It’s fascinating to hear how readers perceive the characters in Soul Conquest. When I first envisioned this tale, only four characters had taken shape in my mind: Marko, Devin, Ante, and Courtney. Their development was not a conscious effort but a spontaneous occurrence during my daydreams. As they materialized, I instinctively understood their behaviors and reactions, which now form the essence of their personalities in the story.
When I began the journey of writing this tale, I had to consciously create additional characters to help support those that had already taken shape. I also had to develop a way for the reader to come to know their personalities as well as I did. In this writing process, the other characters came into existence. Among my favorites are Bailey, Norman, Otto, and Benjamin.
Bailey became the friend that Devin desperately needed.
“You should think of home more often. I think you try too hard to forget it,” Bailey said. “And I don’t think that’s very healthy. I often think about my family, and it doesn’t always make me sad.”
But Bailey needed Devin just as much. Devin gave Bailey protection. It was Devin’s strength that made Bailey’s optimism possible. If Bailey had been the main character, you would see the level of emotional support he got from Devin.
“Now what?” Ante said as he spat blood from his mouth. “Are you going to kill me?”
Devin took a couple of deep breaths to control his anger before answering. “No, you’re not worth it.” Devin slowly got off of him. “However, stop messing with people.”
In my view, this mirrors life itself. The individuals we care about, our friends and family, are like supporting characters in our personal narratives. Relationships, much like in Soul Conquest, operate symbiotically. The support we offer may differ from what we receive, but its significance remains unchanged.
Three other character favorites of mine are Norman, Otto, and Benjamin. I love the brother’s relationship. They are the characters that have the closest relationship with Devin and Bailey. The four of them play cards and stay close throughout the books.
Benjamin’s character is a unique one. He sticks close to Devin for his own benefit. He is older when abducted so he struggles with Devin’s obvious control and leadership but is smart enough to know not to challenge it. He does respect Devin and his abilities but is closest to some of the older boys in the gym. His time spent with Devin is strategic. He knows that it’s wise to be aligned with the gladiator of greatest skill.
Bailey had encouraged him to play cards with them to keep his mind off the upcoming match, but even that wasn’t working.
“Thanks guys, but I think I’m done,” Devin said.
“Oh, come on,” a boy named Benjamin prodded. “Just a couple more games? I mean, how often is it that we get to beat you so easily?”
“He said he was done, Benjamin, so leave him be,” Bailey said.
“Yeah, okay, fine,” Benjamin said, irritated. “He just can’t stand losing . . . he always quits after losing a game or two.”
“Just drop it,” Otto said. “He has a lot on his mind.”
“You guys always prance around him like a bunch of mother hens. You look foolish. Seriously. . . he’s the best gladiator here, so what’s he got to worry about? He doesn’t need you guys to keep him safe and protected.”
Devin stood up. “You’re right . . . I don’t need their protection, but I do need their friendship, and good friends look out for each other!”
Benjamin put his hands up. “Hey, I didn’t mean anything by it . . . you know me. I get into the cards too seriously. Come on; I’ve always considered you a friend.”
Devin chuckles. “No, you’ve always considered me competition.”
“Yeah, okay, you got me there, but it’s always been friendly competition, right?”
Courtney, of course, is the love story. She is an amazing character. Her survival strength is equal to Devin’s, but she has a healthier outlook. She is more philosophical in her thoughts and can see beyond her pain and trauma. It helps her heal and is also the perfect help for Devin at that time in his life when he is sinking into the abyss with no one that can save him.
“You know,” Courtney said, “the thing about life is that it’s not about how easy or hard it is, how rich or poor, or if you’re healthy or sick. It’s about whether you can be happy and good, regardless of your circumstances. Life is about how you learn, grow, and adjust to the rocks thrown in your path. I agree that this sucks. I would rather be anywhere but here, yet from almost my first instant here, I found friends that helped make this experience easier. “Look around you Devin . . . I’ve only been here a couple of days, and I can already see that you’re surrounded by people that look up to you and care about you. So let go of your misery and start being happy again.”
Devin’s ability to survive his ordeal was possible due to the people around him. Even Ante was a driving force of his survival. Devin’s desire not to be bullied by him drove him to work harder and improve.
The more I’m around Ante, the less I like him. Maybe I’ll step up my training a bit, Devin thought. The last thing he wanted was for this jerk to be able to push him around.
Our lives are affected for good or ill by the people around us, just like Devin’s circumstances were beyond his control. Our lives often take directions that we least expect or want, but those around us help us survive and succeed.
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