Three Friends Against the Plan

The shifting relationship among Casaubon, Belbo, and Diotallevi lets each man contribute to the Plan while responding differently to its dangers.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Shared Game

Three Different Motives Belbo's play Belbo uses the computer to test language and escape his fear of writing. Casaubon brings historical material, while Diotallevi supplies cabalistic knowledge. A common project Their distinct interests make the collaboration productive. They imagine that humor and distance will protect them from taking its conclusions seriously.

Unequal Involvement

Diverging Attachments Casaubon's confidence Casaubon believes he can remain an ironic observer, particularly because Lia offers a life outside the game. Belbo increasingly treats the fiction as a possible answer to his disappointments. Diotallevi's devotion Diotallevi reads the project through sacred language. The same activity that amuses one participant becomes spiritual practice for another.

The Last Counsel

A Shared Guilt Diotallevi's warning Diotallevi tells Belbo that their manipulation of texts may have crossed a line. Belbo faces the warning but is already entangled in his own desire to believe. A final separation Casaubon leaves for Paris, Belbo is trapped there, and Diotallevi dies. The collaboration that created the Plan cannot reunite to correct it.

During their early work together

As the Plan expands

Shortly before Belbo leaves for Paris