But I despised men who accepted their fate. I shaped mine twenty times and had it broken twenty times in my hands

But I despised men who accepted their fate. I shaped mine twenty times and had it broken twenty times in my hands

In the world of Dorothy Dunnett's historical fiction novels, the quote "But I despised men who accepted their fate. I shaped mine twenty times and had it broken twenty times in my hands" could easily be attributed to one of her many complex and multifaceted characters. Dunnett's protagonists are often strong-willed and determined individuals who refuse to simply accept the hand that fate has dealt them. Instead, they strive to shape their own destinies, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

One such character who embodies this sentiment is Francis Crawford of Lymond, the enigmatic and charismatic hero of Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles. Throughout the series, Lymond is constantly faced with challenges and setbacks, yet he never gives up or resigns himself to his fate. Instead, he fights tooth and nail to overcome his adversaries and shape his own destiny.

Lymond's refusal to accept defeat is a defining characteristic of his personality. He is a master strategist and manipulator, always several steps ahead of his enemies. He is not content to simply let events unfold around him; instead, he takes an active role in shaping the course of his own life.

The quote also speaks to the theme of agency and autonomy that runs throughout Dunnett's work. Her characters are not passive victims of circumstance; they are active participants in their own stories. They make choices, take risks, and face the consequences of their actions head-on.