I am getting to this month’s edition of Beautiful People early for once! Beautiful People is a helpful magic potion concocted by wizards Cait and Skye, designed to aid writers in their quest to better understand their characters. (You can find out more on their blogs.)
As you already know from the title, I’ll be using this round of questions on the villainess of my Sleeping Beauty novella:
Vyntyri
silhouette shifted, stepped forward. The doors whispered shut behind her.
Somehow, their soft thud sounded worse than the bang with which they’d opened.
Without a bright backdrop, the figure became clear. Robed in glowing silver,
she seemed like a star fallen from the heavens. Silver hair hung freely over
her shoulders. Chin tilted high, she surveyed the assembly. “My, so many guests
here today. King Cedric, surely your table held room for one more?”
 |
| (Vyntyri dresses a bit like this.) |
wiped a hand over his face, now pale. “Vyntyri.”
pressed closer to the cradle. “We thought you—”
Vyntyri began walking toward the front, weaving through the tables. Commoners
shrank back from her on all sides.
locked in enchantment,” Riar replied. “You have not been seen in fifty years.”
now moving between the nobles’ tables, laughed. “How happy for you, then—to
discover that I am neither dead nor enchanted. Still, was it not . . . rude
of you, Riar, to neglect to send me an invitation to your daughter’s
christening?”
staring at the silver woman, seemed lost in a trance. Riar’s face tightened.
“Forgive me. I am not in the habit of inviting dead people to parties.”
bowed her head, but the gesture seemed mocking rather than reverent. “Perhaps
you should have investigated the state of the eighth steward’s health, hm? Not
every piece of news crosses your courtyards. A simple envoy to Contalabutte
Island could have revealed that I am indeed alive and well, and very eager to
bestow a blessing upon your infant.”
1. They’re in a crisis: who would they really like to see right now?
Vyntyri doesn’t like to rely on anyone but herself in a crisis, but by necessity she will depend on some allies . . . as long as it serves her purposes.
2. Are they easy to get along with?
Ahaha . . . no. She possesses a veneer of civility, but there is too much menace beneath that mask for her to cooperate with anyone. The only time she’d be remotely easier to get along with would be the rare occasion that you and her both want the same end result. And even then, prepare to be stabbed in the back.
3. Who was the last person they had a deep conversation with?
I would have to say Princess Luci, the object of Vyntyri’s curse. But the details of said conversation will be withheld. (Spoilers!)
4. They’re in the middle of a huge crowd of people: how do they feel?
Above them all. Powerful. Suspicious and judgmental of everyone else’s motives.
5. Do they believe in luck or miracles?
No, but she believes in magic, which is really just another way of saying she believes in herself. Her own efforts, her own plans, her own strength.
6. Do they like and get along with their neighbours?
Well, that depends. If you mean her literal neighbors, the people of Contalabutte Island (her kingdom), they get along splendidly. She holds the true seat of power there–not the king–and her people love and depend on her for protection. But if you mean the neighboring kingdoms, that’s a whole ‘nother story. They hardly give Contalabutte a second thought. It’s such a tiny nation, anyway, and the fate of it hardly concerns them. Needless to say, Vyntyri feels ignored.
7. If they could travel anywhere in the world, where would they go?
Someplace where her people could be safe.
8. How do they feel about their body?
Um, strange question . . . Not particularly relevant to this story. But I suppose she feels it is a serviceable vessel. Perhaps she wishes it was a stronger conduit of magic, but it has served her well enough.
9. What is the cruellest thing someone has ever said to them? How did they react?
Rather than one single thing, the cruellest words spoken to her have built and gathered over the years. A callous remark here, a stinging phrase there. However, the cruelty is found more in the silences and gaps than the actual words. (And just between you and me, Vyntyri reads far more into people’s words and silences than is intended.)
10. What’s the kindest thing someone has ever said to them? How did they react?
I shan’t tell you the actual words, only that someone finally listened. Someone offered help, and in doing so, attacked the very hate festering in Vyntyri’s heart all this time. But being so embroiled in her beliefs, she rejected the offer entirely. I think that may have been her biggest regret.
Hopefully those answers weren’t too vague. As I was writing them, I realized that several of them reached into spoilery territory. But at least you’ve had a glimpse of this story’s primary antagonist!
