Milan Kundera, in "The Art of the Novel," reflects on the fundamental nature of novels, asserting that they delve into the complexities of identity and self-perception. When authors craft characters, they initiate a profound exploration of what it means to exist as an individual. This inquiry into the essence of the self becomes a central theme in their storytelling.

Kundera suggests that every novel is an invitation to confront existential questions, as the creation of characters prompts a deeper understanding of the human condition. Through their narratives, writers examine how identity can be understood, shaped, and sometimes obscured, revealing the intricate layers that define who we are.