A quick thanks to Mallory for putting this link in to the settings clinic. While this is only 1 of many main characters, he needs a little cleaning up. As a quick foreword, this character is not human, but a drake-like creature, basically humanoid with the same features of a dragon, minus the wings and the fire breathing. Name: Arshrew Occupation: Soldier Age: Still not defined, but around his young adulthood Main Facts and Traits: Very honor-bound, son of the previous drake lord who was beat out of power by another drake lord, but instead of giving him proper funeral rites, the new lord disgraced him by throwing the body downriver. After escaping an attempt to kill all of the previous lord's heirs, Arshrew was forced to hide in the ranks of soldiers. He tends to be a bit rash, but he knows when he's outmatched. Goal: Arshrew is looking for revenge, but he knows that, in his current post, he has no hope of surviving, nonetheless overthrowing a drake lord. He knows to bide his time and build up allies, but he finds himself surrounded by enemies. It's just a matter of how far someone like this would go, how long he'd wait for his chance, or what sort of opportunity he would take.
My gut instinct would be to say how far do you want to TAKE your character, to let them tell their story.. but I feel like it would be better to let your character speak to you. It doesn't seem like your character has... So on with the questioning! 1. How badly do you hate the Dragon Lord who killed your father? Badly enough that your willing to die if that is what it takes to get revenge for your father? 2. You've been found out in the soldier ranks, do you run or face the consequences? 3. You've made an ally in the Palace while tasked with protection of a noble, do you foster the allegiance and hope to form a friendship or do you keep your distance lest you be found out for who you really are? 4. Your given an escort detail for the Dragon lord, will you take the opportunity to kill him in the bushes while his back is turned or bide your time for a better opportunity when no other soldiers are around? 5. You've been given your life back. It is revealed that your father was the master mind behind some evil plot to kill off your countries way of life, do you take the reprieve to live out your days or continue to plot ?
1. Someone in Arshrew's unit recognises him. He confronts Arshrew in private, threatening to turn him in. The man is otherwise honourable, and wishes to uphold the will of his new lord. Does Arshrew kill him to protect his identity? If not, what does he do? 2. A potential ally emerges for Arshrew. He is known to be a cruel who uses dishonourable tactics in battle. He has enough of an army to put Arshrew into power. Does Arshew accept? 3. a. Assuming he chose to become a soldier prior to his father death, and that doing so took away from his time at court, why did he choose the military life? What did his father think of this decision? b. Has Ashrew given thought to what happens if he wins? How would he rule? 4. Leaked information gives Ashrew a chance to strike his enemy's supply lines. Doing so will lead to mass starvation, and the deaths of (presumably) thousands, including civilians who have no vested interest in the battle. Does he take it? Put simply, how dirty is Arshrew willing to fight? What is the one thing he would never do to accomplish his goal? 5. How familiar is Ashrew with his father's court/the other lords in the area? Are any of them friendly with him? If so, why doesn't he stay with them under their protection? If not, how was his father viewed by his fellow nobility? How was Arshrew viewed? Does he know what the other nobles (his rival aside of course) think of him?
Here's another character from the novel I'm working on. DEA Special Agent Hayden Underwood Secondary character in the story, he is responsible for the men who have kidnapped my Protagonist's little sister(for all intensive purposes). He did not order the kidnapping and is now in "fixer" mode in the story. He is a dirty agent and is trying to cover up that fact. Hayden became involved with the men after a demotion that led to his reassignment to El Paso Texas, he is disgruntled with the agency and looking to procure his retirement plan.
Not sure why but I've been having trouble thinking up questions for Hayden. I hope these are helpful... 1. How exactly did he come into contact with these men? Have they worked together on illegal projects before? What? Was he satisfied with the outcome? 2. Does he justify what he's doing to himself? How? Does he feel he's 'owed,' or has he simply stopped caring? 3. Why was he demoted? How was the incident described by his accuser, his superior, and by Hayden himself? 4. One of the kidnappers gets away with the child. He threatens to turn Hayden in if he doesn't help the kidnapper and child escape the country. What does Hayden do?
