As an author of fiction, my job is to create characters that fit the story. The characters must be equipped with traits and personalities that capture interest and compassion. Even the worst scalawag should have one redeeming quality.
This requires getting to know the characters inside and out, turning flat paper doll descriptions into living, breathing entities. When I know everything about my characters, then the reader can believe them.
How do I know when a character is developed? It's when the character crosses the line between me and the laptop screen.
My protagonist keeps me up late, wakes me from sleep, and makes demands. He refuses to stay with the outline, and makes modifications to the plot. I confess, there are times when I've asked him to shut up in graphic terms.
A new protagonist with a new story to tell will take his place, and Conor will give me some space as he walks through the pages of Among the Jimson Weeds sharing his life with people other than me.
He'll still drop by. Same as my kids, no matter where they may be, they're in my heart forever.
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