So, I do believe I've mentioned that I was reading a book called Spilling Ink and in this book they had various exercises to help you develop your characters more. While I doubt any of you need help developing your characters since you're all such epicly awesome writers, I found something that I thought would be fun.
The book gave a list of 15 questions that you ask your MCs. (Yes, ask your MC. As if you're talking to him/her.) I figured it'd be fun to try the list on one of my MCs, and it was. But I didn't ask all 15 questions, since some don't work for fantasy writers.
In the end of asking my MC all the questions, I thought maybe somebody else on HW would be a crazy fantasy writer enough to try too. So I'm going to post the questions that I asked my MC along with the answers from my MCs (All three of them) here and hopefully you guys will be able to answer them too.

What is your happiest memory?
Emuna: My life isn't exactly rainbows and kittens, you know...I don't have any good memories.
Brian: When I read my first scroll on the uncharted territories.
Gavin: What is this, a soap opera?

What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
Emuna: ... Can we skip this one p-please?
Brian: Hmm....I don't think it really matters.
Gavin: Why would I tell you?!

Name some things that you're not very good at.
Emuna: Uhh...falling, screaming, and admitting I need help?
Brian: Cooking and cleaning.
Gavin: I'm good at everything.

What are you afraid of?
Emuna: I don't want to answer this question...
Brian: Hmm...I don't know...I have a lot of fears. I suppose everyone does, though.
Gavin: Gavin of Realta fears nothing! *screams* IS THAT A SPIDER?! I'M ALLERGIC TO SPIDERS!

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?
Emuna: Brian and Gavin can go first...
Brian: *raises eyebrow at Emuna* Umm...okay?... I want to map out the uncharted territories.
Gavin: I just want to kill the dumb mountain lion!
Me: Emuna...you have to at least try to answer.
Emuna: *sigh* No, I'm not saying anything.
Me: Fine, you'll tell me later!

Anyways, those are my not-so-straight character's answers. Now that I've sort of shown you how you can answer the questions have fun trying! And you're characters don't have to answer all of them, they just have to make some sly comment instead.

Questions:
What is your happiest memory?
What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
Name some things that you're not very good at.
What are you afraid of?
What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?

Okay, thanks for reading!

Bethany Faith

What is your happiest memory?

Elanhil: My quiet life in peace with my parents.
Trina: When *yet un-named character* took me in and nursed me to health.

What don't you want anyone to find out about you?

Elanhil: I have killed people for doing their job. It wasn't their fault.
Trina: A long and messy story with a guy called Rinifer.

Name some things that you're not very good at.

Elanhil: Hand-fighting and Magic.
Trina: Unlike your stereotyped girl, I don't enjoy housekeeping.

What are you afraid of?

Elanhil: The black dragon.
Trina: Failure.

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?

Elanhil: A slow, happy life.
Trina: A fresh start, a new beginning.

Me: That's it! Thanks for these, they helped. If you could send me the full 15 I'd like that.

Sure, I can just PM you the list.

Ooo! I did something like this for one of my sci-fi MCs, except it was 100 questions
I'd post a link, but a few of the questions were... O.o


to answer Beth's questions *picks random MC*


Balith/Talina

What is your happiest memory?
The day I met Ligra

What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
I have no idea... should I have something?

Name some things that you're not very good at.
hehe, fighting.

What are you afraid of?
Death. Anyone's but mine.

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?
Peace. For the Duvat and Ashtains to live in peace....

Heh, these are great. I'd like the full list too. Here are my characters: Breyanna, Thalian, and Xennon from "The Riddle and the Gate." And also Terrien, Kaira, and Taire from "Forget Me Not."

Without further ado:

What is your happiest memory?

Terrien: I don’t have any memories, and you know that full well. >.< *kicks at a rock*

Breyanna: I don’t know. Anything before The Institute.

Kaira: Oh, I’ve absolutely no idea. There are so many, palace life is really quite splendid. I could go on for hours about all the wonderful ti…

She really could go on for hours, which is why I have muted her.

Kaira: o.O

Thalian: When Xennon fell on his face…

Xennon: o.O Er…

Thalian: You’re probably wondering which time I’m referring to.

Xennon: *clears his throat* My fondest memory, or memories, is probably browsing through the library, hours on end, late into the night.

Breyanna: Of course it would be something like that.

Be nice to Xennon. He’s going to save all your lives (well, excluding Forget Me Not characters) someday.

Thalian: We’re not indebted to him just yet.

Kaira: >.<!

*Taire says nothing at all*

What don't you want anyone to find out about you? *un-mutes Kaira*

Kaira: Uh oh. You’re not going to make us answer that question, are you? O.O

Breyanna: *glares* None of your business.

Is so my business. I know every detail about your history. You cannot escape me.

*Breyanna huffs*

*Xennon looks down but says nothing*

Thalian: What I’m planning to do to you at the moment.

