The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
by C.S. Lewis
Character Construction:
The Influence of Role Models
Would your character be influenced by a close relative? Are there role-model relationships you can foster in your novel? Let’s look at some fairly huge examples.
Practically, the root plot of The Hunger Games by Susanne Collins is built around Katniss and her sister Prim’s relationship. Quote: “Promise me you’ll try to win, Katniss. Don’t let them starve.” – Primrose Everdeen
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis have the four Pevensie siblings form a bond between them, particularly Lucy and Edmund, to complete their adventures in Narnia. Quotes: Lucy: “But Aslan said we should help those in need, even if it’s dangerous.” Edmund: “I know… You’re right, Lucy. Let’s find a way to help him.”
A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin built a very complex dynamic between the Stark siblings, especially Arya, Sansa, and Jon Snow. These role-model moments shaped the political and personal intrigue of the series. Quote: “First lesson: stick them with the pointy end.” – Jon Snow to Arya Stark “Arya, I’m proud of you. You’ve become a skilled fighter.” – Jon Snow, acknowledging Arya’s growth and abilities.
The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski examines the father/daughter relationship as Geralt of Rivia and his adopted daughter, Ciri, share a deep bond and face numerous challenges together, with Geralt serving as Ciri’s protector and mentor. Quote: “Strength comes not from physical prowess alone, Ciri, but from wisdom and courage. Trust in yourself.” – Geralt of Rivia
The Influence of role models of characters within families often serves as additional dynamics to build stronger relationships. In fantasy novels, these role models might possess unique traits or abilities of courage, compassion, creativity, resilience, leadership, optimism, integrity, adaptability, perseverance, and empowerment, that inspire other family members. For example, a protagonist may look up to an older sibling who is brave and resourceful, shaping their own identity by aspiring to embody similar qualities.
Katniss demonstrates courage, compassion, leadership, perseverance, and empowerment as she becomes a symbol of hope and defiance for the people of Panem. Prim looks up to Katniss as a role model and draws strength from her example, particularly in moments of hardship and danger.
Lucy has courage, compassion, faith, curiosity, and optimism have a transformative effect on Edmund, helping him to grow and evolve as a character throughout the series. Her influence plays a crucial role in his redemption and eventual embrace of the values and ideals of Narnia.
Jon Snow’s traits of courage, compassion, independence, resilience, and sense of justice serve as powerful examples for Arya Stark, shaping her character development and guiding her actions throughout the series. His influence helps Arya to become a strong individual who is unafraid to forge her own path and stand up for what is right leading her to seek justice for those who have wronged her family and to stand up against injustice in the world.
Geralt’s traits of courage, compassion, independence, resilience, and sense of justice serve as powerful examples for Ciri, guiding her character, and shaping her actions as she navigates the complexities of the world around her. Geralt’s desire to protect the innocent influences Ciri’s own moral compass and sense of right and wrong.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
My sibling duo, Tara and Teng, children of the recently killed Sparrow, find themselves running for their lives in Sparrow’s Legacy, book 1 of Sparrow’s Trilogy. Teng, only 15 Ans, clearly defines his initial role as his sister’s little brother. He is a young, possible future king, of the country of Flarentine, his mother’s homeland. But in book 1 he looks up to his more experienced warrior sister Tara, at her mere 20 Ans, as a role model to survive the challenges they are facing.
They turned to find the others. A nearby inner courtyard exposed the others past the last wagon and beyond the brick walls. Jock stood, examining the leather straps for securing a small cart. Deng was explaining its buckle arrangement. Tara leaned against a wall. Her eyes met his as they stepped through the opening. He gave a nod, and she pushed herself upright.
He blinked to avoid smiling at the double wreaths of flowers dangling around and over her cloak.
“We are on guard duty for the open plains, but so are the locals. We’d better make sure they can at least defend themselves,” Chiri frowned as she whipped off her shawl and shook her hair out. Teng still found the brilliant white color fascinating, although his own was lighter than ever. Chiri grabbed a linen cloth and folded it in half, only to bend at the waist and drape the piece over her neck. With that secret twisting motion, only women knew, she secured a head wrap that covered her bright locks.
The growing man in him noticed the free and confident movement that her motions took. In the ease of capturing her hair, she allowed her powerful body to be defined, and he saw the fullness of her curves.
She grabbed her pack and redressed in the dark clothing he’d, so far, only seen her in, besides her disguise.
Tara coughed, pulling Teng’s attention. He only realized he was staring at the Flaritine woman, and a heated flush rose over his cheeks at his boldness and his never-ending fascination with the unique hair color.
Tara barely moved, her finger pointing to a bundle on the ground near her feet. His eyes caught the instruction, and he turned away from Chiri. He was to carry clothing and personal items. It was small enough. He was thankful, knowing he could grab his weapon or be able to move. To run if needed. His guilt at knowing Jock was to pull most of their belongings remained. The large man had insisted.
Teng walked to the pack, knelt, and ensured he sealed it shut and his strap was secure. Ducking under the thin leather he stood feeling a slight pull. He adjusted by pulling his shoulders forward and sliding the weight to center at his back. It was heavy, but not awful.
The Witcher series
by Andrzej Sapkowski
“The caravan is leaving at noon,” He informed her. “We will be at the back of the caravan.” He knew when he said ‘we’ he was implying himself, Melinda, and Jock. Deng will also be there. Probably out of sight, to keep his…companion… far enough away not to disturb any livestock. His sister, and Chiri, and the other city volunteers would walk up and down the train providing protection. He wouldn’t be able to see her after they split up.
His thoughts skittered toward the possibility, no, the imminence of an attack. He looked at her and wondered if she was as confident as she appeared. He felt unnerved. With a move that was becoming more familiar than he realized, he made sure his waist pocket was free from obstruction. “What do I…what should I do, Tara? I don’t…” He stuttered his anxiety. “Do we just stand and fight?” He raised his gaze to find his sister’s matching eyes looking him over. Her calm face of determination and that warrior confidence always made him better.
She reached out and straightened a twisted leather strap across his shoulder. “Just stay with Jock…and Deng. They both have more fighting experience. I might trust them in a fair fight.” She gave a small smile.
Teng snorted and rolled his eyes. More than once, both men swore that Tara could trust them, but her caustic and suspicious gaze had made them question whether she believed them. It was a running joke in the group nowadays.
“But this won’t be fair. The likes chasing us…we don’t understand, Teng. You do whatever you need to do to keep safe. You have skills, and …I have mine, but…”
His eyes widened. They’d yet to share their abilities with anyone but each other, an important confidence they held as they moved further and further from their home. But here she was, telling him to use his Skrying if needed. Do whatever it takes.
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I hope you enjoyed reading this writer’s blog discussion of how siblings or relatives play important role models in your writing structure. Intense or deeper relationships are really good for showing contrast and complementing each other. If you liked this blog, please be sure to sign up for future blogs on my site jlnichauthor.com
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JL Nich, Science Fiction Fantasy Author
