Convert part of path to standalone path

Question

I have several paths that appear to be connected even though there is no connection between them:

I would like to split the letter e apart from the path. I found an answer suggesting the use of Break apart option. But that causes the letter inner parts to be all black:

So how do I remove existing path fragment, that is not connected to the rest, so that it doesn't break and looks just like before? How do I turn selected part of line to standalone line?

Answer 1

• mark your text "ep"
• select node toolbar (1)
• transform to path (2)
• ungroup (3)

done. Now you can manipulate the e-Shape individually. That's all.

Answer 2

Starting from a text object 'ep':

• select the text
• do Path -> Object to path. You now have a group of objects (letters)
• Ungroup (Shift+Ctrl+G or Object -> Ungroup)
• select a letter (eg. the 'e')
• do Path -> Break Apart
• the 'e' will now consist of two objects: the outer shape, and the inner part (the 'hole'). The inner part will be black. Select it, and set the fill color to white or transparent (with left-click on the palette, or by using Shift+Ctrl+F Fill and Stroke Dialog).

Answer 3

Nobody could answer with exact answer so here's the best I could figure out. We ended up with this poor thing:

The answer to the problem is Path - Difference (Ctrl+-) from the main menu.

You have to do it for every letter but it works.