Meet Ealdred (Character Interview)

Every story needs a hero, and every hero needs a story.  The hero or protagonist is the character with whom the reader becomes the most acquainted and preferably also sympathetic with, as the hero is the one they will follow throughout the duration of the story. If done well, the reader will be given a compelling reason to root for your protagonist from the very first sentence where they are introduced.

Which brings us to Ealdred. Hero/protagonist of my upcoming release Broken Arrow, Ealdred is a lovable, gentle soul that anyone can root for. He cares deeply for others, is kind to a fault, and is courageous in the face of crippling fear. As a despised half-breed, he has seen a lot of cruelty, but instead of hating the world, he chooses instead to look for the good in others first.

Since Broken Arrow is written in first person (for the most part), you will be in his head for the majority of the journey.

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(Ealdred as drawn by me.)

But don’t let me have all the fun. I’ll let him speak for himself. Without further ado… *pushes Ealdred into spotlight*

Question: How old are you, Ealdred?

Ealdred squints into light: Um… fifteen. I think? I’m not quite sure…

Question: You aren’t sure? Why not?

Ealdred: Well, I don’t really know when I was born… but people just assume I’m fifteen.

Question: What’s your occupation?

Ealdred: Well… um… I’m a slave…

Question: I see. Well, if you could have a choice with what to do with your life, what would you choose to be?

Ealdred: First I would read everything I could get my hands on, and get as much education as I can. Then I might become a physician. Or an adventurer. Which, I guess, are two very different things…

Question: Do you ever get any free time?

Ealdred: No… but I used to. When I was very little — well, littler than I am now.

Question: And what did you do then?

Ealdred: I would climb up onto the roof of the stables and listen to the crickets chirping.

Question: You like climbing, do you?

Ealdred: Very much. It’s how I clear my head. I just go up somewhere very high and feel the breeze and the altitude. It’s very freeing.

Question: I take it you aren’t afraid of heights?

Ealdred: A little, actually. But its worth it.

Question: Do you have family?

Ealdred shakes his head.

Question: Friends?

Ealdred hesitates: I had a friend. But he’s gone now.

Question: I’m sorry. You seem to have had a rough life. What is it that keeps you going?

Ealdred: The thought that I’ll be free one day. And then I’ll find my family, and everything will be ok.

 

We shall see if that wish comes true. For now, give it up for Ealdred, everyone!

 

Are there any questions you would like to ask Ealdred? Let me know in the comments, and he’ll get to you as soon as he’s finished scrubbing the floor.