Character Interview: Parr Renate

Parr is a character who popped up uninvited in chapter 4 of The King’s Paladin and immediately caught my attention, partially because he sprung into existence with a full character arc, backstory, and relationship arc with Coraline (i.e. he’s the most fully-formed character to ever just show up). He’s the son of two Mandorian advisors and captain of King Shordin’s private guard. Enjoy his interview!

Parr: *comes in and takes a seat across from the interviewer* Hello.

Interviewer: Hi! How are you today?

Parr: I’m all right. How are you?

Interviewer: I’m doing just fine. Are you ready to get started?

Parr: *nods*

Interviewer: Excellent. What is your name?

Parr: Parr Alexander Renate.

Interviewer: How old are you?

Parr: Twenty.

Interviewer: Do you have any siblings?

Parr: *shakes his head*

Interviewer: Do you have a job?

Parr: I’m captain of King Shordin’s personal guard. *lifts his chin, but sounds almost resigned*

Interviewer: Are you an introvert or extrovert?

Parr: Introvert.

Interviewer: What is your favorite food?

Parr: Meat pastries.

Interviewer: Favorite color?

Parr: I’m almost always in sky blue. *lifts an arm to bring attention to his sky blue uniform jacket*

Interviewer: But that’s assigned. Is it your favorite?

Parr: *shrugs* I don’t have a particular preference.

Interviewer: Do you enjoy reading?

Parr: It depends on the book.

Interviewer: Do you have a favorite?

Parr: I tend to enjoy history books, or books set in deserts.

Interviewer: Why deserts?

Parr: There are no deserts on Themar, so it’s interesting to read of them.

Interviewer: Do you have a favorite thing about deserts?

Parr: The color. I imagine it’s a very beautiful mix of reds and golds and oranges.

Interviewer: *smiles* I imagine so, too. What is your favorite animal?

Parr: Eagles.

Interviewer: Any particular reason?

Parr: Not particularly.

Interviewer: What are your hobbies?

Parr: I don’t have any.

Interviewer: I imagine guarding the king would keep you rather busy.

Parr: *nods*

Interviewer: What’s it like being captain of his personal guard? What are some of your duties?

Parr: I mostly serve as an escort, with the rest of the personal guard. If there’s a threat, I neutralize it.

Interviewer: Surely you’re not with him 24/7.

Parr: No. I’m captain for the day shift. Rin Marrow takes over for the night shift. *a smile plays at his lips briefly before he hides it*

Interviewer: Is that a man or a woman?

Parr: A woman. One of few who was able to earn a place among the guard.

Interviewer: I take it you admire her.

Parr: *nods* I do. She’s a capable captain.

Interviewer: Which of these is most important to you: Kindness, intelligence, or bravery?

Parr: Intelligence. Bravery is worth nothing without it.

Interviewer: And honesty or selflessness?

Parr: Selflessness.

Interviewer: What’s something you can’t leave home without?

Parr: My sword.

Interviewer: That was the last question. *smiles* Thank you for your time.

Parr: *nods and leaves*