Having your own character in a video game is pretty cool.

In the words of Josie Maran, we are introduced to the modern concept of personal identity through the lens of a video game—an idea that seems both playful and deeply symbolic. Maran finds something special in the notion of having one’s own character in a virtual world, a digital manifestation of oneself that participates in a journey within the realm of imagination. While the creation of a character in a video game may seem like a lighthearted pursuit, it speaks to something much deeper: the desire to craft, define, and express identity in ways that transcend the physical world. It is a powerful metaphor for the ways in which we, as human beings, seek to understand and represent ourselves, and how we may choose to define our roles in the greater narrative of life.

This idea of self-expression through external avatars is not foreign to the ancient wisdom of the world. The concept of creating and shaping one’s own image dates back to the earliest civilizations. Consider the ancient Greek myth of Pygmalion, who sculpted a statue of a woman so beautiful and lifelike that he fell in love with it. In his longing for an ideal, he created a form, an identity, that he could then bring to life. Just as Pygmalion shaped his vision of the perfect woman, so too do modern video game players shape their characters, crafting idealized versions of themselves or representations that reflect their deepest desires and wishes. The act of creating a character becomes not only an act of imagination but an act of self-creation, where one seeks to define their place in a world that is simultaneously digital and real.

Consider the ancient warrior and hero myths, where gods and mortals alike would embody specific virtues and characteristics through the roles they played in the stories told by their cultures. In the Iliad, Achilles was more than just a mortal warrior; he was a symbol of heroic strength, of vengeance, and of glory. His character was larger than life, and yet, it was shaped by the choices he made, by the identity he chose to live into. Similarly, today, in a video game, an individual chooses the attributes, virtues, and weaknesses of their character, shaping an identity that reflects a version of themselves they wish to explore, to become. The hero in the game, like the hero in ancient epics, is a reflection of both the individual’s aspirations and their reality, forged in the fires of choice and imagination.

This idea of creating one's character within a system of rules and possibilities can also be compared to the life of an artist, who, through their work, shapes not just an object, but a representation of their inner self. Take the example of Michelangelo, who, when creating his magnificent David, was not merely carving marble; he was chiseling away at the block to release an image of strength, purity, and beauty that mirrored his vision of the ideal. Michelangelo’s David became an enduring symbol of human potential, a character forged in the depths of the artist’s soul. In much the same way, a character in a video game becomes a reflection of the player’s desires, choices, and dreams—an expression of their inner world made visible in an interactive, virtual space.

Maran’s reflection on the appeal of having a character in a video game touches upon the timeless human desire to create and control our own narrative. Just as the ancient sages of India spoke of the power of the self in shaping destiny, so too does the creation of a character in a video game represent a kind of self-mastery, where one becomes the author of their own journey. The act of building, growing, and evolving a character within a digital space mirrors the human quest to shape one's own story in life. By choosing the traits, skills, and relationships of the character, the player experiences the thrill of self-determination, much like the ancient philosophers who sought to master their own minds and destinies.

The lesson here is empowerment: the creation of a character in a game is not just about escaping reality or playing for entertainment, but about exercising the power of choice and self-expression. It reflects the deeper truth that we all have the capacity to shape our own lives, to define the role we play in the grand story of our existence. Whether through virtual avatars or the choices we make in our everyday lives, we have the opportunity to craft the version of ourselves we wish to become. Just as an artist or a warrior shapes their destiny, so too do we, through our actions, create the characters we embody in the world.

In practical terms, this reminds us to embrace our ability to create and redefine ourselves. In each decision we make, we shape the person we are becoming. Whether it is in how we present ourselves, the career we pursue, or the relationships we nurture, we are constantly building the character of our own life’s narrative. Like a video game character, we are not confined to a single path or identity; we have the power to explore, to evolve, and to become who we wish to be. So, let us take up the challenge of crafting our lives with intention, understanding that the roles we play are not set by fate, but by the choices we make.