In the last few weeks, I have contributed a couple of extracts from primarily future volumes of the Diaries of the Cwn Annwn series which feature the character, Casimir Gosselin. Feedback has been that he seems like a fascinating character, and one about whom people would like to know more.

Therein lies the difficulty. Casimir is probably one of the most complex characters in the series. Deliberately, I have laid clues as I go, wanting my readers to wonder and to ask questions. How successful that is will depend on when people find out the truth about Casimir Gosselin.

So, regretfully, that ‘truth’ won’t be here, although I will give a few details. Rather the focus will be on building that complex character and the pitfalls, particularly when you are writing a series involving that character.

Casimir Gosselin was inspired by a picture of the American model, Sean O’Pry. Having my author origins as a Facebook role-player, the concept of a ‘face claim’ is quite key. This is generally a picture which the writer feels epitomises some aspect of their character. Admittedly, there are some writers who choose busty female pictures for their characters because they just want to attract attention. I look for something more, perhaps the background of the individual which says that, if they were an actor, rather than a model, they would be my choice for the role.

So, Sean O’Pry was my choice for Casimir. As a character, he was first mentioned in “Alpha”, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, commenting on how corruption and appropriate lobbying can have a ‘desired’ effect. In “Beta”, the impression one gains from the descriptions given by his siblings, Alix and Adhémar Gosselin are that he is a barely leashed psychopath.

Casimir himself makes it clear that he never had any intention of supporting his sire and elder brother when they must face a duel to the death against the Negrescu Cŵn Annwn, even though the remnants of his sire’s followers flock to his ‘banner’, believing him his sire’s only heir. At the end of “Beta”, he is heard to give a very cryptic instruction on a secure mobile phone:

Casimir smiled, as he pulled out his secure phone. He spoke briefly. “Alert the team. The plans are in motion.”

That is perhaps the first clue that there is more to Casimir Gosselin than seems obvious. This is probably the hardest thing about a complex character. In leaving the trail of clues, one doesn’t want to give away too much, but equally, one must also make sure that the continuity works out as intended. Recently, I pondered entering a writing competition with an extended episode from Casimir’s backstory which would shed more light on his motives. I was advised that I should avoid revealing too much, at the risk of ruining the ‘surprise’ in Casimir’s own book, “Anatarachí”.

Casimir, like most of my male characters is a biker at heart. When I had discussed his choice of bike with a colleague, I outlined his visible character.

“Definitely a Harley.” said my biker friend. “It is the ride of choice of the outlaw-type.” But does Casimir ride a Harley? No, he has two bikes at his disposal: a Ducati Diavel and a Triumph Tiger Explorer. Work that one out if you can.

According to the core group of my followers, who have access to the ‘raw’ version of my stories, they had no clue how the truth would pan out, and the overall consensus was that it was more than worth the wait, considering that his book was the eighth book in the series.

Suffice it to say, I would like to think it will not prove to be a disappointment. The difficulty for me as a writer is knowing his background and keeping it all to myself. But then, even as Fane has proven to be a far from typical Hellhound, understanding Casimir’s motivations has been a rewarding experience as a writer.

So, just as a bit of a teaser, I will use something my son suggested. Depending on the kind of day or my mood, he has been heard to grade the situation as a ‘Gavril’, a ‘Fane’ or a ‘Casimir’. Bearing in mind that Fane is a Hellhound who will kill his enemies without compunction, a ‘Casimir’ ranks as worse? Writing a complex character is beyond ‘fun’. It is a challenge, both the understand his motivations and to communicate those motivations to my readers.

Are you ready for what he has the potential to unleash?

(Copyright of the photographs used in this piece belong to the original owners.)

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.LINKS TO THE BOOKS IN THE DIARIES OF THE CWN ANNWN

Amazon.co.uk: £3.05 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KB20OL6
Amazon.com: $3.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KB20OL6#nav-subnav
Smashwords: $3.99 https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/660156