Monday, April 17, 2017

Dual Character Inquisition Tag - Larke and Marigold



Hello, my lovelies! I hope you all had a blessed Easter yesterday!


Today I’m doing something fun. About 34543998 years ago (or a few months, but who’s counting?) I was tagged by Kate @ Story and Dark Chocolate for the Dual Character Inquisition Tag. Then, just recently, Tracey @ Adventure Awaits also tagged me for it. I’m sure all of you are aware that I’m the worst about never getting around to tags (which is odd, because I love tags! I am a paradox, guys), but this one I just had to do. Because, hello? IT’S ABOUT CHARACTERS. And you all know fictional characters is my favorite subject on this planet or any other.


The gist of this tag is that you choose two of your own characters and answer the questions about them, include a picture of them, and pass the tag on to 3 more bloggers. Simple, right? Buuuut, me being me, I can’t help but shake it up a bit.


Instead of me answering the questions about my characters, I’m going to let them do it. Annnd of course I couldn’t choose two cordial characters to toss together. Oh no. That’d be boring.


For the tag I’m thrusting together Larke and Marigold from Burning Thorns. For those who don’t know, Marigold is Rose’s (my main female character) sister and, erm, “brat” is probably the best word to describe her. Then Larke is…how does one explain Larke? He’s a mischievous fae who causes all sorts of trouble for the other characters (andmayormaynotbemyfavorite). Watching loud and fiery Marigold and cocky, impish Larke interact was probably my favorite bits to write in Burning Thorns.


But enough babbling from me. It’s time for you to meet them for yourselves!



Who inspired this character?

Me: Okay, actually, I’m gonna answer this questions myself before I hand things over to them.


My characters are very rarely inspired by anyone specific. I don’t think I’ve ever just “planned” a character. They just…are. They pretty much always pop in my head fully formed. With Marigold, I knew I needed a couple of older sisters for Rose (since this is a Beauty and the Beast retelling), and Marigold, the sulky middle sister, just happened.


With Larke, when I was about to expand the novella of Burning Thorns into a novel, I knew I wanted to add a character. About 2.5 seconds after this thought, Larke was there waving at me with that cocky sideways smile of his. And he hasn’t left me alone since…


OKAY. Now they’re going to answer the questions.

 

What is your weapon of choice?

Marigold: I—


Larke: Marigold uses her tongue. She can talk people to an early grave.


Marigold: Hey! You interrupted me!


Larke: It’s the only way to get a word in. Oh, but wait, I forgot, she’s also fond of smacking certain people with her parasol. *rubs shoulder, grimacing* There was also that one time she threw perfectly good fruit at me. Really, it’s dangerous to have any inanimate objects in her reach.


Marigold: I wish I had a big heavy stick in my reach right now and a bullseye on your forehead.


Larke: See? She’s a monster.


Marigold: Well, what about you? You’re the one that steals peoples' memories and curiosity and who knows what else with your— *waves a hand in the air* shadowy abilities.


Larke: *smiles*

 

Have you ever been physically violent with someone else? What instigated it?

Larke: Aha, look at that, I’ve already answered this question. Parasols, fruit. And she hit me with a cushion once. Let’s also not forget the time she right-out slapped me.


Marigold: You deserved far worse than that! And you all want to know what instigated it? Larke! Him just breathing instigates violence.


Larke: *clutches chest* See? I told you all. Her tongue is her weapon. She got me right to the core.


Marigold: Oh, stop being dramatic. How many times have you been physically violent, hm?


Larke: I’m perfectly well-mannered, thank you.


Marigold: You? *bursts into laughter*


Larke: What?


Marigold: *keeps laughing*


Larke: Seriously. Tell me once you witnessed me be physically violent?


Marigold: *laughter stops abruptly* Well…I…


Larke: Mh-hm. See?


Marigold: Well, that’s probably because you use much worse methods to harm people!


Larke: *opens mouth* *closes it again*


Marigold: He’s the absolute worst, people.


Larke: *mutters something about tongues being weapons*

 

Are you more of a rule-follower or a rebel?

Marigold: Hahaha! Larke as a rule-follower? That’s hilarious!


Larke: *merely shrugs* Rules are meant to be broken, that’s the only use for them. Besides, you’re not exactly Miss Rule-follower yourself.


Marigold: I do too follow the rules! I’m a lady.