Halp. O.o

Taire: Humph.

Terrien: I have absolutely no idea. Again, no memories.

Name some things that you're not very good at.

Thalian: Nothing you need to know about. As far as you're concerned, that question doesn’t apply to me. Understood?

Kaira: Weeeeeeeeeell…I wish I was better at sewing, but I always prick my fingers with the needle. Which is a shame, really. I’d also like to be able to do my hair up properly without a servant, but it’s so dreadfully long. Not that I’d cut it, of course, no never that.

Xennon: I can be rather clumsy at times.

Breyanna: Never mind. You don’t need to know. *looks down and goes red*

*Taire remains silent*

All characters are required to give some form of an answer, Taire.

Taire: Reading. I’ve never got the hang of it.

Terrien: I’m not very good at showing up on time. *impish grin*

Interesting. What are you afraid of?

Thalian: See above answer.

Xennon: Failure.

Breyanna: The next question, whatever it might be.

Kaira: I’m afraid for my country. What might happen to it. We’re in very uncertain times, you know. But I think it will pull through, it always does. I hope.

Terrien: My past. Whatever it is. Did I mention I have no memories? >.<

Taire: Appearing faulty in the eyes of my master.

Wow. Relatively honest answers, excluding Breyanna and of course Thalian. What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?

Thalian: Well, we’ll just have to find out, now won’t we? *wry smile*

You are downright determined not to give me a straight answer for anything, aren’t you?

Xennon: He’s known for that.

Breyanna: I want to go home. I don’t want to be shut up in that stupid institute anymore. I want to find my father.

Terrien: Having my memories back would be nice. Hint hint, authoress.

Mm…maybe later. What about the rest of you?

Kaira: To see my country again at peace, of course. Top of the world once more.

Taire: It never was top of the world. Top tribe of your dinky neck of the woods, maybe, but never the world. And I want to follow in my master’s footsteps.

Kaira: How dare you speak to royalty like that! And it is not a tribe - it is a kingdom! Far greater than yours will ever be.

Taire: Ha! As… o.O

Kaira: >.<!

Ah, the wonders of the mute button. Now, will the others continue?

Thalian: I believe we have all answered.

Oh. And I think we’re out of questions, too. Hmm. Well, that’s all for now! Thank you all for participate, go have fun while I plot out your future. *evil laugh*

RedWing: here's my version of the list

I like these.
I'm trying a random set of MCs... (all from different books/stories)

What is your happiest memory?
Janin: *wistful smile* Darlene.
Morgon: Sitting in Tirol's library... learning.
Jarier: *splutters* Tirol? The guy tried to kill you! How could you...
Me: *throws Jarier out of the thread* and stay out!! *notices people reading and blushes * Now then, where was I?
Lighting: Christiana.
Me: *mutters* Bunch of romantic sops...

What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
Lightning: *darkly* My name.
Morgon: The color of my eyes.
Janin: *bewildered* I... have no idea.
Me: I know, you're transparent as glass. It's okay.

Name some things that you're not very good at.
Morgon: ...
Jarier: Not acting like a frightened rabbit all the time!
Me: *throws Jarier out of the thread again* Answer for yourself, Morgon.
Morgon: Learning the wizardic tongue.
Jarier: Not very good at? You can't even..
Me:
Lightning: keeping an even temper.
Janin: giving up on traitors.
Herene: Hey!
Me: not you too!!

What are you afraid of?
Morgon: ...
Jarier: Everything!
Me: No one asked you!!!
Lightning: Dying.
Janin: anything that threatens my kingdom.
Me: Morgon?
Morgon: *whispers* Jarier told the truth.
Me: Morgon, he did not.
Morgon: How would you know?
Me: I'm the author.
Morgon: *hides*
Me: That question was not very safe...
Janin: *peeks out of his line* This whole thread wasn't very safe!
Me: *snaps* it isn't over yet!
Morgon: *hides harder*

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?
Janin: Something impossible.
Me: Don't be vague.
Janin: It's a major spoiler.
Me:
Lightning: I don't even know.
Me: lame answer.
Lightning:
Morgon: freedom.

That went... relatively well...

That was really funny, I was laughing the whole time!

A lot of my answers would've been spoilers...so I cleverly disguised them as hesitance to answer the questions.

I don't mind giving spoilers...it makes people want to read the book.

Hey, people get paid to leak out spoilers (both fake and real) in order to generate more interest in a film (which ends in bigger box office appeal). I don't see why the same theory wouldn't work for authors.

My thoughts exactly.

Thank you, I'll use this too. (Almost posted as my sister there...I forgot to log her off when I got on. )

Glad you all, uh, liked it. For the first time I ran over my smiley limit... took me forever to hunt down all the errant ones and shoo them away.

