Interviews With My Cast - P.2.

I've decided to try an activity. This involves talking with my novel characters as though they're actors of a story. No one is probably interested in talking to them though, so this blog will probably attract little attention. Though any number of questions from the character are encouraged and appreciated.

Legend
Novel characters
THE FAMILY

1. Generation 1 - Saleem* and A'liyah*
   • Ali
   • Zafar
2. Generation 2 - Ali and Aamina
   • Aman
   • Misbah
   • Romana
3. Generation 2 - Zafar and Muizza
   • Naseem
   • Zeenat
4. Generation 3 - A'bid and Zeenat

INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERS

1. Jennifer, Aman's fiance
2. Maulvi Abdul Rahman, Jennifer's tutor and best friend
3. Maulvi Fazal-e-Haq, Jennifer's loathe
4. Timur, Maulvi Fazal-e-Haq's son*
5. Jennifer's parents (unnamed)*
6. Jalal, Misba's fiance
7. A'num, Jalal's stepsister
8. Mary, Jalal's cousin
9. Abdullah, Romana's best friend
10. Sumaira, Romana's teacher and mentor
11. Few unnamed characters*

*Not important characters, and will not be involved in these series, though I might change my mind

Today's Focus: Zafar

Specs

• Good guy
• Alive
• Physical: Brown hair and eyes, stunted growth, so-so
• Muslim

Zafar Saleem is a rather simple character who maintains his stance as a caring Uncle in the first half of the novel and as a loving father in the second half. How justified is the back stabbed father? Let's hear him out.

Me: Welcome to the interview Mr. Zafar Saleem. We're going to talk about your character.
Zafar Saleem: Sure.

Me: Good, now I want to know what is your role in the story.
ZS: I am a subtle man, perhaps your average Uncle. I don't play a large role and prove to be only a minor character, seeing my only memorable acts would be some attempts to revive Aman's once loving behavior and my hatred towards him when he killed my son. I also am a witness to what happened before and during the divorce. Otherwise, I am a husband and father to a young girl.

Me: Nice. Do you believe your part in the story defines any boundary of your beliefs and past experiences?
ZS: Past experience is expected to be average, and my beliefs are supposed to be that of the common man; intolerant against loss of blood. I believe my character is a realistic one, neither too harsh and neither too self-righteous. It helps build up the atmosphere of a realistic story.

Me: If Zeenat would died in place of your son, how would it affect your reaction?
ZS: I would show pity and surprise more than anger and disbelief, seeing that I being a father had the vibe of Aman's love for Zeenat. However, it would be pretty much the same, except that I expect my son to intervene and try to soften my behavior towards Aman.

Me: If there was to be a standalone about your brother, how would you expect your personality to flourish?
ZS: Hmm, I'd expect a humble, cowardly and average personality, showing the reactions any human would. However, being elder I would show generosity.

Me: Beautiful. Not a lot of light has been put on your reaction to Zeenat's feelings for Aman. What are they?
ZS: I felt condemned as a father to Naseem and hopeless as a father to Zeenat, and was torn in between my duty to each of them.

Me: Any ending comments?
ZS: Have mercy on your characters. They deserve happy endings.

Me: Happy endings don't exist in this world. But a good night to you.
ZS: Good night to you too.

Next --> Aamina, Aman's forbearing mother who's love for Aman helped him survive in the face of a murderous attempt...