Larke: *this time he bursts into laughter*


Marigold: It’s true! Ugh, you’re obnoxious.

 

What kind of child were you? Curious? Wild? Quiet? Devious?

Larke: Oh, oh! Let me guess this one for you. You were the perfectly quiet, out of the way, contented child, yes?


Marigold: *face turns red* And I bet you weren’t devious or rotten or rude or naughty.


Larke: I imagine you never once had a big mouth.


Marigold: And you minded your parents every single day.


Larke: I’m just positive you never had a tantrum every single time someone told you no. If you’ve ever been told no.


Marigold: Your nickname was probably Angel Child.


Larke: People most likely feared you were mute you were so quiet.


Marigold: Other children’s parents envied your parents for having such a perfect little boy.


Larke: *grins* Wow. We know each other so well.


Marigold: *bites lips, eyes twinkling, as if stifling a smile*

 

Where would you go to relax and think?

Marigold: My favorite place is our gardens. It’s quiet and smells nice and makes me think of Mother…


Larke: Mmm. I have lots of places in the Forest to retreat to. But I’m not going to publicly announce my favorite little haunts. But relaxing and thinking isn’t something I do often. I’d much rather be out doing things.


Marigold: *snorts* Thinking is definitely not something you do often.


Larke: ….
I guess I set myself up for that one.


Marigold: *smirks*

 

Do you have a temper?

Larke: Do I even need to say it for her?


Marigold: Hush!


Larke: Nope. I don’t. While I, for one, have a very mellow temper. *casts her a smug smile* You can never get to me, dear.


Marigold: Ugh!

 

Would you be more likely to face your fears or run from them?

Larke & Marigold: *shares an uncomfortable glance*


Larke: *clears throat* Let’s give an alternate option: Make your fears disappear completely so you never have to face them.


Marigold: *mutters under her breath* Coward.


Larke: Oh? So sulking in your room every time something bad happens is the answer?


Marigold: Can we just go to the next question, please?

 

When you are upset, do you turn to other people or isolate yourself?

Marigold: I use to go to Mother but… Well, I suppose I’d rather just be by myself.


Larke: Oh dear. The world is about to freeze over or something dramatic because, for once, we actually agree. Why would I ever put my trust in someone else when I have myself? I know of no one better to rely on.


Marigold: I can think of a few million people better.

 

Say 3 things about where you live (as broad or specific as you like).

Marigold: Well, first things first, I live in Mendar, which is the capitol city of the kingdom of Cantrelle where—


Larke:
Shadows alive, don’t give Marigold permission to be as broad and specific as she likes! We’ll be here ‘til the end of time!


Marigold: Will you stop interrupting me!


Larke: I told you, it’s the only way to get a word in. And I’m trying to save these poor people from hearing endless facts about your boring human kingdom.


Marigold: I like my kingdom! But fine, if you’re going to be that way, then you tell three facts about my home, because I have a few things to say about yours.


Larke: What’s there to say? There are humans, not nearly enough trees, and too many buildings that are square and entirely uninteresting.


Marigold: Well, his home is in the Forest which is always dark, full of hideous creatures and things trying to kill you for absolutely no reason, and has too many trees that move which is far too unnatural and creepy. Then there’s that awful river constantly trying to drown anyone that gets near it. And the shadows move. Not to mention it’s way too cold—


Larke: I think we’re getting way past three things.


Marigold: Like you would even know. You’re the worst at counting.


Larke: Hey, it’s not my fault numbers are slithery little things.


Marigold: You’re slithery.


Larke: Excuse me?


Marigold: You’re slithery, like a snake. Devious and cunning and awful.


Larke: You think I’m cunning? I’m flattered.


Marigold: Ugh!


~ ~ ~


Ooookay! I think I should stop it there or they’ll be at it all day.


Well…it could have gone worse? At least they didn’t try to murder one another, that’s a plus!


SO. Passing this thing on to 3 other bloggers!


TAGGING


Skye @ Ink Castles | Savannah @ Scattered Scribblings | Victoria @ Wanderer's Pen | + absolutely ANYONE ELSE who wants to do it because this tag is way too much fun!



Here are the original questions for your convenience:


-Who inspired this character?
-What is their weapon of choice?
-Have they ever been physically violent with someone else? What instigated it?
-Are they more of a rule-follower or a rebel?
-What kind of child were they? Curious? Wild? Quiet? Devious?
-Where would they go to relax and think?
-Do they have a temper?