I didn't know there was a smiley limit...hopefully I'll never exceed it.

These are always so much fun to read. Now to try my own and hope it doesn't turn out as boring as I kind of think it will...

The three characters I'm asking questions of are unrelated to each other. The kibitzer is related to Langford.

What is your happiest memory?
Cehlrym: That first trip to Rhoive. Spending time with Rel and actually getting to be normal.
Langford: I don't know. Any time when I'm out traveling and away from the rest of the world is a happy time.
Tarrun: Does that include the times you almost got kill--
Me: You're not supposed to be here, Tarrun. Scram. *kicks him out*
The Ark: My happiest memory? I suppose the day I opened my eyes and saw my world and my wife for the first time. I have no truly happy memories, though. It...hurts to think about those days.

What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
Langford: Nothing. I've never felt the need to hide.
Cehlrym: ...that I hate my life?
The Ark: My past. Who and what I am.

Name some things that you're not very good at.
Langford: Talking to people and not upsetting them in some way. Actually, just about everything having to do with relating to people.
Tarrun: You can say that aga-- *is booted*
Cehlrym: Fighting. Bran says I'm getting better, though. I'm not very good at standing up for myself, either. Not unless it really, really matters.
The Ark: I too find relating to others a difficult task.

What are you afraid of?
Cehlrym: I'm afraid I'll be trapped forever doing nothing but dreaming and writing down my dreams. I'm afraid I'll never be allowed to really live a life of my own.
Langford: I'm not afraid of anything.
Tarrun: Not even the things he should be afraid of.
Me: Tarrun, if you're going to hang around and keep commenting, why don't you answer some of the questions?
Tarrun: Because it's more fun this way! *runs before he can be forced to answer the questions*
The Ark: ...must I answer this one?
Me: You've been fine with answering the others!
The Ark: *sighs* I'm afraid my wife is lost to me forever and I'll never be free of my curse.

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?
Cehlrym: Freedom. Control of my own life.
Langford: *thinks for a moment* I think I have everything I want. Well. I wish Caradin didn't hate me...
Tarrun: You do realize you're the only one who thinks he hates you?
Langford: I have eyes. And a mind, contrary to popular thought. It's obvious.
Tarrun: No it isn't.
Me: Cut the arguing, kids. Tarrun, if you're not going to answer the question, keep your mouth shut.
Tarrun: Yes'm.
Me: Ark? Don't think I'm going to let their argument distract me from the fact you haven't answered this question yet.
The Ark: I...I want...I don't know. I want my wife and my life back. I want my eyes back. I want to be normal again, not cursed and trying to keep everyone away from me so they don't find out.
Me: Thanks for answering the questions, everyone. Except Tarrun.
Tarrun: Always happy to oblige.

Time for some fun MCs >:D

What is your happiest memory?
Ezaire: You expect me to have happy memories?
Me: You have to have at least one...
Arrea: I forgot!
Me: not yet...
Arrea: *grumbles*
Anaeo: Next time I meet-
Me: we're not there yet, pick another one.
Anaeo: Fine. The day I left Alameare.
Me: Ezaire? Arrea?
Arrea: My mom?
Me: are you asking me or-
Arrea: My mom.
Me: *grumbles*
Ezaire: Ah! I know, the day I kil-
Me: Goodness! what's with all the spoiler alerts! pick a different memory Ezaire.
Ezaire: The day Andro found me...
Me: okay, we got everyone? moving on...

What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
Ezaire: that I'm a revenge hungry dude
Me: uh....
Arrea: I'm not sure...
Me: stop it with the memory act, you can still remember stuff.
Arrea: Okay, that I loved my dad more than my mom.
Me: ...what's with the parent answers?
Arrea: *shrugs*
Me: okay, Anaeo?
Anaeo: That I don't agree with the Queen.
Me: hm... obvious, but true. Next question.
Anaeo: what? I lose points for being obvious?!

Name some things that you're not very good at.
Arrea: hm...
Me: *whispers* not faking memory loss?
Arrea: what was that?
Me: nothing...
Ezaire: I'm awesome
Me: stop using that smilie *shoves cool smilie in corner*
Ezaire:
Me: give me a new answer.
Ezaire: letting things go.
Me: now that was a good one.
Arrea: following orders.
Me: you hit the nail on that one
Arrea: *grumbles*
Anaeo: not killing people?
Me: uh...
Anaeo: being true to myself.
Me: wow. You guys did good on this one *is proud*

What are you afraid of?
All three: Failure!
Me: uh-huh... new answers please.
Arrea: not remember--- uh, losing my dad
Me: you already lost him.
Arrea:
Me: oh dear...
Ezaire: good going
Me: shush!
Anaeo: I'm afraid of dying.
Me: Ezaire? *ignores the crying Arrea*
Ezaire: you not stopping her *points to Arrea*
Me: I'm not going to ignore her for forever... now finish.
Ezaire: not finding the man who-
Me: far enough, let's keep going.