^Thanks Agreen totally helped !! 1. How exactly did he come into contact with these men? Have they worked together on illegal projects before? What? Was he satisfied with the outcome? I began my new assignment in El Paso tasked with finding a link to the Mexican drug cartels. They have been trafficking drugs through the area due to lax border control and intimidation on the Mexican side through Juarez. After 6 months of deep cover I was able to section off a smaller ring that existed within the major players of the area. Swat moved in for the bust, however I was compromised. I became embroiled in a shoot out in which I was forced to take… actions… These actions gave me quite a reputation inside the under belly of the drug world and the DEA as well. Now I tow a thin line trying to keep myself invisible to both, I hope it will all pay off soon though. 2. Does he justify what he's doing to himself? How? Does he feel he's 'owed,' or has he simply stopped caring? I’ve put in my time as an agent. Of which I’ve done my duty to my country and the agency. I’ve only ever done what’s needed in order to save my own life, and protect my fellow countrymen. Given my service and sacrifice, why should I not now look after myself and my family as well as I have my country? 3. Why was he demoted? How was the incident described by his accuser, his superior, and by Hayden himself? Apparently shooting people who have a gun on you is frowned upon, especially when they’re undercover FBI. 4. One of the kidnappers gets away with the child. He threatens to turn Hayden in if he doesn't help the kidnapper and child escape the country. What does Hayden do? I would talk the guy into believing that I’m there to help then shoot him at a close range.
Though I'm happy with my main character, I'm struggling to get a hold of another major character... Name: Precis Tarquin Occupation: Eldest daughter of Lukas Tarquin the Governor of the Grey Coast and Lord of Tensbay. Niece of King Magnus Tarquin of Doran, she is 4th in the line of succession. Age: 15 at the start, 20 by the end. Relation to the story: She is the elder sister of the main character, and the protagonist of her own subplot. Facts/Traits: Precis lacks the ambition of her two siblings. While many of the courtiers describe her older brother Rikard as gifted but cruel and overbearing, and her younger sister Valessa as fiery, uncompromising, and outright difficult, few bother to describe Precis at all. In a family known for its extremes, Precis is rather average- even her beauty simply mirrors that of her (now deceased) mother, and is hidden behind her severe acne. On more than one occasion visiting nobles have mistaken her for her father's ward rather than his child. Due to her easygoing nature, she's usually able to shake it off, but she can't help but feel some resentment to her siblings. To Rikard because he is the heir even though he doesn't deserve it, picks on her, and locks their tutor in the cellars, and Val because she is clearly the favourite- Val can get away with letting her pet snake sneak into Precis's room but if Precis so much as raises her voice at Rikard or Val she gets into trouble. Val doesn't get in trouble when she sneaks out of their lessons, but because Precis would be heir if something happened to Rikard she has to spend even more time with their tutor. Because Val likes many physical activities, like tennis, fencing, and hunting, father is more willing to indulge her, but he never seems interested in Precis's songs or poetry, and even fell asleep during that one Masque she wrote. Precis is fairly naive. In her own mind she is an excellent judge of character, and while it's true that she is better than some members of the family at identifying someone of questionable loyalty, almost all of these people are from outside the royal household. She isn't confrontational and doesn't handle conflict very well. For the most part she gets along with people at court, but she commands little influence. Goal/motivation: This is what I'm struggling with the most, along with her voice. Precis isn't ambitious. In a vague sense, she wants what's best for her family. More personally, she wants to marry the lord of one of the other major families, even though that would mean leaving her family and the Grey Coast.
Questions for Precis.. 1. If you were sent to visit a neighboring noble family and your own was murdered, what would you do? What would become of you? 2. Your father has been killed in battle, your brother takes the throne and weds a local woman. What path shall you follow now? 3. Your father has received an invitation for you to join a prestigious society, he wishes you to go, but ultimately the call is yours to make. What do you do? 4. Your family has been branded traitors to the realm, you alone hold the information to save countless lives. You are due to be charged in the morning the great hall (assuming there is one) how will you persuade your captors of your innocence?
