Stella writes…

Dear Michelle Paver,

I know I’ve written to you twice before. The first time I asked you whether there would be a TV series or not. Second time I asked you who of all the villains you’ve created you thought was the most well written. I know you’ve said that Wolf is your favorite character and I understand you. He is mine as well. I love him so much. He’s so brave and loyal. I am jealous of Torak for having pack-brother like that.

However I want to ask you the opposite question is there any character from Chronicles of Ancient Darkness who you hate or at least dislike? Personally I’m not too fond of Thiazzi and I guess due to his sadism, he’s not meant to be liked. What about you?

Hallo, Stella…

I’m really glad that Wolf is your favourite character – and like you, I also dislike Thiazzi; although as you say, I didn’t create him to be likeable!  It might surprise you to learn that one character I particularly dislike is Durrain, the Red Deer Mage.  She’s really quite passive, and yet her attitude to other clans is rather superior; for instance, when she tells Torak and Renn that “The Red Deer never fight”. Of course, not fighting is on many occasions quite praiseworthy; but not always.  I mean, if Renn and Torak and all the others clans had taken that approach, then the Soul-Eaters would have walked all over them.  Of course, as with Thiazzi, Durrain’s annoyingness was deliberate on my part.  I didn’t intend people to love her; although at times she can also be quite admirable.  I enjoyed creating someone who is outwardly good, but really rather irritating at times – at least, to me!

With very best wishes, Michelle