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?
Arrea: MY FATHER BACK! *continues crying*
Me: *sigh*
Eziare: To kill-
Me: yup, I know that already. pick something new.
Ezaire: to... save Listy.
Me: okay... *whispers* not going to ruin that one for you...
Ezaire: what?!
Me: uh... Anaeo?
Anaeo: I want to leave!
Me: is this going that bad?
Anaeo: no, I mean leave Zara.
Me: oh... yeah, totally agree with you there. Alright guys, let's *looks at crying Arrea* uh... wrap this up *sees angry Ezaire* really quick! *tosses MCs out* *wipes forehead*

hahahaha, Vili! That was hilarious. I liked Leandra's answers too.

Don't worry, the posting system won't let you exceed it.

Great answers, I love reading them...

What is your happiest memory?

Tanner: Throwing a crazy awesome pass to Luke and winning the championship for the Leviathans.

Kaida: The first time I killed a Shepao with a knife.

Aren: The time I spend in Glenhaven.

What don't you want anyone to find out about you?

*all look confused* I really don't know what they have to hide in particular...

Name some things that you're not very good at.

Tanner: Patience.

Kaida: Self-control.

Aren: Letting people learn for themselves.

What are you afraid of?

Tanner: Not being able to protect people.

Kaida: I...don't really know...

Aren: Not being able to live up to the expectations placed on me.

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?

Tanner: To not be afraid.

Kaida: To get to the next life.

Aren: To know I've done what's right.

More charries! I like this. And I have lots of novels. So... more MCs from different books. These are from The Third Earth and the City of Lies, respectively.

What is your happiest memory?
Dorus: I-I'm not sure. My story isn't exactly full of happy moments, you know. Not to mention I'm not even sure which version of the story you're asking me about. So it would have to be something outside of the story and you don't know much about those. Can I be vague and generic? Fine. My childhood. Though that wasn't happy either, because my brothers always, always picked on me...
Me: stop complaining. Besides, look at how much space you've taken up! Your mother loved you, anyway, even if your father and brother's thought you should have stayed on Terra.
Ia'tahz: My happiest memories are my life before Telshava. I had purpose, I had my work, I trusted Ko'ar implicitly... I was happy.

What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
Dorus: That I have Karistome. That would be... dangerous.
Me: Don't they know that already?
Dorus: *sigh* I'm sure it's dangerous.
Ia'tahz: well, I don't want them to find out that I have brain implants, but then I don't know it myself, so I don't really know that I don't want them to know it, so does that really count as not knowing?
Me: I have no idea.

Name some things that you're not very good at.
Dorus: fitting in.
Ia'tahz: weighing evidence, and not jumping to conclusions.

What are you afraid of?
Dorus: The Council of Mages. And the Government on Terra. Actually, just make that the ruling authorities of the federation of earths (whatever that is) whoever they are. I'm afraid of anyone in a uniform.
Ia'tahz: Truth.

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?
Dorus: To set the world aright, get rid of corrupt governments and learn the truth about the Third Earth.
Me: Oh, you don't want much do you?
Dorus: *sigh* Fine. I want Karistome to be happy. She's just a kid and...
Me: You sure do ramble, don't you?
Ia'tahz: Everything I do I do for the children. Everything I want, I want for them.

OK, let's see if I can keep this under control.

What is your happiest memory?
Alexis: Swordfighting with Father.
Julian: Anything in my childhood. Anything but now.
Devon: When I captured Alexis.
Alexis: *glares*
Me: Oookay. Moving on.

What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
Alexis: That I gave up fighting.
Julian: That I'm a scaredy cat.
Devon: *cruelly* Everyone knows that
Me: *coughs*
Devon: That I believe in time travel.

Name some things that you're not very good at.
Alexis: Being humble and gentle.
Julian: Swordfighting.
Devon: I'm good at everything!
Me:

What are you afraid of?
Alexis: Being ridiculed.
Julian: Everything Knives, fists, shouting.....
Devon: NOTHING!
Me: Suuuure.

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?
Alexis: To become a journalist.
Julian: To get out of the Eagles.
Devon: *angry warning look*
Julian: *semi-cowers*
Devon: To kill HER! *points to Alexis*
Me:

Okay...Mahlia, age 13, Faolan, age 38, and Davien, age 34.

What is your happiest memory?

Mahlia: You mean my distant memories, or more recent ones?

Me: Oh, one of each.

Mahlia: Distant...standing with my daddy on the highest tower of the castle. Recent...um...winning against boys in a spear throwing contest?

Faolan: The day I married my sweet wife.

Davien: Teaching my little brother how to wrestle. That was a long time ago...

Me: *big sigh*

What don't you want anyone to find out about you?

Mahlia: That I'm Agrothian.

