Arthur Leander would never know how his life would affect the lives of Tyler, his son, and Kirsten, who played his daughter in a production of King Lear. Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven details the lives of Kirsten Raymonde and Tyler Leander by alternating between the world before and after the collapse of modern civilization. In doing so, Mandel emphasizes the importance of the past on the present by juxtaposing Kirsten’s and Tyler’s experiences with Arthur. Arthur’s presence as a father figure in Kirsten’s life and his absence during Tyler’s childhood affect their outlook on the past. Kirsten, who is enamoured by the past contrasts with Tyler, who despises the past. Tyler’s cult revolves around living in the present and thus memories of the past…show more content… Their enmity is a result of the varying levels of importance they place on the past. Kirsten and Tyler’s differing experiences in the past shape their futures. Arthur’s role as a parental figure for Kirsten and Tyler shapes their childhood. Despite Arthur not being Kirsten’s biological father, Arthur manifests himself as a parental figure for Kirsten even more so than her actual mom, whom she does not remember (40). Arthur was her sole companion during the production. When Miranda questions Arthur how often Kirsten visits, he states “almost daily. She doesn’t get along with the other girls” (215). Arthur’s companionship allows her to remember Arthur as a “fleeting impression of kindness,” which inspires her career in the arts (41). Like other impressionable children, Kirsten’s mind views her parental figure as her role model. His presence in her life as an actor, motivates her to continue her pursuit of the arts. In fact, Kirsten’s most vivid memory is seeing Arthur die while doing what he loves (180). Arthur speaks his last words as King Lear, inspiring Kirsten to pursue