The character of Lou from A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan, is one of the most complex of its vast abundance of characters. On a first impression, he is cocky, immature, and completely irresponsible. He can even come across as creepy based on the fact that he was a middle aged man picking up a seventeen-year-old girl from the side of the road. However, the full character of Lou encompasses a surplus of other qualities, the most prominent of which is utter confusion. He doesn't know what it means to be a good boss, friend, husband, or even father. He doesn't relate to people on any level deeper than appearances and money. He is confused as to why his son is different from him. He is confused about how to raise his daughter, or even hold a conversation with her. But most importantly, he is confused on who he is as a person. He knows he likes girls, money, and music, but that's about it. He likes partying too, but as his age increases and his days left on earth decrease, he doesn't know what to do. He knows he is getting old, but he doesn't know how to deal with it. He doesn't understand that he needs to change, mature, and become the adult and parent that his children desperately need. Lou is confused. He does not understand the meaning of life and getting older, and this confusion leads to dire consequences, and to him eventually having to pay the ultimate price.

Narrative Complexity and Innovation at It's Best

I have recently begun watching the show Lost, and it has been quite the experience. It’s narrative complexity and overall storyline has hooked me, so much so that after a week, episode 20 is paused on my TV, whispering to me to press play. Now, what, you ask, makes this show so addicting? If only there was one answer. From its nonlinear structure, to the ensemble styled cast, to the focus in each episode on a select few characters, every episode tells a new story and keeps me yearning for more. The frequent flashbacks come only in bits and pieces, making me a detective unable to pull herself away from the mystery before her. Every time you think you no something about a character, another flashback comes along and gives you a new piece of the puzzle. The effect of the innovation and intricacy found in Lost, is that it is a confusing, emotional, but tremendously wonderful experience to watch it, simply due to the not-very-simple-at-all plot structure, also known as its extremely popular narrative complexity.