Me: I guess that will have to do.

Faolan: That I helped in the Castle Massacre.

Davien: That I am not brave enough.

Me: Not brave enough?

Name some things that you're not very good at.

Mahlia: Uh...

Me: I'll come back to you in a minute.

Faolan: Telling my daughters I love them.

Me: Honest of you. Davien?

Davien: Making small talk. In fact, I'm not good at talking in general.

Me: Mahlia? Have you thought of something?

Mahlia: Yeah. Sword fighting.

What are you afraid of?

Mahlia: My memories.

Faolan: Death.

Davien: Myself.

Me: Yeah.

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?

Mahlia: Let me think for a minute.

Me: Okay.

Faolan: To erase all the mistakes I made the past 20 years.

Davien: To have my father, mother, sisters and brother back, alive. To be happily married to someone, and to have 10 kids, instead of being alone.

Me:

Mahlia: To have a father who truly loves me.

Me: *sniff* Thanks for being so honest, people. *wipes eyes, blows nose*

I love this, Bethany! Could you pm me all 15 questions?

Very interesting Bethany. I'll have a go at it with Rural (Ru [as in who] - ral [as in the ral in Raleigh but with a rolling of the r]). (keep in mind that this story is in its early development stages)

What is your happiest memory?
Rural: Either training with Suiauthon or being with my family the day before the sangre'mio struck.

What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
Rural: *briefly struggles whether to confess or not* *finally gives in and hangs his head in shame* My hypocrisy in my faith.

Name some things that you're not very good at.
Me: He's not developed enough to know that yet.

What are you afraid of?
Rural: Death and what could happen to my mother and sister in the hands of the sangre'mio.

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?
Rural: My family back as it once was.

Anisha - thirteen; Philip - twenty something

What is your happiest memory?
Anisha: I haven’t had a dark life, so - could I have more than one? In that case it would be writing with my Father, and boat riding with my Uncle.
Philip: Well, recently, it would probably be playing with my nieces and nephews in the last three weeks. Or realizing that the beauty of their being my nieces and nephews. It’s so fun, if you know what I mean.

What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
Anisha: This is awkward. Maybe that I’m not such a good girl as I appear. I’m a tyrant.
Philip: I don’t have much, I don’t suppose. I mean, besides that I’ve never wanted anyone to know how lazy I am sometimes. Or selfish.

Name some things that you're not very good at.
Anisha: These get a little bit personal. I’m not very good at holding my temper, relating to people I don’t like, even though I stay relatively polite. And I’m not musical - at all.
Philip: Well, let’s think. I don’t have much endurance, (are these questions going to end soon?) I’m not very responsible, I can’t cook. And I can’t relate to horses very well. This is depressing to think about.

What are you afraid of?
Anisha: I’m not afraid of anything. Hmph! Well... okay... I couldn’t handle being without my little sisters and brothers. I’d die if anything happened to them. Uh - Phylis, what’s that apologetic look in your eyes? I don’t like the look of this...
Philip: I can’t say I like heights. And I’m afraid of having no one like me - I mean really like me... love me.

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?
Anisha: A home for my little sisters and brothers. I want to go where I can take care of them, and where someone will love them, and where we can be happy. If I was to get brutally honest, what I really want is to be happy. Me. Myself.
Philip: I want to take my nieces and nephews home with me, and I want Rose to like them, and to marry me, and then we could all live together happily ever after. Fat chance, with Phylis writing this.

Ooh thanks! I've been looking for something like this...

This is a fun exercise.

*looks at previous answers*

O.o Oh my. That was back when Rural had a story, and there was actually a character named Suiauthon.

I might as well do this with Beorn and Orome... maybe even Jay and Strawberry. (yes, those are all temporary names )

What is your happiest memory?
Beorn: *wistful expression* Walking with my father in the forest, the week before he left.
Me: Wow... that was surprisingly cooperative...
Beorn: Huh? What did I say?
Me: Nothing.
Orome: When my wife was pregnant with Beorn.
Beorn: Father?
Me: Uh oh... reunions would not be good right now. *mindwipes all the characters, then puts them in seperate cubicles so they can't see or hear each other*
Jay: I'm not sure.
Me: Grab the first happy thought that comes to you.
Jay: OK. When I killed Orome and made it look like a pegasus did it.
Me: An appropriate bad guy response.
Strawberry: When Beorn decided to fulfill his father's calling.


What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
Beorn: *stays silent*
Me: Don't make me force you--
Beorn *is unintimidated*
Me: *sigh* Whatever. I, as your author, can force you to talk. *scribbles an answer*
Beorn: That I hate everyone and everything in--
Me: *borrows Lady Eruwaedhiel's mute button*
Orome: Um... I'm dead.
Me: Good point. Was there anything you didn't want someone to find out before you died?
Orome: I suppose I didn't want people to find out a pegasus has chosen me as a companion.
Me: Good enough.
Jay: That-- Wait a minute... What is my evil plan again?
Me: Um... I haven't figured that out yet. Next!
Strawberry: I don't understand the question. As a servant of the Creator what should I hide?
Me: Eh... your status makes you too complicated: you'll give people headaches. Next question!


