In "The Joke" by Milan Kundera, the narrator expresses a profound appreciation for a woman's character as it relates to their shared experiences. He emphasizes that his love is based on the persona she presents in their relationship, rather than her individual identity. This perspective highlights the importance of mutuality in love, suggesting that each partner helps to shape the other’s identity within the narrative of their relationship.

Using the example of Hamlet, Kundera illustrates how a character is defined not just by their intrinsic qualities, but also by the relationships and contexts that surround them. Just as Hamlet's identity is intertwined with the castle at Elsinore and Ophelia, a woman becomes meaningful in the narrator's life through their shared love story. Without these connections, individuals can appear as mere abstractions, lacking depth and relevance.