* Respect for Shepard's memory: Kaufman felt it was important to focus on the community's response to the hate crime and the broader themes of tolerance and acceptance rather than exploiting Shepard's tragic story for dramatic effect.
* Avoiding sensationalism: By not including Shepard as a character, Kaufman aimed to avoid sensationalizing his death and instead focus on the impact of the crime on the people of Laramie.
* Amplifying the community's voices: The play's strength lies in the diverse perspectives of the Laramie residents, allowing their experiences and reactions to the event to resonate with the audience.
Instead of presenting Shepard as a character, the play uses various techniques to remember him:
* Interviews with those who knew him: The play includes interviews with Shepard's friends and acquaintances, providing insights into his personality and life.
* News reports and documents: The play incorporates news articles, court transcripts, and other documents that relate to the crime and its aftermath.
* Symbolic references: Shepard's presence is felt through subtle references, like the repeated mention of his name and the use of his favorite song.
Ultimately, Kaufman's decision to not include Matthew Shepard as a character in "The Laramie Project" was deliberate and aimed at achieving a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the event and its impact on the community.