How does the author portray Stevenson in the biography, The Lantern Bearer?

Wood portrays Stevenson as a person uncertain of his identity, always trying on new roles and costumes. An invalid for much of his childhood and young manhood, Stevenson had ample time to invent adventurous dream worlds for himself. When his health permitted, he traveled about the world, putting his frail physique to tests—such as a journey across the western U.S. by wagon train—that nearly killed him. Stevenson likewise pushed himself as a writer, working hard to perfect his style. Wood maintains that as Stevenson matured as a writer, he became less interested in romance and more interested in realistic character portrayal.