The Student
Represents the average person's initial reaction to intellectual property issues.
Core Belief
"There should be limits to what can be owned, and some things should be sacred. Intellectual property rights should not be allowed to stifle creativity and innovation."
Worldview
The student initially sees intellectual property as an arcane and technical subject, but comes to realize its importance in shaping society and culture. They believe that the public should have a say in determining intellectual property policies.
Personality
Initially overwhelmed and intimidated by the complexity of intellectual property law, the student is ultimately driven by a sense of fairness and a desire to understand the issues. They represent the potential for ordinary citizens to engage with and challenge intellectual property policies.
In Their Own Words
"I just thought that there were limits... some things should be sacred."
"But why does this upset you? you've seen much worse than this."
Other Characters from The Public Domain: Enclosing the Commons of the Mind
James Boyle
The author and narrator of the book, a law professor advocating for the public domain.
Thomas Jefferson
An intellectual Founding Father whose views on intellectual property are central to Boyle's argument.
Thomas Babington Macaulay
A British historian and politician who echoed Jefferson's concerns about intellectual property.
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