Library of Characters: Emily Rose

Hello! I’m Emily Rose, a writer ( obviously) rainy day lover, and bookworm! I write in a wide genre of topics, though staying in the fiction range. Currently I’m working on a contemporary novel, as well as a medieval trilogy, though there are also a few short stories in the works. Thanks for including me in this event!

---

Introduce your antagonist to me—who is he? What story is he from?

You know that medieval trilogy I mentioned earlier? Well, the villain I’m introducing here is from that series: Chronicles of Lonicera. His name is the The Great King Aldred, ruler of Lonicera and the surrounding provinces.

What is his personality?

King Aldred has a will of iron. His loves are few, but the main one is power. He is swayed, though he would never admit it, by certain prejudices, which prove a blind spot when he is faced with opinions opposed to his. He has the mien of a king, proud, strong, and capable of anything.

Give a synopsis of his past

He ascended to the throne at the age of sixteen, and has remained there since, marrying a beautiful woman and fathering four children.

What gave/gives you inspiration for him?

Hmm, that’s hard to say! I guess many of the villains I’ve read about and watched onscreen have played a part in the character of King Aldred. But I can’t point to one definitively.

---

(One note: the “father” referred to in the quotes is the villain I am introducing.)

I knew that any delay in completing my quest was a mark struck against me in my father’s estimation. And the noblemen were no doubt also losing patience, though they would not show it before my father.

---

How has his past shaped the villain he is now?

He’s always been accustomed to having his own way. When that doesn’t happen, he has no qualms about inflicting vengeance on those who oppose him. He was never taught that that was a bad thing to do.

Does he see himself as a villain?

I would say no. he would have no scale to go by. In his world, he is the best man.

Does he work alone? Or does he have ‘henchmen.’

Well, he is the king, so naturally he has servants, guards, soldiers, and villagers that do his bidding.

Who is his arch nemesis, and why?

He has a deep hatred of Lethreans. Though I can’t go into details without giving out spoilers.

What is his favorite and least favorite part of being a villain?

Well, since he doesn’t think of himself as a villain, I’m not sure he could answer this one.

---

“My father led the way, traveling through the early summer grasses and weaving between the large boulders. I had always been fascinated by the large stones. In fact, when I was a very young child I had climbed to the very top of one, when my nursemaid had brought me out upon the downs and lost sight of me.

   Unfortunately I had fallen from the top of the rock and broken my arm. I had healed well, but that was the end of any respectable position of work for the nursemaid. My father had made sure of that, having the woman’s hair shorn like a man’s and adding a brand to her hand. “C” for carelessness. It had been ingrained into the young minds of us children that this was the appropriate response when a servant did not perform as they should.”

---

What is his greatest struggle or fear?

King Aldred acknowledges no fear, though he does have a sinking feeling, at odd moments, that death would strip him of his power.

What is he most afraid of losing?

He fears losing his throne above all else. Though he really does love his wife. He would regret very much losing her, or his eldest son.

What does he want most? What is his ultimate motive?

Power, as I’ve made clear in previous answers. His kingly world has narrowed to that of power and how he can gain it.

---

“Their backs were to me. I saw that my mother had her head leaning on my father’s shoulder, and his strong arm was encircled about her shoulders protectively.

    For a moment I just stared. I had never seen my parents show very much affection to each other. But here they were, seated together, carrying on a conversation.

---

Character Appearance:

Hair?  Eyes? Height?

Opinions on ice cream vs. cake? Other?

Cold, calculating blue eyes. A face that looks as if it was carved in granite, softened only a by a light beard. A heavy golden crown resting on curly black hair. He deigns not to give his opinion on cake nor ice cream. Dessert is for the weak.

---

His gaze was mild enough, but I saw, or thought I saw, an iron will hiding in the depths of them. He was one to have his way. By any means.