A few questions about Commander Ambrose?

[Jay]

Hi Maria,

I love your books, I finished Fire Study an hour ago and immediately started searching the Internet for any information on Commander Ambrose, who is possibly the most fascinating character I've ever read about.

Luckily I stumbled across this community a few minutes ago and it's already answered several of my questions and I was wondering if you'd mind answering a few more?

Firstly I'm curious as to what inspired you to create Ambrose's character? And what gave you the idea of having a man's (and a woman's) soul trapped in a woman's/man's body? (Does that make any sense? :D)

Secondly: do you know whether the Commander chose to keep his mother's soul or not? (You don't have to post the answer, I'm just always curious whether authors know everything about their characters or if some aspects remain an enigma.)

Thirdly, has the Commander ever had a romantic relationship (or even a close platonic one)? Does he feel affection for Valek and Yelena or does he simply trust them to carry out his orders? Is it even possible for him to love? I get the feeling that he's so caught up in his job that he would avoid any such distraction or risk, but I wanted to be sure.

Finally, how does the Commander really feel about art, music, craft etc.? He dismisses such things as frivolities but he was really enraptured by the Opal's glass sculpture which made me extremely curious.

(By the way, sorry about the longwinded post - I think it's nerves, I always get anxious posting on a new site ^.^')

[Maria]

Hi Jay!

Welcome to the Study Buddies - no need to be nervous - everyone is super friendly around here :)

I'll try and answer your questions.

1 - The Commander was inspired like many of my other characters - he developed as I wrote the books. At first I started with a stereotype - a military dictator - one of the antagonists. But as he interacted with my other characters and as his traits began to sharpen and deepen, he became more than the stereotype. When I reached the scene where Yelena realizes there is more to the Commander than meets the eye - I was as surprised as she was! Which is why I love to write - it's like these characters are hiding from me, and the only way I can see them clearly is to draw them out and watch how they react to each other and to the situation.

2 - The Commander hasn't decided what he is going to do about his mother yet. He's not the type to be impulsive and has to consider all the pros and cons.

3 - The Commander hasn't told me if he's ever had a romantic relationship prior to Poison Study. I like to write about the Commander and Valek before the takeover and see what they reveal to me. I do know he hasn't had a relationship since the takeover and he does feel affection for Valek and Yelena - he gives them a little more slack than anyone else :)

4 - Art, music, and religion are all a waste of time in the Commander's mind - nothing is accomplished so why do it? But he does recognize quality. With Opal's glass sculpture - the core glowed with an inner fire - something not seen before (no electricity in Ixia) and he was intrigued.

I hope this answers your questions!

[Jay]

Whoops, I clicked delete comment after sending, luckily nothing was lost. *facepalm*

Anyway, thanks for the quick reply! I find it really interesting that you intended the Commander to be an antagonist, I think that could be what gives his personality such an edge; he brought equality and fairness to Ixia but at the cost of many civil liberties. He's such a fascinating character . . .