Name some things that you're not very good at.
Me: *continues to make Beorn respond*
Beorn: Controlling my temper and hiding my feelings. Wait! I've done a good job so far!
Me: Barely. Do you realize how many times you've come close to being murdered these years?
Beorn: Well--
Me: Nevermind.
Orome: Hm... I suppose you should give me some sort of weakness...
Me: Probably. Well, you're dead... Maybe you just have a hard time staying alive?
Orome: *skeptical look* I managed to stay alive almost thirty years of my life.
Me: Eh... Good point. Why do you have to make more sense than your author?
Orome: I wouldn't say that, after all you wrote me.
Me: I rest my case. ...I think.
Jay: Not good at something?
Me: Another consistent bad guy answer. Nevermind, I'll answer for you. He's not good at keeping his temper.
Jay: *steams*
Strawberry: Well, I don't have thumbs--
Me: I can see where you're going with this. Bad answer, but whatever.


What are you afraid of?
Beorn: That I might do something that my father would disapprove of.
Orome: I'm dead.
Me: *sigh* What were you afraid of before you died?
Orome: Oh. I was afraid that my son might be taken from me as well.
Jay: That a pegasus might foil my evil plan... whatever that is...
Strawberry: Dying.

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?
Beorn: To see my father again.
Me: Can't you pick something realistic?
Beorn: Um... to become closer to my father.
Jay: For my evil plan to come into fruition!!! ...whatever it is...
Me: *sigh* You need a lot of work.
Strawberry: To be used by my creator.


That was a lot of fun, and I fixed one of my plot holes!

Awesome! That was pretty funny.

I now have another character I wish to interview: Maf.

What is your happiest memory?
Maf: I can't decide whether it was when I married Halli, or when my little daughter was born. Maybe it was when Halli told me she was expecting.


What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
Maf: That I'm interested in the Morancian's God.


Name some things that you're not very good at.
Maf: Hmmm... learning new languages, cooking, sword-fighting...
Me: I think you're pretty good at sword fighting.
Maf: Not as good as I'd like to be.


What are you afraid of?
Maf: I...want to be able to protect my family, make sure things go well for them. My deepest fear is that something will take me away from them, and I won't be able to take care of them anymore.


What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?
Maf: To earn my father-in-law's respect, thus earning more respect from my wife. I want to prove myself worthy of respect and trust.


Wow, that really helped me to flesh Maf out.

I think this is a very good character development exercise.

It is rather helpful. I like to use it when I get stuck on dialogue for a specific character, for some reason it helps.

*laughs* I can see how it would help.

Alrighty, I am now going to interview my villain, Machre. Say hello, Machre.

Machre: Hello.

Me: Now, sir, What is your happiest memory?

Machre: Probably when my mother let me play in the mud one time.

Me: What don't you want anyone to find out about you?

Machre: What makes you think I would tell you?

Me: Um, I'm your author?

Machre: If you must know, then, it would be better for my career if no one found out about all the frogs I tortured when I was a boy. Ladies don't go for that sort of thing, you know.

Me: Believe me, I know. Now, Name some things that you're not very good at.

Machre: I'm not very good at concealing my glee when I'm given permission to kill someone.

Me: Oookaaaay. So. What are you afraid of?

Machre: Nothing.

Me: That's not true!

Machre:

Me: Machre, answer this question or...or...

Machre: Fine. I enjoy killing others, but I'm afraid of being killed.

Me: Thank you! Now. What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?

Machre: To have enough power to be able to do anything I want to do. That would be wonderful.

Me: And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. My villain. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to make him leave now, because he kind of scares me...

Machre:

Questions:

What is your happiest memory?
Fyrstar - There was a day when I was young, you know, back before all of this happened, that Nytstar took me for a walk down along the edge of the forest. It was almost dark, so it was just the moon shining on us, and nothing else mattered in all of the world...
Kiva - Justyn and I were young, and it was after our parents were murdered...we had no where to turn, but several months after their death, one day we were walking through the woods when we found this one spot in the middle of this dense forest where there was nothing but sunlight on a tiny pool of water. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
Alleyni - I suppose I couldn't decide on just one, but I guess any time that I'm running, especially along the ocean when I visit Corrina...the waves hit my feet and I just run along the sand, as fast as my legs will carry me. It's like with every wave that crashes on the sand, I jump forward.

