A Supernatural Creek

In An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, sympathy plays a major role in the believability of the story. As readers, we are easily lulled into the false belief that the protagonist is in fact saving himself because that is the outcome we want for him. It is much more engaging to root for a character in danger than read about his defeat. The author also ensures that we know about his perilous situation right from the beginning- before we know anything about his background. This enables us to form a sympathetic view of him without any previous knowledge that might otherwise create a bias or lessen any pity felt for him. In Supernatural, Sam and Dean face the ultimate power of the writer; one that is greater than any demon they have encountered. The parallel lies in the fact that in both situations, the protagonists are helpless to the authors. The two brothers can only combat their fates with outside forces that are at odds with what was written. Similarly to Farquhar, Sam and Dean are just pons in the game of the writer.