Character Creation and the Eternal Oath-Sworn Skeleton
Characters. We all have one or two that have shaped who we are, teaching us to be brave, smart, or to dream of falling in love. Characters are the heart of any story, and for a story to truly work, readers need to connect with them. Without that connection, even the best plot can fail.
I love creating characters. For me, it’s not just about making them unique; it’s about making them memorable and as human as possible, even if they’re far from human. Everyone carries their traumas, desires, and backstories. Bringing characters to life is the part of storytelling I love most. I think about my characters often and am constantly creating, fixing, or reshaping them until they become their best possible selves.
So how do I do it? How do I create characters that stay with readers long after they’ve closed the book?
Let me introduce you to Steve, the Eternal Oath-Sworn Skeleton.
Steve is one of the characters from Project Shenanigans. He’s Morgana’s favourite skeleton, the general of her undead army, and her loyal protector. He is the oldest serving skeleton in her army, having witnessed more than most living souls could ever imagine. But when I first pictured Steve, he wasn’t leading battles or on a deadly mission aiding the adventuring guild. No, in my mind, he was standing in a tent, holding a cup of coffee, while Morgana complained about waking up in the morning.
This funny, puzzling image was the starting point for Steve’s character creation. Why was a skeleton wearing a Roman-style cape? Why was he inside Morgana’s tent, holding coffee? And why was Morgana throwing a tantrum about getting out of bed?
The more questions I asked, the clearer Steve became. It was obvious that he and Morgana weren’t just acquaintances; they shared a bond built over years of trust. Steve, a battle-hardened veteran, wouldn’t be fazed by something as minor as waking up an angry necromancer. Plus, he has his secret weapon, coffee. While I will not spoil his backstory here—you’ll have to wait for the novel—I’ll share a bit about how I developed him and a few fun details.
From the start, I knew Steve was special. He wasn’t like the other skeletons in Morgana’s army, and he’s her favourite for reasons that become clearer as the story unfolds. Even as an undead skeleton, understanding who he was before his death was crucial, as it shapes the choices he makes after. Despite his strength and loyalty, Steve’s death was something I struggled with for several drafts. I always envisioned him dying unarmed away from battle, without a weapon in hand. A vulnerable warrior. But was his death a tragic accident or betrayal? Or maybe a moment of heroism and sacrifice? That’s something you’ll discover when you read the series.
While you wait for the novel, here are some fun facts about Steve.
He only takes orders from those aligned with the God of Death.
Steve tolerates Welt, but occasionally steals one of Welt’s boots, leaving him with mismatched footwear.
He allows other skeletons to prank the living adventurers, often targeting their shoes.
Steve has a habit of staring, a lot.
He likes birds.
Despite being undead, Steve prefers warmer climates.
What do these quirks have to do with the story? You’ll have to wait to find out. For now, they’re little windows into his personality, human touches that make him more than just another skeleton in an army.
Creating a character like Steve starts with a single image or idea and grows through asking questions. Why do they act a certain way? What shaped their personality? What quirks make them stand out? By layering these details, even the most fantastical characters can feel real.
In the end, memorable characters aren’t just about their roles in the story. It’s about how they live in readers’ minds, their humour, their quirks, and the moments that make them feel alive.
Steve may be undead, but he’s very much alive in my story. And I can’t wait for you to meet him.
For now here is an inspirational quote from Steve himself:
‘No one else can follow your dreams, only you can.’
