Harlequin Series, Volume 1.
1. A Harlequin’s Jest: Maxwell Conroe is visited by a Harlequin named Adeline who challenges his obsession with logical answers and proposes the idea of time reversal. Maxwell questions the purpose of creating illusions and surprise. Adeline questions Maxwell’s motives for writing about her family and her tragic past. Maxwell explains his inspiration but begins losing control over his own narrative.
2. Adeline’s Reappearance: Adeline reappears in Maxwell’s life, initially causing confusion. Maxwell apologizes for being rude, and Adeline returns to her old self, continuing to dance, giggle, and tell stories.
3. Greek Tragedy: Maxwell learns about Clytemnestra’s murder by her son Orestes and the involvement of Athena’s Furies. He delves into Greek mythology to understand the tragic events.
4. Elektra: Adeline reveals that she is Elektra, the daughter of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon. She shares more about the deaths in the House of Agamemnon and implicates Athena in her mother’s murder.
5. Dr. Freud: Maxwell consults Dr. Freud, who suggests Maxwell’s obsession with Adeline and her family may stem from suppressed sexual desires and the Elektra Complex, where girls compete with their mothers for their father’s attention.
6. Harlequin’s Heart: Adeline questions Maxwell’s motives for writing about her family and her tragic past. Maxwell explains his inspiration but begins losing control over his own narrative.
7. Labyrinth of Myths: Maxwell focuses on Athena’s role in the House of Agamemnon’s tragedy, linking it to the Trojan War. He reflects on the relevance of ancient myths to modern conflicts fought over ideology.
8. Bartering with Zeus: Maxwell hears the divine voice of Zeus, who accuses him of neglecting the Greek gods in his previous works. Zeus laughs maniacally while Maxwell plans to ask Athena for help.
9. Athena’s Doubts: Athena, daughter of Zeus, reveals how the Trojan War started with a dispute among goddesses over a Golden Apple. Maxwell learns about Athena and Hera’s displeasure with the outcome.
10. Artificial Myths: Maxwell uses an electronic platform to rewrite his story, with Athena and Aphrodite playing larger roles. Athena protects Adeline, while Aphrodite creates a romantic conflict for Maxwell.
11. Writer’s Dilemma: Athena and Aphrodite both seek Maxwell’s story to promote their interests in Sparta. Maxwell seeks guidance from Father Demetrius, who advises him to balance the virtues of both goddesses.
12. Father Demetrius: Father Demetrius advises Maxwell to use his writing skills to harmonize Athena’s virtues and Aphrodite’s passions. Maxwell resolves to incorporate both to help Adeline seek redemption.
13. Sparta: Maxwell intervenes when a group of men taunt a young woman named Hecate in Sparta. He stands up for what is right, believing that his words have the power to influence others.
14. Mount Olympus: Maxwell is invited by Aphrodite to meet Athena on Mount Olympus. Athena provides new information, and Father Demetrius presents Maxwell with a scroll containing his fate.
15. Clytemnestra: Clytemnestra tells her side of the story, accusing Agamemnon of being a selfish monster. She justifies killing him to regain control of her life.
16. Adeline’s Dream: Maxwell, struggling with his own issues, argues with Adeline, who suggests he should talk to his mother about his trauma. Finally, Adeline, the key character of this story, asks Maxwell if he will still love her, as their story draws to a close.