Character Development – A Journey of Discovery

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By Christine Clemetson, guest blogger

When creating characters, one technique for some authors is to do extensive character development before the actual writing of the story. Before beginning the story, the author knows why the characters act a certain way and how they would react in many different scenarios. For me, developing the characters for “A Daughter’s Promise” unfolded over the course of the story. Starting out, I knew the characters names, physical attributes, and I had a raw sketch of their personalities. But I waited until I was actually telling the story, and actually put them into the setting, to let their full character types emerge. This became a journey of incredible discovery!

One of the most honorable traits I discovered about the main character Serene is her loyalty. She is loyal to her family and loyal to the beliefs she was taught as a child. Since my story is set during WWII, Italy, I found in my research that it was hope that gave people the strength to endure this dark part of our history. When Serene is faced with an enemy soldier near death, she is forced to make a choice: to abandon her loyalty or save the man’s life. It’s an agonizing decision that changes the direction of her life and grows her character. Through Serene, I wanted the reader to experience how faith in one another can make us stronger and give us hope, even when we are faced with the worst. Through her character, I tried to paint how people felt about the war—things that didn’t come across in all the research books I read.

The hero, Miles Coulson, is an American soldier who survives a brutal attack. When he learns of Serene’s promise (I can’t give that one away!), he cannot comprehend how and why she is compelled to make certain choices, which ultimately becomes the central conflict of the story. As his character unfolds, he comes to understand how her loyalty in a war-torn environment is what helps them survive—and ultimately helps them find happiness.

book cover

They both knew Serene’s turn had come. She took in a deep breath and touched his arms in a stiff embrace. She hugged him the way she had rehearsed in her head over and over, the way a mother would hug her son going off to war.

“I don’t care who sees,” he said gruffly, pulling her closer. He pushed her chin up with his
fingertips, and bent his head to kiss her.

She took his lips, his body, all of him, into her heart for the last time. Feeling the rapid beating in his chest, she fought the urge to mold her most intimate part against his.

When their lips parted, his warm breath on her neck made her body shiver. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she buried her face into his jacket. “I’m not ashamed about
what I said to you last night or what happened between us.” Her voice cracked. “It’s a sin, I know, but it was the most beautiful—”

“Ashamed? I don’t think I’ll ever have that kind of love again.”

Trembling, she stood back a little, clinging to her emotions with the delicacy of a spider web. “But you were right. We made the most logical decision.”

“Jesus, Serry. I want to tell you so bad that I—”

“You’re all set, then?” Sam said, coming back into the house.

Serene let go of Miles, letting her one finger intertwine with one of his pinky fingers. She couldn’t let him go.

Slowly, he released her and went to the door, putting one foot on the outside pavement before hesitating and turning back. His eyes were red, and she clutched the stair banister to keep from running to him. How much she loved him would be a secret
she’d take to the grave.

Carrying a bottle of whiskey, Marcus passed him at the door and gave him a friendly slap on the back. “I came to give you a goodbye, Coulson.”

Serene stood up straight and froze.

Miles jerked himself away. “Change of heart about me?”

His answer was Marcus’ deep kiss on Serene’s cheek and an arm around her waist. “I realized, Coulson, that I’m proud of her for taking the responsibility for you. I thought it was about time that I offered my apologies for the undiplomatic way I acted. We’re all in this for a cause, no? Why don’t we share a bottle to celebrate?”

“No, your change of heart doesn’t rub me the right way.” Miles offered an apologetic glance to Serene and then shifted his gaze back to Marcus. “You hurt her, and I’ll hurt you. You understand me?”

“Have a safe trip,” Marcus drawled.

Serene watched the driver help him in and her knees weakened. As the truck’s engine started, she braced herself against the wall.

“Don’t worry. Serene. Just think of this as a wedding present from me. No more worries about your American. He is well now and gone for good. Your only thanks is to marry me.”

She couldn’t hear him. Her throat ached and she made no effort to wipe the tears spilling freely from her eyes. She started for the door, but he grabbed her by the shoulders.