Writer Wednesday: Why These People?

For me, nothing drives the narrative of a story so much as strong, realistic characters. The people in my stories all matter to the tale, no matter how minor the role.All to often I read stories where the narrative is diminished due to a lack of believable characters. Erotic fiction in particular tends to focus purely on the characters who are going to have sex with each other. Real life is full of real people who may be secondary to our individual story, but never the less they have a part to play and they enrich the story by their presence.I'd like to introduce you to the characters who populate Taking The Gardener, starting with Tom and Eric, the two main characters.It would come as no surprise to those who know me that all my characters are based on real people. Some are modelled directly on particular individuals, while others are a blend of characteristics from several different people who I have met, known, liked or loved. I am sure that some of my friends will recognise elements of themselves in the book. Hopefully they'll accept my use of them as a sincere form of flattery!Before starting the book I wrote out character sheets for each ‘cast member’. These are working documents and so are subject to change as the work progresses.First is Eric, the main character in our story. The story is also told from his point of view, which leads to a particular challenge: all the other characters can be described from his point of view, but of course you cannot have him describe himself. Our image of Eric has to be derived from his behavior and what others say to him. Here's the original character sheet  I made when I first started writing him:

Eric Broderick - Main character, viewpoint character.Recently moved to Pittlesburne after death of his parents. Young professional (Lawyer) from London. ‘Looking for something in life, but not knowing what’ archetype.Issues to address: Experienced in S/M.  Former relationships (if any)?D.O.B. 1/8/1984Sexuality: Gay 100% top/MasterDescription: 6’2” (188cm) Short light brown hair, green eyesPowerful swimmers build, Broad shoulders, slim waist, powerful defined chest, cropped light chest hair, muscled arms and legs, washboard stomach. Round hard ass, thick 9” cockDress: Casual - Ralph Lauren polo shirts, Levi 501 jeans, Hooded sweatshirts, Timberland BootsSmart - Plain coloured RL button down shirt, Beige Chino’s, Sports jacket, Brown boat shoesPlay (?) - Leather Jeans, Leather shirt, Black DM bootsEducation: London primary and secondary schools, Graduated in Law from Sheffield UniversityHobbies: Reading, Photography, Wine, BDSM Sex.Tired of London gay ‘scene’ (Queens, bitchy, shallow, impersonal, drug driven). Likes hard sex including Domination and control but does not think that has to be impersonal nor uncaring.

Of course with the second character, Tom, we get a much quicker image because we meet him through Eric’s eyes. Here's his character sheet:

Tom BestwickLove interest. ‘Desires a Master/slave relationship, but in denial about it’ archetype. Lived in the village his entire life.Issues to address: Straight/gay/submissive?Name: Tom BestwickD.O.B. 16/7/1988Sexuality: Bi-Curious SubmissiveDescription: 5’7” (170cm), Straight med length floppy blonde hair. Blue eyes,Stocky muscular build. Powerful defined chest, arms, legs and 6-pack abs. Smooth skinned apart from blonde trail from navel to pubes, round dimpled ass, 7” cock.Dress: Casual - T shirts, Check shirts, Cargo shorts, Jeans, Rugby shirts, Trainers.Smart (bought for him by Eric when they are in London) - Polo shirts, Chinos, Boat shoes.Play - Leather collar, Jockstraps, Leather shorts, Boot socks, Black boots.Education: Local schools Left at 16 with few qualificationsHobbies: Gardening, Rugby, Drawing (keeps quiet about it), Computer gaming.

Next time I'll talk a bit about some of the side characters, and also the shock of meeting a fully formed character who I had not planned at all!