The sky fills with a whirl of white and the old stone square is overrun by a breathing mass of bodies. It is as if heaven and earth have converged about the Prince as he enters in an open car. He stands on the back seat, brandishing a pistol in the shape of a pen to show that this time he will take no risks. His armed guard has spread through the crowd like a cold wind. Suddenly the Prince straightens his arm and shoots at a distant spot in the swirling sky.
Terror rises in the crowd.
Some cheer, however, approving this necessary measure against terrorists. As the cheering gathers force shots ring out faster and faster. Groans and shouts can be heard everywhere, but no one falls to the ground. Suddenly the Prince winces and doubles over, clutching his pen to his chest. Characters, the man on Open Learning says, add the elements of conflict and complication.