Our Beloved Characters
In the summer of 2022, I had the very first page for TCOS, with a picture of Blake Lively with the following words under her picture: Rae Andino, really old Titan. Then came Nyx Darling, inspired by a character from another novel, his parents the perfect example of someone a stunning and cunning immortal like Rae deserved. Like I deserved. And from that moment, everything fell into place.
Nyx Darling, 6’5, black hair, never man-splained a thing in his life, wouldn’t be emascualted if forced to wear a dress, and would absolutely be losing his voice on a Pride Day float. He was my way of healing my trauma that several men had instilled in me. He was my way of personifying the feeling I had running through the woods with my childhood guy friends. He was it, my way out of the woods.
Phoebe Freeman, a mysterous character that no one can really put their finger on, someone who is going to really come to life in the second book, when her secrets are revealed. Phoebe was inspired by the very amazing and caring and bold friends I have now—Hi, you know who you are. Phoebe is open about her sexuality, fearless in the face of danger, and unwaveringly protective of those she loves. She also has the added bonus of being able to sense and manipulate people’s emotions, and luckily for everyone around her, she truly just wants everyone to experience happiness and contentment, because a power like hers in the wrong hands, is lethal.
Maeve Lykoudis, Rae’s best friend. I love how in this book you don’t really know Maeve all that well, you just trust that even with how close Rae is to her other friends, Maeve still somehow tops that. Maeve is everything that Rae’s childhood friends could not be: consistent, caring, patient, gentle, gunnen, and consistent. She never judges Rae, which is the exact reason why Rae slowly learned to ask for help, because Maeve never once made her feel small or stupid for asking for it. She was one of those people that you meet and know immedietly are going to be in your life forever—again, you know who you are—and Rae needed that the moment they met in the Kasari Forest. Maeve’s character was a no-brainer, she makes this story, the entire series—yes, I have the first five books planned out, go figure—come together effortlessly.
Marcellus Kane, quote on quote The Sexiest Prince—in his own words, of course. He’s our clueless, hilarious, life-loving, gentle giant that you can’t help but love. My sister and cousin had the opportunity to read the book early on and both of them noted within the first hundred pages that he was their favorite character. He is honest—seemingly because of his lack of filter—and unbeliveably kind, in his actions and his words, and he adores Rae. Marcellus is the guy friend I always needed. My entire life has been finding out that a friend I thought craved my company because of my effortless wit and therapeutic wisdom actually just wanted to wait around until I was single and vulnerable so they could get their shot. It was heartbreaking every single time. But don’t worry, I am still witty and my wisdom is priceless, but I guess it just didn’t mean enough to them.
Bryn. Our favorite (and the only) Valkyrie leader. Bryn doesn’t make many appearances compared to the rest of the main characters, but she has a bold and memorable presence nonetheless. Bryn is the caretaker I’ve had in my mentors, my parents, my aunts and uncles, and the few teachers that really saw me. Bryn is also a look into my hopeful future; she has the kind of strength and steady demeanor that I hope I continue building towards. With so many immortals it’s hard to figure out who’s… old. And Bryn is certainly that, and without a doubt the surrogate mom of the group.
Jax Maddox is one of those character’s like Phoebe that has a lot of mystery to his story. As you get into the third part of the book, you start to kind of understand why. Jax has a much bigger role in the prequel, and his story starts coming to light, as well as his powers that wrap around him like shadowed demons. He was a really fun character to write because every single thing he says is calculated, even though he doesn’t say much. And let’s be honest—he’s super hot.
Silas. Ah, Silas. A small character that has a part in the beginning, but gets his part as a main character in book two. Silas was actually inspired by Jamie Tartt from Ted Lasso—If you haven’t seen the show on Apple TV yet, watch it, it’s my favorite show of all time—and his thick accent along with his obsession for his looks, cocky remarks, and yet really underrated insightfulness and huge character development is one of the reasons I’m so excited to finish book two. I think my readers will love him as much as I do, and love his puppy-love for the terrifying and enchanting character to come: Gezi.
I’ve come to know my characters so well that the book seems to write itself, it’s as if the characters are deciding their next moves instead of me. It is also uncanny how I see the characters in the actions and words of their inspirations. My heart absolutely beemed when my sister said “Marcellus would do that.” There really is no honor like portraying a character well enough that a reader could predict their behavior.
I hope you all enjoy getting to know this lot and find peace in the world I’ve built just as I have.
