In "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel, the narrative explores the lives of actors and the impact of their performances on their personal realities. The central question posed is whether all actors experience a merging of their on-stage roles with their everyday lives. This blurring of boundaries can give rise to deep psychological effects, as the characters navigate the challenges of their identities in a post-apocalyptic world.

The book intricately examines how the remnants of culture and art influence survival and human connections in a drastically changed environment. Through the experiences of its characters, it suggests that the line between acting and living often diminishes, compelling individuals to confront their truths through the lens of their performances, thus enriching the narrative’s exploration of art and existence.