on govindhtech.com

[nishakrishnan1996]

Exploring Traditional vs. Digital Marketing: A Comprehensive Comparison

In today's dynamic business world, marketing strategies play a crucial role in shaping brand perception, engaging customers, and achieving organizational goals. Among the myriad approaches available, traditional marketing and digital marketing emerge as two distinct methodologies. This extensive guide aims to delve into the fundamental disparities between these strategies and determine which offers greater long-term benefits for businesses.

Traditional Marketing: An Overview

Traditional marketing encompasses conventional advertising methods that have been utilized for decades to reach audiences. This includes print advertisements, television commercials, radio spots, billboards, and direct mail campaigns. Historically, traditional marketing has been the primary avenue for businesses to promote their products or services to a broad audience.

Digital Marketing: A Modern Frontier

Conversely, digital marketing entails a diverse range of online strategies aimed at engaging consumers through digital channels. This includes search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. Leveraging the internet's power, digital marketing enables businesses to connect with target audiences in a more targeted, personalized, and measurable manner.

Key Differences Between Traditional and Digital Marketing

Reach and Targeting:

Traditional marketing typically targets a wide audience through mass media channels, while digital marketing enables precise targeting based on demographics, interests, and online behavior. This allows businesses to tailor their messages to specific audience segments for enhanced relevance and engagement.

Cost-effectiveness:

Digital marketing is generally more cost-effective than traditional marketing, especially for businesses with limited budgets. Online advertising platforms offer flexible budgeting options and performance-based pricing models, enabling businesses to optimize their marketing spend and achieve higher returns on investment (ROI).

Interactivity and Engagement:

Digital marketing fosters interactive communication between brands and consumers, facilitating greater engagement. Platforms like social media and email marketing allow businesses to interact with their audience in real-time, fostering relationships and gathering valuable feedback.

Measurability and Analytics:

Digital marketing provides robust analytics tools that enable businesses to track campaign performance accurately. Metrics such as website traffic, click-through rates, and conversion rates can be monitored in real-time, offering insights into campaign effectiveness and ROI. In contrast, traditional marketing efforts rely on offline methods, making measurement more challenging.

Determining Long-term Benefits

While both traditional and digital marketing have their merits, the shift towards digital channels and consumer behavior favor digital marketing for long-term success. Here's why:

Cost-effectiveness and ROI:

Digital marketing offers a higher ROI compared to traditional marketing due to its lower cost per impression and better targeting capabilities. This allows businesses to allocate their budgets more efficiently and achieve measurable results that contribute to sustained growth and profitability.

Targeting and Personalization:

Digital marketing enables precise targeting and personalized messaging, resulting in higher engagement and conversion rates. With data analytics, businesses can create tailored campaigns that resonate with specific audience segments, fostering brand loyalty over time.

Adaptability and Flexibility:

Digital marketing campaigns can be easily adjusted and optimized based on real-time data and feedback. Businesses can experiment with different strategies, refining their approach to stay ahead of competitors and meet evolving consumer needs.

Global Reach and Accessibility:

Digital marketing provides access to a global audience without geographical constraints. Online platforms offer businesses the opportunity to expand their reach and market presence across borders, tapping into new markets and opportunities for growth.

Conclusion: Navigating the Marketing Landscape

In summary, while traditional marketing remains relevant, digital marketing offers superior long-term benefits including cost-effectiveness, targeting capabilities, adaptability, and global reach. By embracing digital strategies, businesses can enhance brand visibility, engage audiences effectively, and drive sustainable growth in today's digital age.

[onlinereputationindiaseo]

How effective digital marketing services can help small businesses?

You cannot deny the importance of an effective digital marketing strategy in a digitally driven world like today. Moreover, in today's cutthroat industry, digital marketing services can be vital in supporting small businesses' expansion and success. These services provide a range of tools and tactics that can improve a company's online visibility, draw in more clients, and boost revenue. This is an in-depth look at the advantages that small businesses can get from best digital marketing services for small business. 

Expansion of the customer base 

Every company works towards expanding their customers in order to making higher profits. That said, digital marketing services from digital marketing company in India are primarily helpful for small businesses in expanding their customer base. Moreover, conventional marketing techniques, such as print advertisements or fliers, can be costly and have a narrow audience. On the other hand, digital marketing enables companies to use the internet to connect with potential clients anywhere in the world. Small businesses can greatly increase their audience and customer base by taking advantage of the large number of people who use social media, search engines, and other online platforms on a daily basis.

What are the key cogs of an effective Digital marketing strategy?

It all depends and varies from one industry to another. Moreover, a company can have a different approach towards it digital marketing efforts in comparison to other companies. Also, search engine optimization is one of the best digital marketing techniques offered from affordable digital marketing agency in India. On the other side, optimizing a website for search engines to rank higher on search engine results pages is known as SEO. 

SEO ( Search engine optimization)

Your website should be at the top of search results when customers look for goods or services associated with your company. Also, improved rankings make your website more visible and more likely to draw in visitors. Using proper keywords, producing excellent content, and creating back links are all part of SEO via digital marketing company in India. Similarly, small businesses can raise their online visibility, draw in organic traffic, and eventually boost sales by putting SEO strategies into practice.

Social media marketing 

The role of social media marketing in today’s world is quite imperative. That said, millions of people use social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn every day to interact with content. Small businesses can engage with customers directly, establish brand awareness, and connect with their audience by making a strong online presence on these platforms. Social media marketing entails communicating with followers, sharing interesting content, and updating frequently. On social media, paid advertising can also be very successful. At the same time, Businesses can reach particular demographics, interests, and locations with the help of tailored advertising options offered by social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. By focusing marketing efforts on the most relevant audience, this targeted approach maximizes return on investment.

Email marketing 

Although many experts quote email marketing as an old horse, it still comes as highly capable of driving your digital marketing efforts. Businesses can send out newsletters, promotions, and updates straight to the inboxes of their customers and potential customers by gathering their email addresses. Also, email marketing fosters relationships with consumers by giving them access to exclusive deals and useful information. It is an affordable method of keeping clients informed and interested in your business. Email marketing via an affordable digital marketing agency in India can be made even more effective by using personalization and segmentation to target particular customer groups with messages that are tailored to their interests and behaviors.

Content marketing and PPC 

Content marketing has its role to play in driving your digital marketing efforts even in a small business. Moreover, posts on blogs, articles, videos, infographics, and more can fall under this category. Also, Businesses can become industry experts and gain the audience's trust by offering pertinent and helpful information. Additionally, SEO is enhanced by high-quality content, which increases the website's organic traffic. Small businesses can use content marketing to inform, assist, and resolve customers' issues, which will eventually boost client loyalty and revenue.

For small businesses, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is a very successful digital marketing tactic offered y digital marketing services for ecommerce. Moreover, PPC advertisements can be found on social media and search engine results pages; companies only have to pay when a user clicks on their ad. This model guarantees that marketing expenditures are closely linked to results and allows accurate budget control. One of the most well-known PPC networks is Google Ads, which enables companies to place bids on keywords associated with their goods or services. When used effectively, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising can quickly bring targeted traffic to a website and produce leads or sales.

Final words

There is no denying that trusted digital marketing agency can certain take your market value to next level. Moreover, small businesses can gain a lot from using best digital marketing services for small businesses. Also, small businesses can reach a wider audience, interact with customers, and increase sales by utilizing SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, PPC advertising, analytics, local SEO, influencer marketing, and brand identity development. Having a strong online presence is crucial in the digital age, and digital marketing offers the tools and techniques to do so. Investing in digital marketing services has the potential to greatly accelerate the growth and success of small businesses.