-Would they be more likely to face their fears or run from them?

-When they are upset, do they turn to other people or isolate themselves?

-Say 3 things about where your character lives (as broad or specific as you like).

 

Whew! We survived this without too much violence (one can never tell with these two). Soooo…what did you think of Larke and Marigold? They’re um…yeah.

35 comments:

  1. This was great! Your characters are so creative. I need to work on my characters and get them in shape so that if I were ever to do an interview like this, it wouldn't be boring or painful.
    thefloridsword.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you!!!

      That's what's so fantastic about these interviews, is that they HELP shape the character and make them feel even more real. I've learned that the character just takes over after a while, and I don't even have to come up with the answers. Character interviews are a ton of fun!

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  2. I can't tell you how excited I get for Monday's! Your post are so great

    This was so much fun to read! Larke and Marigold are sooooo cute XD
    Burning Thorns just gets better and better... And more impossible to wait for *bursts into tears*

    Excellent post :)

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    1. Well I just... WELL. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO RESPOND TO THAT NICENESS. Thank you!!! I'm so glad. I feel like most of the time my posts are all over the place and nonsensical. XD

      Hahaha! Thank you! They're...a mess for sure.
      D'awwww, you are the nicest! <3

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  3. THIS ENTIRE COMMENT IS GOING TO BE IN CAPS OBVIOUSLY.

    THEY ARE SO PRECIOUS AND ADORABLE AND GAH I JUST LOVE THEM TO DEATH!!!!!!

    ALSO DO I SMELL AS BIT OF A SHIP HERE?????? JUUUUUUST SAYIN...

    AND THEIR ANSWERS WERE AFHJJJHGFDSDGJKKJGDSSFH PERFECT!!!!!

    ALSO MARIGOLD IS SO REALISTIC I KNOW ABOUT FIVE DOZEN PEOPLE JUST LIKE THAT AND THE DIALOGUE ---- LIKE DUDE DID YOU STEAL THIS CONVERSATION FROM REAL LIVED PEOPLE OR SOMETHING????

    ALSO LARKE'S FOREST I WANT TO LIIIIIIVE THERE, OKAY???? IT SOUNDS LOVELY.

    POOR BABIES, THEY BOTH SOUND SO LONELY...

    AND WHO DO THEY KNOW EACH OTHER SO WELLL????? THE INTRIGUE...

    OKAY IM DONE NOW I THINK...

    LOVED THIS TO PIECES, CHRISTINE YOU SHOULD DO MORE POSTS ABOUT YOUR BOOKS AND CHARACTERS!!!! HINT HINT HINT...

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    1. OH MY GRACIOUS ALIVE. YOUR COMMENT!
      THIS HAS MADE. MY. DAY.

      I AM SO HAPPY YOU LIKED THIS SO MUCH!!! It makes me very, very satisfied to hear Marigold is realistic! That's always the writer's goal of course. And no, the dialogue was all them. I just let them have at it. XD I basically never use dialogue from real life, or people from real life for that matter. My characters just...are. I'm not one to use real life stuff much. That's boring. XD

      I love how you want to live in the Forest, even after Marigold's disgusted description of it. XD It is an interesting place! ...If you can stay alive.

      You really want me to post more about my books???? I thought I did that a little TOO much and bore you guys. WELL. THIS JUST MAKES ME HAPPY.

      THIS WHOLE *COMMENT* MAKES ME RIDICULOUSLY HAPPY. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    2. Yes, yes! They were amazing! Haha, yeah, I didn't think you ACTUALLY stole this conversation for real life, it's just that it was so very natural and flowing. They have great chemistry. ;)

      It sounds so exciting!!! And mysterious!! And just ahhhh!!!

      No, no!! Tell us all the things about writing and your stories and your precious little muffins of characters!!

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  4. Haha. They're a pair. XD Thanks so much for tagging me! I've seen this tag go around and I was hoping I'd get picked! Tee hee!

    storitorigrace.blogspot.com

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    1. They are that for sure. XD

      You're so welcome! I'm very, very happy you wanted the tag! That worked out! :D (It's always so hard choosing what tag to give to who.) This tag actually made me think of you because you do such awesome character interviews! Plus, I just love hearing about your characters!

