Sigrid Nunez’s novel, The Friend, touches on the ethical considerations of using real individuals as inspiration for fictional characters. This idea contrasts with the perspective of Toni Morrison, who argues that such practices infringe on personal rights. Morrison emphasizes that everyone has ownership over their own life story, suggesting that it is inappropriate for others to appropriate their experiences for creative purposes.

This debate raises important questions about creativity and respect for individual narratives in literature. While authors often draw from real life to shape their characters, the line between inspiration and exploitation can become blurred. Nunez's work invites readers to reflect on these complexities and the moral implications involved in character creation.