Mari Clementine asked Cornelia Funke:

I feel like Jacob is a very different type of character than most YA heroes. Unlike e.g. Meggie who’s thrown into a world she knows nothing about, he seems to be a Mirrorworld expert. Also, it sometimes feels like it’s more recklessness than courage that makes him act the way he does. So my question is: was creating a hero like him a conscious decision? I would also love to know how the idea of him came along! -Clem

Cornelia Funke My characters always have quite a will of their own, Clem, and I usually allow them to keep their secret where exactly they come from. In Jacob's case though - one of the most impatient and mesmerizing characters I came across so far - I have the strong suspicion that he was inspired by my son Ben - as was Will. My son can be reckless at times and believes that fear has to be faced. Not always easy for a mother:) But inspiring. But there is also something of me in Jacob - he is my male alter ego, you could say. I would love to be that irresponsible sometimes, that free...:) I love to write Jacob

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