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  5. OMGOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the BESTEST EVER!!!!!!!!!!! I love these two so MUCH!!!!!!!! O_________O
    I don't know how you do it, but your book is going WONDERFULLY!!!!!!
    I want to read your book so much!!! Imma be your first reader. I PROMISE! <3
    Thanx so much for the delightful post! I will use this interview for my characters.

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    1. AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! THANK YOU!!! :D I don't even know what to saaaaay. Your comment just has me grinning so very much! :D :D :D

      And YES. Go right ahead and use this interview. They're really fun questions!

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    2. You're very, VERY welcome!!!!!!!
      Thank you! I've already used it (and a few more of my own questions) with one of my main characters, Hunter. :D
      "Numbers are slithery little things." lol

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    3. 'Tis quite! Hunter is quite an interesting and important character in my book. xD

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  6. Larke, is my favorite by far!!! Oh, I want to read your book already! I can't get over Larke:
    "You think I’m cunning? I’m flattered."
    "Nope. I don’t. While I, for one, have a very mellow temper. *casts her a smug smile* You can never get to me, dear."
    "It’s the only way to get a word in. Oh, but wait, I forgot, she’s also fond of smacking certain people with her parasol. *rubs shoulder, grimacing* There was also that one time she threw perfectly good fruit at me. Really, it’s dangerous to have any inanimate objects in her reach."
    ----- I could go on for HOURS if I could! You are such an amazing writer, Christine! I wish I could be as creative at writing as you! I just want to hug them both! They sound so sad....I think Larke is trying to cover up his feelings.
    I LOVE THEM!!!!! <333333333
    Annnnyway, I don't want to make this too long, so let's wrap it up:
    I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!!!! You should do more questions and answers for those characters. I was SO disappointed when you ended their naughty little conversations! :( *Hint, hint*



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    1. Hahaha! Larke does know how to make an impression. XD

      *flails all over the place* You just have no idea how happy your comment is making me!

      They may be a little sad sometimes... Ahem. They're good at putting on faces. But that's all I'm sayin'. *zips lips*

      THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF THIS!!!! And maaaybe I'll let them come back to answer more questions someday. ;D

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    2. He surely does.
      I'M GLAD I'M MAKING YOU HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <3
      Poor, poor children. :\
      YOU'RE SO WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, please do! I'll be waiting for more bits of Burning Thorns. :) *I LOVE YOUR POSTS SO DARN MUCH!!!!! .....and Larke! xD
      *clasps hands together and falls to knees*
      "May, I have some more?"

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    3. YOU ARE JUST SO NICE!!! I suspect Larke will appear on my blog quite a bit here and there for the next few YEARS. XD (But, tsk tsk. All your begging is giving him an even bigger head. That's just what he needs...)

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    4. THANK YOU!!!!!! My pleas moved you...xD
      Larke is quite mischievous...

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  7. GOODNESS. XD *laughs through this whole post* I loved this. So much hilariousness. I loved these characters and how they interact. -Makes me want to read their story even more. *nods*

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    1. *flails* Thank you, Jane!!! I had fun with this one. They're a mess. XD

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  8. I love those answers to the 5th and 6th question especially!

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    1. Lol! Thanks!

      #5 was my favorite, if I'm being honest. XD I think Larke and Marigold were having a bit too much fun answering for each other in that one too...

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  9. It is an understatement to say that I was VERY EXCITED when I saw the title of this post. LARKE AND MARIGOLD *hugs the small temperament children*. I want to go read Burning Thorns again now because I MISS THEM. They're so much fun, oh my goodness. Thank you for blessing the word with these marvelous characters xD. The answer to the last questions was the BEST. And thanks for tagging me! I'm excited to do this thing ;).

    ~ Savannah
    scattered-scribblings.blogspot.com

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    1. SAVANNAAAAH!!!! THANK YOU! I thought my beta-readers would especially enjoy this post. ;D

      MEEP. This is all so nice! Thank you so very much!

      And you're so welcome! It maaay be my sneaky way of hinting at your to tell us more about your characters because they all always sound so awesome. *coughity cough cough*

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  10. Oh my word, I LOVE Larke.

    *whispers* And I kind of ship him and Marigold, is that allowed? *end whispers*

    PS. I really want to read this book even MORE now.

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    1. Lol! He's a mess, that's for sure!

