Post Theme: Author’s Favorite Characters
Oddly enough, my favorite fiction characters are often minor characters. One of my favorites in Roses At Sunset, for instance, is Fisher Smith, the somewhat eccentric, hysterically-laughing trader who stores his entire parlor underground and makes a brief but timely reappearance in the next book. This fondness for minor characters is true for Shadows of Chivalry as well.
Mac
One of my favorite minor characters in Shadows of Chivalry is Mac, the lovable maintenance man. Mac doesn’t play a huge part in the story, but he brings a sense of normalcy to Kelly and Kali’s world. He is also a nod to some of the amazing maintenance men and facility managers I’ve been privileged to work with over the last 10 years or so—Cliff and Jim, George, and more recently Mark. These guys get very little credit, but they make people’s lives a whole lot better.
The Tall Man
Another of my favorites is “The Tall Man” who works at the mission. I enjoyed writing The Tall Man not because he’s a spectacular character but because he’s not. I can easily see myself in his position, covered in flour, scrambling at the last minute to get the meal ready without destroying the kitchen. In fact, I once made cornbread for Sunday night supper at the orphanage in Moscow AND LEFT OUT THE WHITE FLOUR!!! I couldn’t figure out why it wouldn’t bake!! The Tall Man is a simple, humble, expressive fellow, but he’s changing lives every day through his faithful service. I like that because that is something every one of us can do.
Sarah
Sarah’s story unfolds quite differently, less chronologically and directly than the other characters. Her story is part of the mystery Matt is unraveling and it helps move his heart in a direction he never saw coming.
Every Character Matters
Even minor characters make a difference—and that includes you and me. Whatever God has given you to do no matter how big or how small, He has a purpose for it. As Matt’s mother told him, “If God has given you an assignment, it will never end in nothing.”
The truth of the matter is, I’m pretty attached to a lot of the characters. Believe me when I say you’ll see many of them again.
So, for those of you who have read Shadows of Chivalry, which character or characters are your favorite? Pop on over to the Facebook Group and let me know.
If you haven’t met the characters yet, now is the perfect time! What better way to spend the holidays than with family and a whole new bunch of fictional friends. 😉