Are you planning to participate in Beautiful People this month (or have you already)? Who do you think you’ll feature? And what are your thoughts on this malevolent fairy?
Hehe, I'm totally the same in a crowd. XD I connect to Vyntyri on a spiritual level there. AHEM. I feel like your villain is uber fleshed out, too, which is epic and so interesting to read about! And sorry #8 was strange. 😉 We thought it'd be an interesting question! haha ANYWAY. I enjoyed reading this, Tracey! Thanks for joining in!
Of course you would, overlord that you are. XD Thank you so much! That's a great compliment! It's always great to hear that a character is fleshed out. <3
LOL, no, #8 was fine–it just didn't entirely click with THIS character. I'm sure there are plenty whose body image is an important part of who they are. The questions you guys come up with are fabulous. *nods*
Thanks again! Glad you enjoyed it!
I like her, it's nice knowing that there is more to her, than you would first assume. Like that she cares and loves her people, that alone is something. I can't wait to catch up on your story when I have the time.
Oh, I'm so glad you like her! I was a little surprised to figure that out about her–that deep down, she has a scrap of goodness left.
Take your time! Goodness knows I'm super behind in beta reading. (Six month's worth to catch up on…eheh. o.o)
I was so excited when I saw you chose Vyntyri. Getting a deeper look into her was soooo much fun! And reading this brought back memories of the story and just aldjsjfljdslfjd. Now I miss it!
Wizards Cait and Skye. So much truth! XD
Question #2 made me laugh. That would be a definite no. Lol.
TRACEY. Why am I feeling sorry for this lady? You're making me have FEELS for her, you evil authoress you! The last two questions especially punched me in the gut. Your characters are so deep and full of life, even the evil ones.
This was fantastic getting an even closer look at this villainess. Looooved reading this! (Even if it gave me very conflicting feels. :P)
Awww, dearie, it's only been a week since you finished. XD But I'm glad you have fond memories!
I know, right? Magical people.
LOL, no kidding! Vyntyri is not very compatible with anyone.
Exactly what I was going for–a sympathetic yet hateable villain, and all the conflicting emotions that come with that! >:) Thank you so much–that means a lot! ^_^
That dress is gorgeous.
It's been fun to read everyone's answer to #8, I think.
Vyntyri has a lot of depth to her, I think, and that would make her a spectacular villain. In my opinion, the best villains seem to be those we sympathize so much with, and then we can't condone their choices, and become all confused about it. So nice job!
Here's the link to my BP, if you're interested (picked a villain/anti-hero, myself): http://rlhendrian.blogspot.com/2015/09/beautiful-people-september-edition-meet.html
Thanks! I had a hard time finding what I was looking for. Originally, I wanted a picture of Vyntyri herself, but silver-haired fairies without wings are impossible to find. 😛
LOL, I'm sure! Speaking of which, I need to go peruse some other people's BP posts if I find the time . . .
Thank you SO much! I'm glad to hear that! Ack, yes, those complicated, sympathetic-yet-evil villains are terrible for readers' hearts. 😉
Ooh, great! I just read it and commented. =)
I like her. ^ ^ She seems like a neat villain. I love her name and her costume. I too have to be careful when talking about villains interviews and link-ups. Luckily they like to lie. XD
storitorigrace.blogspot.com
Thanks so much, Tori! I'm glad you like her. Yes, her attire is so much fun to write about. She's often compared to a fallen star, being all silvery like that.
Heheh, this is true. Their motives and backstory are often critical points to the story, and thus rather spoilery…
Thanks for reading/commenting! 🙂
Hi! I'm visiting from Anne Elisabeth Stengl's blog because I thought your story sounded fascinating! And I just wanted to let you know. Keep up the good work!
Wow, thank you so much, both for visiting and for your sweet words! Yours look amazing too! I really have no idea how the judges will manage to pick this year. Looks like the best contest yet! 😀
Awesome! I love her name, her silver hair. And it's so cool how you're doing a retelling but giving the villain a backstory, rather than your classic "she's just evil".
Oh, and congrats for getting it in so fast! I just posted mine half an hour ago … oops!
Thanks! *whispers* I kind of love the name and the silvery-ness too. 😉
Ah, yes, the backstory… I'd have an easier time of cutting the novella down to size if her backstory wasn't important, but it IS. XD
Hey, as long as it's during the month of September, you're good! I hope to read yours soon.