      Shipping any of my characters is definitely allowed. XDDD

      GAH. Thank you!!! That really encourages me. ^_^

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  11. Tagged for the Sunshine Blogger Tag!

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  12. *collapses* I finally have time to read thiiiis!!! :D

    The parasol though!

    "He’s the absolute worst, people." Ahaha. XD

    The "what kind of child were you" -- NOT A WORD OF TRUTH IN IT I'M SURE. XD

    "….
    I guess I set myself up for that one." OH MY GOODNESS. XD

    The fears one, though. o.o

    "I can think of a few million people better." ME TOO. XD

    THEY ANSWER THE QUESTIONS FOR EACH OTHER OH MY WORD. XD

    "full of hideous creatures and things trying to kill you for absolutely no reason" <-- this though. o.o

    "Larke: I think we’re getting way past three things.
    Marigold: Like you would even know. You’re the worst at counting.
    Larke: Hey, it’s not my fault numbers are slithery little things.
    Marigold: You’re slithery.
    Larke: Excuse me?" <---------OH MY WORD. THIS. THIS EXCHANGE IS THE BEST THING EVER. XDDDDD

    Basically I had so much fun reading this. XD These two are SO FUN to read about, which is hilarious because in a way they're so awful. :P But yes, at least they didn't kill anyone. And I LOVE that you had them answer the questions! That's always the best. :D Thank you for shariiiing! <3 (Goodness, now I miss their story. Thanks a lot. XD) "They're um... yeah." THOSE TWO THOUGH. WHAT EVEN WILL WE DO WITH THEM. *shakes head* XD

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    1. I AM LITERALLY SITTING HERE WITH THE BIGGEST, GOOFIEST GRIN ON MY FACE READING YOUR COMMENT. I'M SO HAPPY YOU ENJOYED THIS!!!

      I didn't intend for them to keep answering the questions for each other but it just...kept happening, so I went with it. XD They are so awful, which MAKES them fun for some reason. #WriterLogic I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT WE'LL DO WITH THEM.

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  13. Okay, you might say you take forever to get around to tags, but this time I took forever to get around to commenting on it! And it's something I tagged you for, too! XD

    BUT OH MY WORD, LARIGOLD IS ALIVE AND WELL. I'd forgotten how hilarious they are together! They bicker like siblings. I love 'em. XD <3333

    Ooooh, I loved the answer about how they respond to fear. The bickering just stopped and they both got super uncomfortable, ha.

    All of this--their chemistry, references to fruit throwing, the scary forest--brings back memories of Burning Thorns! I know life is crazy right now, but whenever the next draft is ready to send out... *wiggles eyebrows* You know where to find me. ;D

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    1. Actually I LIKE it when people comment on my older posts, because that means they're still being read. It makes me happy. ^_^

      Tehehehe. I don't know if I'd say Larigold is WELL, but it is alive. XDDD They DO bicker like siblings. Oh my word, they're so bad. *shakes head*

      Lolzy! Sometimes they're more alike than they think, though they'd NEVER admit it.

      MEEP. I'd looooove to have you on my beta team for the next draft as well! :D :D :D You are the BEST critique! Although...it may be very similar to the draft you read, and I know you're busy, so don't feel obligated to do it! Though it'll probably be NEXT year before I'm even ready to send it out for beta-ing again. o.o I think this time I'm gonna edit the whole thing and then send it out, instead of sending out each chapter as I edit it. So yeeeah, it'll be a little bit. Hee.

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    2. I actually feel the same way about older posts! It kind of feels like a friend sticking around after everyone's left the party, and you get to have a little chat alone. XD

      If not well, then at least alive. That counts for something! XDDD

      Awww, hooray!! I can't wait! Well, I suppose I can, because I definitely understand busy life and intensive editing. And if the next draft I read is similar to the previous, that's totally okay! I might be able to catch more of the big picture stuff that way, who knows? Sending it out all at once sounds good too. That way I can binge read/edit if I want. ;D But yes, take your time! There's no rush. After all, this book deserves the time and care to give it its best possible chance out there in the world! <333

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    3. That's a PERFECT illustration. Yes! It is like that! Lol.

      D'awwww! Thank you so much, Tracey. You are seriously the BEST. At this point, I don't know if the draft will be similar or totally different. I've been brainstorming some changes but can't decide, so...we will see! Haha. But anyways, thank you so much for the encouragement and wanting to beta again. It means the world to me! <3

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