The Velocity of Prose

A number of years ago, a writer friend of mine, Heloise S., demonstrated to me that the velocity of prose can be represented by the equation

teleology = etiology (charactersx)
                                        conflict

where x equals the number of characters in the story.

Mme S. notes wisely that (a) euphony and (b) money remain uncontrolled variables.

(Sneakily cross-posted from my new blog.)