very early in conception (that did happen with Ward). I do tweak timelines or backstory details fairly easily to suit plot, maybe add a heretofore-hidden skill or new like/dislike, but nothing that impacts core character. 5/5

about them. That’s also a personal litmus test for how well I know a character—can I write them in a fully different setting and have them remain fundamentally unchanged? I aim for that level of consistency in their characterization.

IF a drastic change happens, it’s

Nevermind the fact that I write to tell THEIR stories—it’s a huge part of my motivation. Changing them to suit a plot or scene based on MY whim? Betrayal of the HIGHEST degree.

Even when I write AU—which I do with my own characters, fairly frequently—it’s for the propose of discovering new things

the character than whatever I originally thought.

One of my favorite parts of writing is seeing how characters react to various circumstances and challenges. If they could change to suit whatever outcome I decided I wanted, that would take the surprise—and the fun!—right out of those discoveries.

I’ve had new characters show up to fill roles like this, too! It’s a delight!

Solid agree overall; “true to themselves” is such a good way to phrase it.

fondly-mocking term of endearment. As the series progresses, more and more people come to know him as “Ani”, although very few of those actually know the person behind the catchy nickname. Caleb also calls him “Sach”, and begins to favor that nickname once “Ani” starts taking on a life of its own.

he’s from Faultverse, and names are hugely significant for him. “Sachial” is his chosen name, and though his deadname is eluded to once or twice it’s never said outright. He’s commonly called “Ani”, as in “anarchist”—mostly by bullies, but Caleb also uses it as a

Seaton Conrad Sirius. Most people call him Sirius or Dr. Sirius, anyone on a “first name” basis calls him Conrad,
and very few people know Seaton even exists. Ward habitually calls him “kiddo”.

Now I’ve gotta veer and answer this one for Sachial, too;

to have kids, but it’s pretty rare to get a denial, at least in the modern day. There isn’t a marriage equivalent; some couples are committed, while others are less so.

Extended family is unheard of.

Vocational bonds, romantic bonds, or those between blood-siblings are typically the strongest. 5/5

pick a path that will let them return there, but Caleb had his heart set on the exact opposite in a Soldier’s path. Mara keeps in touch with their parents via letters and the occasional visit.

Couples do have to register their relationship in order to move in together, and apply for permission

for years in their shared Foster home.

Mara’s and Caleb’s parents are Farmers, most of whom keep their kids around until they’re school age. That also means that Mara and Caleb spent the first ten or so years of their lives Aboveground, whereas Sachial has never seen the sky. Most kids born Above

they don’t have the time/inclination to raise to career Fosters—Sachial was raised in Foster. He thinks his parents were Intellectuals, but he has no way of knowing. Calling Foster siblings “brother” and “sister” is tacitly discouraged, but that didn’t stop Sachial from calling Kit “sister”

“His success is limited.” Laughing, but my heart goes out to him—to them both—truly 😂 At least there’s limited success??

he doesn’t have a single feeling that isn’t somewhat mixed, at least at the beginning of the narrative. He can also turn on a dime—healing and harm are two sides of the same coin, after all. 3/3

chases what’s shrouded in mystery—and eventually catches it.

However, as adept as Conrad is at handling the extraterrestrial, he’s mired in confusion and assumptions where his personal life is concerned. As far as cognitive dissonance is concerned,

Oh, 100%! A presence and a WILL. As for how developed that will is beyond “self preservation”, who knows? But the city decidedly does not want to disappear.

and its power, in some cases worshiping or entering bargains with it (though that language is never explicitly used). Some tend to personify the city more than others—Kade, Fisher, and Asher are among the worst offenders.

“God” is only mentioned once in the first book.

Makes perfect sense why reverence might be undercut by workplace familiarity! I love the sound of the dynamics, and can’t wait to learn more. My curiosity is definitely piqued by the Norse and Egyptian pantheon mentions, too 👀

Oh nooo, FURTHER condolences to Wesley, in that case 😭🤣