Captain America
On Monday, I mentioned there was a repeated complaint about Luke Callindor being weak. This stems from people thinking it’s entirely his story when it’s really an ensemble cast. He isn’t as strong as Timoran, as smart as Delvin, as cute as Fizzle, and he lacks the magic of Nyx and Sari. So he can be easily overshadowed. Yet, he does possess three things that make him strong:
- Incredible courage that can inspire the others.
- Physical speed and reflexes.
- Spontaneous plans in the midst of battle that keeps his enemies on their toes.
These aren’t usually as flashy as the others and the third point tends to get Luke in trouble, but this is where his talent and heroism lie. Needless to say, I think it works within the dynamic of the team and that’s the important part. After all, these skills have gotten him pretty far since Beginning of a Hero. They’ve given him the ability to keep fighting and survive against creatures that he shouldn’t really be fighting. The Lich, the Hellfire Elf, the trolls, and most other enemies have been leagues above Luke’s abilities. Yet, he has always had the courage and determination to fight and think.
And that’s where Curse of the Dark Wind takes a turn for him. For anyone that caught the blurb test, you’ll know that the major story here is that Luke is cursed and dying. He is weak and unable to fight against this enemy because it’s inside him. For the first time in the series, Luke will truly be helpless and this is going to leave him raw. Sure, he’s been saved before and he isn’t always the savior of the day. Those times were either caused by his own reckless plans or one of his friends got there first. He was still able to fight and contribute to the team during these times, but this isn’t going to work the same way.
Does this make him a weak and worthless hero? Well that’s something he’s going to be thinking about himself. I’d like to think this makes him human and will make him appreciate his friends and his place in the team. It will also make the others realize just how important Luke is even though he lacks magic, raw power, and strategies. So, you’re going to see everyone react to this blow. Especially if Luke doesn’t make it out of this thing. Heck, even if he does, he’s not going to be the same at all.
Legends of Windemere 
I’d say the apparent fragilities are what make him real for your readers, Charles.
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I hope so. I notice it’s hard to make a character that is real for everyone. Seems each reader has his or her own standards. Best any author can do is try their best. 😀
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I think you just have to make them like for you, Charles, then their relationship with you shows on the page.
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At least some of them. An entire cast of me wouldn’t get much done. 😉
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Pass the coffee… I meant to write make them real for you… sighs…
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Coffee? All I have is Chinese food and soda. 🙂
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I could go for the Chinese…
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Wow, now I have to read it to see if he pulls through!
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My lips are sealed.
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Sounds like a great story line.
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It’ll definitely change the lamdscape. 😉 Though I should admit that Book 7 will be more brutal. 😀
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Every good story with super-powered characters needs a more normal character to ground them. Think Xander from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. You need the steady, courageous, heart of the team, the one who the reader can identify with, to keep the story feeling real. And Luke clearly is that!
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Always though of Luke as more of a . . . you know, he really doesn’t fit the Scooby Gang mold. Can I go with the Flash from Justice League? Powerful, capable, impulsive, but not able to kick off a small country if he’s having a bad day.
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Heck, he’s your character, you can go with whatever you want 😀
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Just survived his spirit not able to do anything in GypsieS. This sounds pretty serious.
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He always finds a way to get into trouble though.
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I like overturns like this. This is a great new chapter in Luke’s life. Now he’ll really have to prove that he’s a hero. I think he’s up to the challenge.
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I hope so. Poor guy can’t catch a break some books.
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