Creating Anatali   —   Characters

For me, the heart of science fiction has always been the characters, not the technology. I'm geared towards complete intimacy with a character's thoughts, something I had to reign in over time. Still, I wanted a character driven story, working to create people the reader could care about, fear for, support and cherish.

I've been working around college kids for years. I know their motivations, what they want, and how they feel about life--the good and the bad. Space College (Anatali Academy) was an obvious setting to explore my dark and sometimes offbeat timeline. I wanted to see the future through the eyes of young adults so their discoveries could be our discoveries.

Calvin came first and easily. The original version of Anatali : Knights was all about CC. His character model is sort of intimate to me in my early twenties, but I wouldn't call it autobiographical, or a Mary-Sue, and it was never intended to be. He's way too frustrated and Emo for me to completely relate to. However, as Calvin developed in the novel he transcended the clichéd hero-with-a-past role and simply became real. He never understands what the fuck is going on.

Lillian came a quick second. She wasn't supposed to be important. I transplanted Lillian from the magical girl comedies I used to write. In sci-fi that made her an fish-out-of-water who was capable and supportive of lead male. Alas, she stole the show within the first chapter. I knew she wouldn't be denied stardom. There was an incredible paradox in Lillian that needed to be shown. Her petite, blonde appearance is an homage to a certain, famous, anime-girl, but their personalities are night and day.

Pharis - The more I wrote, the more I liked her. I never hold her back and always give her the last word. The 'bad girl' of the Prom Court, she earns her trouble, but I've always felt guilty dropping the occasional Karmic bomb on her. She might be a bit larger-than-life, but every man knows a girl like her, and most women have a Pharis-esque nemesis in their lives.

Rochelle is my humanity. She's the only person to question everything, herself included. I found it convenient to ground the story through her insight. About a quarter of the college students I know are in for nursing, and by-and-large they fit a positive stereotype—kind and sincere. She watches from the sidelines without much (in her opinion) to contribute, when in reality she has the strength of the world.

Trent was a real task, he confused me the most. Rough and intelligent, violent and kind, it was a case of over-complicating the simple. Trent equals family. That's it. He's looking out for his own, be they brother, Knight, or lover. I wish he'd act even less consistent, but it would be difficult to find someone who stirs up more trouble.

Sacha's my favorite pet. I want one. Not because she cooks and cleans (I do that well), but because she's hardcore. As opposed to the rest of my girls, she's mature and never has a second thought. Sacha's existence is a total accident, but a pleasant one. I've had more fun with her backstory than anyone's.

By chapter four I knew Anatali: Knights wasn't about a male or female lead, but needed to be an ensemble of strong characters all having their independent motivations and issues. I don't feel bad about abandoning CC to being 'just part of the team,' because in reality that's all we are. The depth from six protagonists speaks for itself.

As for why my cast is predominantly female; it started as a classic harem scenario (lead male with way too many options), but as lines were drawn I felt no need to inject more testosterone. Eventuually I figured out that whole 'gender is a construct' thing and just them be who they are. If I've done my job right, each girl has a distinct voice and motivation, so there's no doubling up on character roles. At this point in the future people are people, with gender, race and religion being as important as hair color. Individuality lives within their thoughts and actions.

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