“They may not pay to see David Evans,” said David, ignoring as well he might the other example offered, “but that’s what they see when they get there just the same, isn’t it? And if I can’t believe in myself as myself, I don’t see what else there is to believe in. I don’t want to spend my life covering myself up in wigs and muck. I don’t believe acting has anything to do with imitation.”

“I can’t imagine what you’re an actor for then,” said Michael, who had gathered enough ammunition to continue. “If you don’t have any interest in the parts you’re playing or the people who are watching you, then what are you doing it for?”

“Oh, for myself,” said David. ‘Tor myself. To discover about me. With each new part I play, I find out more about me. And if people will pay to see it, that’s their lookout, not mine.”