Whether you're an extra or the hero, this story is about to end. When it's done, whatever you want to be will be up to you and only you. It will happen away from the eyes of any audience and from the hand of any writer. You will be your own man.
This quote emphasizes the idea that regardless of one's role in life, whether it be significant or merely supplementary, the ultimate outcome is in the hands of the individual. It suggests that everyone possesses the power to shape their destiny, independent of external influences like an audience or a narrative crafted by others.
The author, John Scalzi, encourages readers to recognize that the conclusion of their personal stories is not dictated by others. Instead, it points to the freedom of self-determination, asserting that each person has the opportunity to forge their own path and become the person they choose to be.