1. I... don't know. I'd prefer not to think about it. But if it happens you can bet it was that worthless Slithicus. The way his tail rattles when it moves, I don't care what Val says that snake is dangerous. I guess I would have to take over for father. Whenever I am away from Tensbay, father makes me bring enough money so I can travel to Athead if anything goes wrong. He's friends with King Pheriden, and father trusts him more than he trusts our king. 2. Well, Rikard may be awful but he's not stupid. I'm still a Tarquin which means I'm worth more than any other noble's daughter. I'd be worried for Val though, because without someone to mediate between them her or Rikard would do something really stupid. 3. Depends on which one I guess. I'm really interested in astrology, because did you know my mother was a great astrologer? She helped father plot out his moves when he retook the Grey Coast, during the interregnum. I've always been interested in it but dad says astrology is not meant for Tarquins. I probably wouldn't do well in The Stone or at Despair though. I'd love to go to the Sleeping Bull drama troupe in Tarquis, but I don't think he'd like that. Anything else I'd definitely go. At least I wouldn't have to deal with Slithicus anymore. 4. Probably try to let Val or father do the talking, I'm not very good at it. If I had to, I'd have to present my information. If that failed, I guess we could always opt for trial by combat. I don't think any of our enemies have anyone that can beat Rikard.
If it's okay I'll post another of my characters. Will try and respond to all questions. Name: Yewdrinn Caen Occupation: Necromancer Yewdrinn is focused and determined and willing to do whatever it takes to complete his goal. He is not as restricted by morals as the other protagonists and is something of an anti-hero. A long time ago his lover died and since then he's been doing all he can to try and resurrect her. This has gotten him into necromancy and cults and stuff. He puts up a facade of cold, ruthlessness but inside he regrets his actions and a lot of them have had an adverse affect on his mental health. He has several repressed memories he doesn't know about.
Questions for Yewdrinn Caen: 1. As a necromancer do you carry your lover's skull around with you, or a piece of her bones? 2. How does the whole necromancy process work? 3. Do you hold conversations with your corpses? 4. Do you ever feel like things are watching you? 5. Do you use double stitching for your sutures or just go with flat out magic instead of any science? (Sorry can't help it how often do you get to question a Necromancer?) 6. How many people have you tried to bring back? Any successes? 7. If you die, is there a spell in place to bring you back as well or are you simply a dead duck? 8. Do you rob bodies, and if so how does that make you feel? 9. Do you consider your abilities to be ordinary, and do you thus consider yourself to be a sane ordinary person?
1. I don't carry a part of Aiysha (my lover.) around with me but I do have a pendant she gave me. When the time comes to resurrect I can visit her grave. 2. There are two main branches of Necromancy which are actually quite different types of magic. The first is simply animated corpses. They can be of any age so long as they are still intact enough to move and the spells aren't that different from those used by Dwarves to animate Golems. True Necromancy involves chaining the souls of the dead. This is easiest with the recently deceased but we can reach into the spirit realm to capture older souls (this is difficult.). Chained souls can be commanded as wraiths, shades ect. or used to empower items. The two can be combined with a soul being bound inside a corpse. 3. Risen corpses are nothing more than puppets so don't talk. Chained souls can talk but it's nothing but anger and hate. They have no love for their jailor. 4. Paranoia is an unfortunate part of being a necromancer. After a few years in the business you take on a distinctive pale, deadened appearance so I'm often looking over my shoulder. 5. Nah raising a corpse is pure magic, but the corpse does have to be functional. 6. Aiysha is the only one who I've tried to truly resurrect but sadly without any success. 7. Necromancers can create Phylacteries to anchor their soul. However they return to life as a lich and only the most skilled necromancers can do this. I personally don't have a phylactery. 8. Unsurprisingly people don't donate corpses to me so yes I have to rob them frequently. I sometimes feel a bit of guilt but it gets easier. 9. Even though I've been doing this for near 17 years I know it's not normal and I have doubts about my sanity even if I don't know the full extent of the damage.
