title: A new literary metaphor for the genome or proteome.
abstract: Previously, the idea of a blueprint has been used to explain the genome. The concept of a play's cast of characters, the Dramatis Personae, is a more fluid metaphor that allows for mutations and time-dependent phenomena to be taken into account. It also provides an educational and mnemonic exercise for students.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030. gpappas@mdanderson.org.
authors.forename: Gus
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pappas