Hasty! Halting the Escaping Virtual Character!
In a career spanning over three decades, acclaimed author Lev Raphael has been weaving tales that captivate readers with their intricate plots, vivid settings, and compelling characters. From the early 90s, Raphael has been sharing his creations through readings from his fiction.
Raphael, unlike many writers who romanticise the writing process, does not attribute the creation of his characters to them suddenly coming to life. Instead, he is the mastermind behind every aspect of his books, from plot and setting, to dialogue, characterisation, action, punctuation, and more.
The author's characters do not surprise him; rather, he surprises himself when unexpected connections are made during the writing process. One common question he gets after readings is whether his characters tell him what to do or if they get away from him. His answer is that his characters are not independent and do not speak to him; he speaks through them.
Contrary to popular belief, characters do not have independent thoughts. Instead, authors such as Raphael, develop complex personalities through an intricate process involving deliberate decisions, intuitive understanding, and emotional resonance. This process sometimes may feel as if the characters are acting on their own.
Raphael's characters are shaped by his original perceptions, knowledge, and emotional insights. His emotional intelligence and personal experiences play a significant role in shaping how his characters behave and respond emotionally. His connection to real-world themes or crises can reshape traditional archetypes of heroes or villains, reflecting evolving perceptions and motives.
Once, Raphael realised he had the wrong person committing murder in a book. It was not the murderer, victim, or gun that gave him advice; it was his own mind spinning straw into gold. This incident underscores the notion that the author is the driving force behind the creation of their characters, guiding them through the intricate web of their stories.
Narrative theory suggests that truly original characters arise from an author's unique understanding of humanity, rather than mere imitation. This understanding is a blend of conscious design and unconscious influence, a testament to the author's creative genius.
Raphael's books offer captivating entertainment, as he carefully crafts his stories, ensuring that each character is a reflection of his original perceptions, knowledge, and emotional insights.
Readers might be surprised to learn that Raphael's characters do not have independent thoughts; instead, they are a product of Raphael's creative process, shaped by his emotional intelligence and personal experiences.
