An Island of Different Needs

My Father's Dragon

This flow explores how each animal’s private need redirects Elmer’s encounters and links comic distraction to the larger rescue.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Tigers’ Hunger The Tigers’ Hunger from "My Father's Dragon". Appetite at the Center The threat Seven Tigers surround Elmer because they are hungry and regard him as a possible meal.

The Tigers’ Hunger from "My Father's Dragon". Appetite at the Center The threat Seven Tigers surround Elmer because they are hungry and regard him as a possible meal.

Appetite at the Center The threat Seven Tigers surround Elmer because they are hungry and regard him as a possible meal. A need redirected Elmer offers Chewing gum, turning their attention from hunger toward a scarce pleasure. Their appetite makes them dangerous but also open to distraction.

Rhinoceros’s Insecurity Rhinoceros’s Insecurity from "My Father's Dragon". A Need for Reassurance The old tusk Rhinoceros says his tusk has turned yellow-gray and that he finds himself ugly.

Rhinoceros’s Insecurity from "My Father's Dragon". A Need for Reassurance The old tusk Rhinoceros says his tusk has turned yellow-gray and that he finds himself ugly.

A Need for Reassurance The old tusk Rhinoceros says his tusk has turned yellow-gray and that he finds himself ugly. His grief has become a threat to anyone near the pool. A practical comfort Elmer offers a way to polish the tusk. The animal’s desire for reassurance opens a path out of danger.

Lion’s Fear of Judgment Lion’s Fear of Judgment from "My Father's Dragon". A Mane and an Allowance A personal worry Lion fears that his mother will see his messy mane and stop his allowance.

Lion’s Fear of Judgment from "My Father's Dragon". A Mane and an Allowance A personal worry Lion fears that his mother will see his messy mane and stop his allowance.

A Mane and an Allowance A personal worry Lion fears that his mother will see his messy mane and stop his allowance. His anger is directed inward as much as toward Elmer. The need met Elmer helps him groom and braid the mane. The gesture exploits no physical weakness; it addresses the concern Lion has openly revealed.

Gorilla’s Fleas Gorilla’s Fleas from "My Father's Dragon". A Small Irritation A huge animal distracted Gorilla threatens Elmer but cannot stop thinking about fleas on his chest. His monkeys struggle to see them.

Gorilla’s Fleas from "My Father's Dragon". A Small Irritation A huge animal distracted Gorilla threatens Elmer but cannot stop thinking about fleas on his chest. His monkeys struggle to see them.

A Small Irritation A huge animal distracted Gorilla threatens Elmer but cannot stop thinking about fleas on his chest. His monkeys struggle to see them. Attention redistributed Magnifying glasses turn the search into a group activity. Gorilla’s need for relief gives Elmer an opening to move away.

The Crocodiles’ Sweet Tooth The Crocodiles’ Sweet Tooth from "My Father's Dragon". Appetite Moves the Plot An offer accepted Crocodiles respond eagerly to Pink lollipops and allow Elmer to cross on their backs.

The Crocodiles’ Sweet Tooth from "My Father's Dragon". Appetite Moves the Plot An offer accepted Crocodiles respond eagerly to Pink lollipops and allow Elmer to cross on their backs.

Appetite Moves the Plot An offer accepted Crocodiles respond eagerly to Pink lollipops and allow Elmer to cross on their backs. An unexpected consequence Their desire eventually takes the whole bridge downstream. A series of private appetites, first used to distract individuals, unexpectedly disperses the entire pursuit.

in the clearing after Elmer loses his way

at the private weeping pool

in the clearing before Lion’s mother arrives

near the river as the monkeys search his chest

during the final bridge crossing