What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
Fyrstar - Everyday, a little part of me wishes I wouldn't have stayed firm. Some days are worse than others...some days, I hate myself, and I wish I would have just ran away with him. Everyone acts like I'm so strong, when I'm really hating myself a little bit every single day.
Kiva - There's a reason I hate it when Inver touches me...
Alleyni - I'm not telling you.

Name some things that you're not very good at.
Fyrstar - Standing up for myself.
Kiva - It's so hard to just be honest with him...I don't want to hurt anyone...but I hate keeping this lie.
Alleyni - Everything...sometimes it's hard to remember what I am good at.

What are you afraid of?
Fyrstar - If he came back, I don't know what I would do. Maybe, I could forgive him...but I'm not sure if I could handle the pressure of facing him again.
Kiva - If anyone ever comes near me like that again...
Alleyni - Being trapped...being somewhere where I can't run away and escape.

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?
Fyrstar - I want to remember a time when pain wasn't the only thing that is a reality. I want to see what the real purpose behind all of this is.
Kiva - I want all of these children to grow up safe, somewhere where we aren't chased and persecuted.
Alleyni - I just want to be me...no expectations, no one standing over my shoulder telling me I'm wrong or I'm not what they think I should be.

Cool characters, Fyrstar.

Yeah, I have an excerpt of one posted underneath excerpts (duh) under the title of Hope Held =) Thank you!

Wow, that's really gripping, Hannah! * goes to find said excerpt *

What is your happiest memory?
Mordir: Besides surviving my first assassination attempt? Getting married.
Me: OK... moving on.

What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
Mordir: Wha... nevermind. My real name.

Name some things that you're not very good at.
Mordir: Following orders when they go against my better judgment and values. Keeping an even temper, keeping from killing anyone who destroys the said even temper-
Me: OK, that's good enough. Next.

What are you afraid of?
Mordir: Being alone for too long... and possibly dying.

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?
Mordir: A safe environment for my family.

Well, I now know things I never knew about him before. That's cool.

This ones a little bit long, but hey, I learned a lot! XD

What is your happiest memory?
Danko: When everything was normal, and there was no magic.
Me: You don't like magic!?!?!?!?!?!
Daniel: I have none.
Me: You don't Are you sure?
Daniel: You created me, of coarse I don't.
Me: Yes, you do. Think of the end of the book.
Daniel: I'm not there yet.
Me: You aren't?
Daniel: You need to start on it first!
Me: Oh, yeah. Moving on.
What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
Danko: Do I have to answer?
Me: Yes.
Daniel: I'll go first. That I was a deadly government agent.
Danko: Not as bad as me. I became an assasain, killed a whole lot of innocent people without me knowing it, nearly doomed the world, and that I had a crush on a girl who had a boyfriend
Name some things that you're not very good at.
Daniel: Remembering anything! You made us, why are you asking us questions, when you already know the answer?
Me: Because.
Danko: Making smart decisions.
What are you afraid of
Daniel: The past.
Danko: Uh...Ah......Hm.....Nothing?
Me: Danko!
Danko: The bad guys.
ME:
What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?
Daniel: To get my memories back.
Danko: To have a life.
Daniel: Danko, at least you can remember when you had a life!
Danko: Good point. But at least you don't remember all of your mistakes.
Daniel: Oh really?
Me: Break it up, break it up. You guys are in different books. So please, focus on that.
Daniel/Danko: Fine!

These are so fun, aren't they, Danko?

That they are.

I'm trying something new, I'm going to ask my MC's Questions about there previous answers:

Me: Why don't you want people to know that?
Daniel: Because, because, people treat you differently, they treat you like some monster.
Me: And why is that?
Daniel: I've cold blooded killed over 100 men and women, you'd treat me the same way if you didn't create me like that. Can you change that for me
Me: I ask the questions!
Daniel: Fine. *Is grumpy*

Me:
Ummmm, I'm not sure if all of that is true, you did kill innocent people, but it help every else in the end, and you didn't nearly doom the world And why are you ashamed for crushing on a girl?!?!?!?!
Danko: She had a Boyfriend
Me: That's okay, you've liked her since you where what, two?
Danko: Three, but still.....
Me: That's okay.
Danko: Okay.

Me: You remember stuff
Daniel: Only a few things.
Me: At least it's a start.
Daniel: Good point.

Me: Like what?
Danko: Running away, betraying my friends, hey why did you come up with such a dark storyline?
Me:It's not dark, you only remember the dark parts.
Danko: Well I hope it gets better.
Me: It will.

And there you go, that's the interview! Hope you all enjoyed it, sorry about it's length.

I love this idea! * is going to try it soon *

I'm dragging in Jayson, Shawn (yes, she is a girl), Jaimie (also a girl!) and Lars.


Jayson: ... "Tough call."
Me: "Okay, memories."
Jayson: "Nothing jumps to mind... Except that one time..."
Me: "Care to share that with us?"
Jayson: "Um, not really."
Me: =P

Shawn: "Best memory? Or happiest?"
Me: "Fine. Best."
Shawn: "Probably the last time I spent with Kurt, my brother."
Me: "Oh."