^ One last question.... 10... If you've been unsuccessful in reanimating your loved one, why continue down the necromancer path? What do you gain from it other than robing yourself of sanity, and possibly harming the Soul of someone you claim to love? As you've said the soul's never really come back the same.. I'm wondering why continue with your quest...
I still cling on to the belief that somewhere there's some ancient spell I haven't discovered. It's not only necromancy I've looked at (though that's the my focus.) I've researched all sorts of myths about true resurrection. Also once you get into it, it's hard to get out. You look different so guards can recognize you for what you are and you have to use more necromancy to get away. And the cults you can get wrapped up in don't just let you quit.
Name: Angel Finch age:21 occupation: runs psychic service with his brother and best friend and also paints on the side. goal: make lots of money, he's a bit materialistic and likes fancy things but he grew up an orphan in poverty and feels he's entitled to have these things. personality: Angel is sarcastic and can be very rude at times. He often talks without thinking especially when he's angry. He can be talked into things very easily especially when there's alcohol involved. Angel has a twin brother named Jesse. They lost their parents when they were ten and were shipped to several different foster homes until they were old enough to go off on their own. Angel and Jesse live on the streets, sometimes in rundown hotels or cheap rundown apartments but never for very long. At 18 they met a fellow psychic named Christian and they opened their own psychic business together.
Siblings or Multiple Personality Disorder. I am currently stuck on two problems concerning two MC's who both happen to be siblings. I think. I have a sneaking suspicion one is an alternate personality for the other and it's really just one person with MPD and they haven't fessed up yet. But here we go: Sabrina "Sabby" is a 25 year old thief. She has boarderline personality disorder nearing Sociopathy. Her consessions to any kind of real emotion are Rage and physical satisfation. Both of which she becomes a pendulum between, causing complete Manic episodes that land her in jail more often than not (Drunk in public, B&E, assault, etc). Her thieving is mostly limited to rare cars and their parts. Warden is a 23 year old full-time college student with horrible grades although he tested at Genius levels and gained early admission, and is a mechanical savant. If it has a motor, he can break it down and rebuild it from memory alone, and rebuild it to work better. He specializes in restoring rare and non-street-legal cars. Cars that sometimes Sabby brings him. He is usually quiet, but not shy. Is not particularly talkative, but when frustrated or angry can take forever in getting to his point. He has problems holding a grudge (it is why he can tolerate Sabby for more than 5 minutes). They have a tight bond because cars are their shared passion, but can't stand each other otherwise... I'm sure that spending more time running around in their heads rather than just observing them would greatly help. Any help, all questions, and even critique is WELCOME! Thanks!
Questions for Angel and Jesse Finch 1- How long had Angel and Jesse know Christian before opening a business with him? And since starting the business how is their relationship with him? With each other? 2- Are they legitimate psychics or is theirs a very convincing scam? 3- If they're legit psychics, how and when did the twins discover their ability? If they're scammers, how do they manage to scam convincingly enough to maintain their business?
1. Angel and Jesse knew Chris for around six months before they started their business. Chris is their best friend, even though they have such different personalities. The twins get along well with each other because for a while they were all they had. 2. They are real psychics. 3. The twins discovered their abilities when they were eight years old. Jesse discovered his abilities after Angel started moving things with his mind. The twins would then lock themselves in their rooms to practice their abilities.
Hey, one of my stories (not the one I'm currently writing but my secondary WIP) involves split personality, too. Pretty cool. (Except mine is more conspiracy-related, so not similar to yours in any other ways, don't worry) 1. Sabby, your brother Warden opens up an exclusive car dealership, but he enlists someone else to help him get the rare parts. He says he doesn't trust you because of your instability, and doesn't want your jail record and bad rep hurting his business. How do you react when he tells you this upfront? 2. Same scenario, but instead of telling you upfront, he just acts more distant in his efforts to hide it from you. You find out from a third party person several weeks/months later. How do you react? 3. What would you do if someone who the community deems highly upstanding -- i.e. a pastor/rabbi, elementary school principal, beloved football team coach, well-respected doctor etc -- asks you for your assistance in stealing stuff for money? (Sabby) 4. Are you afraid of anything? (Both Sabby and Warden) 5. Warden, does Sabby ever make you feel threatened, or like she'll put you in a bad situation? If so, what tweaks this the worst, and how do you react to it, and why? If not, and you're never bothered by Sabby, then what does make you feel threatened?
