Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. All characters and places are fictional and may not be the most accurate representation of each person's experience.
Character Anaysis
Aise is the embodiment of the MC's ideal self. He is often shown as the person whom the MC compares themselves to. He first shows up at the beginning of the story when the MC is beginning to gain interest in art. Then, he begins to cement the MC's interest in art by helping the MC while setting higher goals for the MC to strive for, like a friendly competition of some sort. This is the two-sided effect of actual/ideal discrepancy. The MC strives to be like Aise as an artist, but they also feel self-doubt and disappoint when they fall behind. That's why I made his personality rather boastful and brash. Like you can't catch up to him even if you try because he's always doing better than you.
Thelos is the embodiment of the MC's ought self. Middle school is around the time where you begin to think about your future…or rather your parents start talking to you about possible careers. That's why Thelos appeared in middle school while Aise appeared earlier. Thelos' personality is a complete contrast to Aise. He is very supportive, kind, and cool-headed. However, rather than encouraging the MC to follow their passion, he tries to nudge the MC onto a different track. In fact, his beliefs aren't too different from Mom and Acquaintances - whom the MC clashed with - but his personality makes it much easier for the MC to listen and agree with him.
What Do the Three Endings Represent?
There are two hypothetical endings and one "true" ending. It's probably clear which one is the true ending. I locked it behind the requirement that the player must complete both hypothetical endings. Yes, the true ending is a joint ending that you can access by choosing the self-sacrificing option in either route.
In the hypothetical endings, the MC becomes their ideal/ought self without self-discrepancy. For instance, one of the endings hints at how the MC fully committed to art, the same way Aise did, and ended up walking the same path as Aise. Thelos was not mentioned, implying that he never appeared, or perhaps the MC rejected his offer to help early on. Likewise, the other ending hints that the MC either did not further their interest in art and decided to give up on that interest early on, thus following the same path as Thelos. Think of it as the alternate version of MC suddenly replacing the original MC at that moment.
So…were Aise and Thelos ever real?
They are about as real as imaginary friends. Nobody other than the MC can "see" them. There are VERY subtle hints throughout the game, such as the MC pointing out how Aise and Thelos don't interact with other people and the student researcher being confused by the MC using plurals in the college tour.
Other Information If You're Interested...
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The poems at the beginning and the end(s) are inspired by Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken. This poem is about making tough choices in life and thinking about what would have happened if you chose the other option, which is exactly what happens in the game.
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Aise and Thelos' full names are anagrams of the words "Ideal Self" and "Ought Self". I believe Aise's was briefly mentioned in the game at some point but that's about it.
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As I mentioned in my About page, this game is inspired by my own experiences, but please don't take it literally. The self-discrepancy portion as well as details like people asking for free art, critiques in art class, concerns over AI, scrutiny from family and acquaintances, are things that I have experienced and decided to integrate. Like the MC in the game, I was definitely pressured to prepare for certain careers and keep my interest as a hobby. The two routes are very much hypotheticals that I ask myself sometimes. Since I did not go to an art school or major in STEM, I had to think "what would I have done if I went there?" Would I have been happy or would I have regretted it?