Jaimie: "Christmas when I was three."
Me: "Really?"
Jaimie: * smiles * "Yeah. I love looking at the pictures. And I was so happy. I still remember my white dress. I felt like an angel wearing it. And we got a star to put on the top of the tree. I remember Daddy holding me up so I could put it up."

Lars: "Probably when I was ten. Building a rocket with Jayson. Actually, that was a great summer. We went swimming, and camping, and caught fireflies."


Me: "Let's start with someone other than Jayson, so that he might actually answer this one..."

Shawn: "I don't want anyone to find out that my parents died. Don't want to talk about it. I don't want them to know how much I want to find out, that it still bothers me."
Me: "This book has dark characters...." o.o

Lars: "That I wish I had taken action when I didn't."

Jaimie: "That I don't know what to think about the War. I wish it never happened!"

Jayson: "That I've made a lifelong enemy. I can handle him on my own."


Me: "Note that YOU are supposed to name what YOU are not good at, not what someone else isn't good that, okay?"
* characters mumble assent *

Shawn: "I'm not very good at cooking, arguing with most people I know well, and cats."

Lars: "I'm not good at ironing clothes, stopping arguments, or making choices."
Me: "What profession are you in, again?"
Lars: =P
Me: "I might need to change that, then..."

Jaimie: "Staying out of an argument. Letting others defend themselves. Not interrupting."
Me: "Yeah, that seems about rig- never mind."

Jayson: "Looking before I leap. Being patient. Sitting still for more than 10 minutes at a time. Toasting bagels."
Me: "Oo-kayyy..."


Jaimie: "Loving, losing people I care about, what might be up ahead, and change."

Shawn: "I'm afraid that...I'm not enough. That people will find out how I feel, and reject it."

Jayson: "I'm not afraid. I just don't want to miss anything."

Lars: "I'm not answering this question."
Me: o.0 "You, of all characters?"
Lars: "I'm not answering."
Me: "Um...okay?"
Lars: "Other people can read this. No."
Me: o.o * covers other characters' ears so they don't hear that *


Shawn: "Yes... I dream things I can't consciously remember. Not often, though."

Jaimie: "Not really, except for the recurring dream I had when I was 7 about the dinosaurs, and twice I dreamed about that day we came home from school..."

Lars: "No. I don't have nightmares when I sleep."
Me: "As opposed to..."
Lars: * shrugs vaguely *

Jayson: "No."
Me: "In the possible sequel you probably do."
Jayson: "Oh, wonderful. Those aren't simple 'bad dreams,' are they?"
Me: "No..."

[/quote][/quote]
Shawn: * pinks *
Me: ...
Shawn: * quickly * "I want to know what happened to my parents."

Jayson: "Okay, this one I'll answer. Busting bad guys."
Me:

Lars: "To be more patient."
Me: "Wow. You're already pretty good at that."
Lars: "Oh, I don't know that..."
Me: =)

Jaimie: "To have the people I love be safe. To know they won't get hurt."

Ooh, this looks like fun!
Phaidra: Oh, no! Not more interview question!
Murren: *Gives an exasperated sigh*
Me: Okay, hush you two!

What is your happiest memory?
Phaidra: Anything that didn't have you in it.
Me: Phaidra! You're not supposed to say that!
Phaidra: Okay, okay. Give me a couple of minutes to come up with something.
Me: Fine then. Murren?
Murren: Happiness, hmmm. After my kind of past, you honestly expect me to have happy memories?
Me: Alright, Murren. I'll excuse you from this one.
Phaidra: That's not fair!
Murren:

What don't you want anyone to find out about you?
Phaidra: Not telling.
Me: You two are impossible!
Murren: Maybe you should take a second look at what you are asking. That should answer the question for you.
Me: Alright, moving on...

Name some things that you're not very good at.
Murren: Archery, sympathizing, this interview...
Phaidra: This one is easy enough. I'm not good with a sword and I'm not very patient. Let's see, what else? Oh, and I don't like to talk to people.
Me: Yay! Now we're actually getting somewhere.

What are you afraid of?
Phaidra: Tight spaces.
Murren: I'm not allowed to be afraid of anything.

What do you really, REALLY want more than anything else in the world?
Murren: For this interview to be over with.
Phaidra: Agreed.
Me: That's not an answer...
Phaidra: Fine, then! I just want to be free from the expectations of what my life will become.
Murren: You mean I actually have to answer this ?
Me: *Nods*
Murren: Alright. *Mumbles* I just want to see Cealach pay for putting people through so much truama .

And there you go! Sorry about the length, my characters tend to have a hard time being cooperative.

Shawn. Me wants your book. ^^