Two of the main things that can make or break a novel are the plot and the characters. Problems can occur when the two intersect. A character has a secret that the plot demands be exposed. Decisions have to be made as to who learns the secret and when. Is the revelation to be foreshadowed or told outright to the reader? After all you don't want to give away too much too soon or ruin the rest of the story?
What I have found especially challenging is to ensure the other character's reactions upon the revelation are appropriate.
The first time I encountered an in-depth, extended deception by a character was Glyn in Hatchling's Mate. An excerpt of when a friend discovers the truth about Glyn's true gender.
Over the healer’s shoulder Glyn saw fear flicker across Vivel’s face and Lexii skin pale beneath her tan. She tried to move, to reach her friend, but was held down by Sairtem. Even that small amount of effort took all of her resources and she collapsed back. She could not fight the healer, Vivel—and Kynan.
“Let Vivel handle it,” Sairtem ordered.
Her body. My secret is out. Glyn’s gaze locked on Kynan’s. She tried to gauge his reactions to Lexii’s words. My fate will be decided in the next heartbeat. One part of her welcomed the release of her role as protector. Another whispered a single word. Failure. Her oath to maintain the disguise and to protect Lexii with her own life if necessary was forsworn.
Kynan spun on Vivel. “Her body? Lexii said ‘her body’ and was referring to Glyn.”
Sadness filled the ceoltier’s mobile face. “Kynan, you now possess knowledge known but to a few.
. . .Kynan took two steps and knelt by the bed. “All these years, you didn’t say anything.”
Slowly Glyn forced out her words. “An oath was sworn. Please, Kynan. Don’t tell anyone. I know it will be hard, but no one must know my secret, especially Talann.” She raised a hand to grasp his and squeezed with all her might. “Promise me. On your ancestors and friendship with Talann.”
The longer Kynan remained silent, the more worried Glyn became. However, she had said all that she could. The decision was his.
When you are a dragon and everyone thinks you are a human, revealing your true self has consequences. An excerpt from Fire and Amulet where Trelleir faces such a decision.
“Four to one odds,” he cursed. “Even though they only have sticks, their numbers are too many.” Strategy after strategy was evaluated in flashing thoughts. Each one was dismissed, increasing the feeling of being trapped. We can’t go forward or back. Can’t climb the cliff. That only leaves down and the river.
A test of the wind offered a hope. There is sufficient lift for me in dragon form to hold Deneas aloft long enough for us to safely reach the river’s edge.
But what about Leri? Again, the compassion Deneas’ mother had taught him interfered with dragon instinct.
As it had before, his heart argued to save Deneas.
Reality urged against it. First, that he still didn’t know how she would take the revelation of his true self. And, in the midst of battle was not the time for surprises. Not only could it be a fatal distraction, there was Sales Sites for Fire and Amulet at Books2Read.
To make following my posts in the challenge easier, you can find all my posts at 2022 AtoZ Connections. Just remember, the next day's post isn't live until midnight.
~till next time, Helen
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