Epictetus uses the metaphor of theatrical performance to describe our relationship with life circumstances. We don't choose the play (our historical period, family, natural abilities, or many life events), but we do choose how well we perform our assigned role. A good actor doesn't complain about the script or try to play someone else's part - they commit fully to their character and perform it with excellence. Similarly, we can find meaning and satisfaction by accepting our circumstances and focusing on playing our role - as parent, citizen, friend, professional - with virtue and skill rather than wishing we had someone else's life. Excellence comes from full commitment to our actual role rather than resentment about roles we weren't given.