Questions from Mallory: Answered Questions from Mallory:: 1. Sabby, your brother Warden opens up an exclusive car dealership, but he enlists someone else to help him get the rare parts. He says he doesn't trust you because of your instability, and doesn't want your jail record and bad rep hurting his business. How do you react when he tells you this upfront? I would try my hardest to not beat the snot out him, but I can't primise I won't try to kill this new partner of his. I don't care if he turns to someone else for his parts and cars. I was acquiring and dealing before Warden grew chin hair. But the least the S**thead could do is give me a percentage. I went to jail over a few of those f**king cars for that little s**t. And then he says he doesn't trust me?! Who is this New Guy anyways? Do I know him? Does he accept... Offers? Maybe I can work my way back into this business with Warden. But it would take some time. I really F**king hate playing the Patience Game, but... Hmm... What's that saying?... If you can't play the Game, play the Player?.. It might work. Eventually. ( I think this question just made Sabby really paranoid. And turned on?... Greeaaatt... ) 2. Same scenario, but instead of telling you upfront, he just acts more distant in his efforts to hide it from you. You find out from a third party person several weeks/months later. How do you react? This might be a little easier for me... Maybe I'll only slap him around some. Only threaten this New Guy partner of his. So long as he doesn't mind me dropping by from time to time, check things out, make sure Newbie isn't pulling scams on Little Bro. Or I could branch out of the car business. I hear BMW makes motorcycles. Hmm.. I'll have to bring that up with Warden next time I see him. How fast do those things go anyway? Oh yes. Research Project 3. What would you do if someone who the community deems highly upstanding -- i.e. a pastor/rabbi, elementary school principal, beloved football team coach, well-respected doctor etc -- asks you for your assistance in stealing stuff for money? (Sabby) Have we F**ked before? If so, I won't do it. Never mix business with past or current pleasure. *coughs to cover a duh* That's rule Numero Uno, and something I learned after my 1st arrest. If we haven't boffed before I'm sure we could work out a deal depending on what it is they want, but I have my conditions: No jewelry, no appliances, and no children. I may have my issues, but I have boundaries you know. Pretty much if I can't conceal, or change the appearance of what I'm taking, I don't take it. That's Rule#2. And no meeting at or around place of employment or personal property. That's rule #3 in my book. Never make deals/trades/plans anywhere near routine and/or frequented spots. Always somewhere different, and never anywhere anyone would expect you to be. Why? Got something you want me to get for you?? I'm not partial to Women partners but I think we can work something out... 4. Are you afraid of anything? (Both Sabby and Warden) You go first Warden. Why me? She asked you first. Where's a dictionary, I need to look up something. What's that? Afraid? Really Sabby? You're such an ass sometimes. *returns to Mallory* I'm not particularly afraid of anything though I worry a lot. Mostly about Sabby because she's my sister and I'm constantly having to track her down and bail her out of whatever retarded situation she'd gotten mixed up in... But also, sometimes I worry about What's next, you know? I can't see beyond my hobby very often. But I don't think I'm afraid of anything. Retar- What!? Retarded situations my ass, Warden. I get in those 'retarded' situations because I'm always out scouting for new s**t for your f**king cars. Don't sit there and tell me I'm THE cause for all MY problems! See what I mean? You worry me Sabby. 5. Warden, does Sabby ever make you feel threatened, or like she'll put you in a bad situation? If so, what tweaks this the worst, and how do you react to it, and why? If not, and you're never bothered by Sabby, then what does make you feel threatened? The only time Sabby makes me feel threatened is when I happen to be around while she's in one of her Episodes. Usually it's in public, and usually it's when a guy has turned down her offer to- uhm. That is, doesn't find her to be his type, if you catch my meaning... And the situation gets out of control. But never directly from Sabby. She doesn't know I know, but I know she could never hurt me no matter how insane she gets... What makes me feel threatened? The consequences of Sabby's actions. S**t. I guess I am afraid of something. That sabby will go to jail for good, and I won't be able to be there for her, if not protect her. F**k. ~Sorry for taking so long to respond, nearly forgot the kid at daycare! Haha, OOPS!
