Character Interview: Brela
Sometimes I like to go through these types of interview questions when I’m creating a character. It really helps to get to know them and see how their mind works. It can also help me get in the mindset of writing them - almost like asking these questions allows me to become that character and write them more effectively.
Brela was one of the first characters that I actually went a lot further than the basics, especially because I had her entire backstory planned out before I wrote the first book. I’m talking all of the little details, not just the basics. So, every story in the prequel book The Bones of Crystal Sand was already developed, even if it hadn’t been written yet.
I thought I’d share with you some of the things I considered while writing Brela, and some of the questions I had answered before The Curse of Broken Shadows was written! There are a few spoilers for TCOBS, if you haven’t read that yet, and a few hints about the prequel (but no spoilers that ruin the reading for you).
Who makes up your family? How close are you to them?
Farrah and Elias are my family now. They mean everything to me, and I would do anything to protect them, even give myself up. In Valisea, my adoptive parents Lilla and Tybost were my family, including the friends they had (Ramiele and Cedric). They helped raise me. Between them and meeting Farrah and Elias, I really struggled to find people I would consider family.
Who is your best friend? Tell us about them!
I don’t really do friends. I much prefer a deep connection or nothing at all. If anyone is a friend, maybe Oni (the Crown Prince of the Sand Sprites). He could probably be considered family at this point. Emril would say he’s my friend, but that’s in the loosest sense of the word. We’re more like familiar acquaintances.
However, if Serill doesn’t fall under the category of family, he’s probably top of the list for being my best friend.What is your favorite childhood memory?
I loved spending time with my adoptive family - drawing pictures, training, living life… that is, when we weren’t being attacked.
What is your least favorite childhood memory?
The cellars where we would hide during raids. Cramped space, crying, overwhelming fear… I do not miss that terror of wondering if we’d survive the night.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Art. I’ve drawn shadow magic symbols my entire life, but I have a knack for art in general. I’ve designed magic tattoos (Elias has already gotten me to ink his on) and I like to doodle whenever I’m bored.
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
Leave my family behind in Valisea and start a new life. Revealing my magic to those I love for the first time was also terrifying.
What do you think had the biggest impact on you growing up?
My life in Valisea - being hunted for where I lived, who I lived with, and the shard in my collarbone - shaped who I needed to be to survive. It could have all been violence, but the family that surrounded me during that time gave me enough hope to not completely lose the last bits of kindness in my heart. I think they are the reason I am the way I am.
You’re given an unlimited budget to build anything you want! What do you build and where do you build it?
I’d first fix up the orphanage in Rooke where I work. I wouldn’t leave them without some sort of help. Then, I’d go back to Valisea and rebuild Orhyrst and the Shadow Temple. I’d create a safe place for my people and I wouldn’t send anyone away, no matter their magic affinity. If they needed refuge, I would give them a home.
What makes you laugh?
My family. A little bit of violence.
What’s the best way to cheer you up?
Farrah’s cherry tarts… and a little bit of violence.
What makes you sad?
Seeing others who are misunderstood or feared just because they have a certain magic, tainted magic, or no magic at all. People who have no means to protect themselves.
Describe your biggest pet peeve.
Being judged based on what kingdom you are from, which god you honor, or what magic you have.
Describe your ideal partner.
A dragon. Wild, passionate, caring, open minded, a good sparring partner, kind but mixed with a little bit of stabby.
What’s the easiest way to flirt with you?
Knives. Books. Both at the same time.
