Levy drew additional inspiration for David's character from his own life experiences. In a radio interview with Boston's NPR affiliate, WBUR, Levy related that when crafting David's sexuality and relationships, he "tried writing [from his] experience" as an openly gay man. He has also said that some of David's pop culture reference points, including American singer Mariah Carey, come directly from his personal life. David's fear of moths is also drawn from Levy's own fear of them. Outside of these characteristics, Levy says he and David Rose are quite different.