Name: Valerie Morris Age: 18 occupation: senior/violinist primary goal in the story is to keep her own soul alive while she goes through a vamipic transformation. There is a way to prevent the transformation but she does not know anything about it at first. Her motivation at first is she simply wants to go back to the way things were before the change began, and just finish practicing for the violin recital that would lead to her future career. As the story progresses she becomes more motivated as she realized it's basically a life and death situation. Timeline: 1960's in a small town/city I'm finding the personality of my character to be on the backburner compared to the plot of the story. It's like I just drop her in each scene I'm plotting but I don't get a reaction from her that feels natural. She needs alot of work.
1) what excatly are your psychic powers? Do you use tarot or crystal balls or any other psychic devices to help your powers? 2) what made you decide to use your powers for good? 3) do you have a rival or someone jealous of your abilities? 4)what exactly do you paint? How did you discover your love of painting? 5)do you have a romantic intrest? If so, what is she like? Does she come between you and your brother or best friend? 6) do you remember what happened to your parents? Did they have psychic abilities? Was that possibliy why they were lost to you?
Questions for Valerie.. 1. Do you feel lost since you’ve become a vampire? 2. Do you feel like your soul is lost/dying? Why? 3. Do you continue to practice the violin? 4. How do you feel about your maker (assuming you have one..)? 5. How do you spend a normal day now? 6. Do you talk to anyone? 7. Do you have feelings for anyone? 8. Do you feel anything? If not does it freak you out?
1) I've mostly been confused than lost. I haven't had alot of time to stop and think about what is happening to me. I only know I have a short time before I become permantly a vampire. I don't have a sire(things are different in my world) so I have to discover what is going on as I go. I would love to have a moment to take a breath and let everthing sink in but I also fear if I did, I would then be lost. 2)My soul is weakening. Every so often I fall into a catotonic state where I meet and battle the vampiric soul that wants to take over my body. If I don't find a way to manage to stop it while keeping control on the outside world, I will die. 3)The violin is my passion, my life. The only connection I have to before life went crazy. I once dreamed of being in a popular orchestra on broadway. I just find something soothing about escaping into the music and spilling my heart out. 4)I'm not heavily religous. It was mostly something I would do every Sunday. I do believe in God though. But I can't stop myself from wondering why He would allow something like this to happen. Why would he even create such creatures? Or am I product of the devil? This has made me take a strong look into my beliefs. 5) I haven't had a chance to settle into a normal routine yet. 6)Before the transformation, I had a friend who had to move away a few years ago. We had been sending letters back and forth. The last I had said she and her twin brother would be back by my birthday. I was disheartened because she did not arrive on the date. I also worried a little because I had not recieved a letter stating she would be late. I also have another friend, Rik. He is my only local friend. I'm usually so busy between school and recital practice, that I don't see him much. He used to be a traveler but he decided to settle here. When I ask him why he stayed here he says it just feels right. Now during the change, he's risking his life to help me. I also have my father and my godmother. Both support my talent and dreams. 7)I haven't really though about it lately. I've been so involved in perfecting my recital that that is all I think about. Besides the only person I could have an intrest in is my friend rik and he's like a brother. It'd just be too weird. 8)I still have feelings and I cling to those when the vampiric soul tries to take over. It helps me know I'm still in control.
1. He can "read" people, he just touches them and he can see things about them. He also has telekinesis. Unlike his brother he can't read minds or see spirits. 2. He figured that he was given these gifts for a reason so why not use them for good. 3. There are a select group of people who don't understand their abilities and consider them demons. 4. His father encouraged him to paint at a young age and ever since he wanted to paint. He paints what ever he's feeling, people, animals but never landscapes. 5. No love interest for him, he doesn't like relationships. 6. His parents died in a car accident and they weren't psychic Angel isn't even sure they knew about the twin's abilities.
