Six Characters in Search of an Author

Six Characters in Search of an Author was clearly different than other plays we have read this semester. While many plays we've read this semester have been rich ins language, characterization, and themes that addressed human nature, Luigi Pirandello's play is rich in deep philosophical questions that really question the beliefs of the audience. The primary question that I found myself grappling with was the difference between illusion and reality portrayed through the characters and actors.  My favorite quote from this play was at the beginning of the play when The Father is explaining to the actors and manager why the 6 character had arrived. According to the Father "The man, the writer, the instrument of the creation will die, but his creation does not die. And to live for ever, it does not need to have extraordinary gifts or to be able to work wonders..."This is something that I have never thought about before, and I could not agree more. While playwright's time on earth is limited, the stories they write and the characters they create have a potential to live forever and be passed down from generation to generation. However, just a quick side--I wonder if those who believe in God find this message offensive, as they believe that the creator (God) will live forever while the creation (humans, animals, etc) will not.