WRITING

The Kids are Getting Sassy!

Day 19 Preptober writing prompt challenge

Day 19: What 3 words would your main character use to describe themselves?

Question from the Preptober 31 Day Challenge from the Character Collective.

Jack

Me: Jack, what three words would you use to describe yourself? Mario, hush. Mark, hush. Everyone who is not Jack, hush. Jack, the floor is yours.

Jack: Three words to describe myself. Well, I guess I’d say loyal. I mean, not like puppy, that’s a different kind of loyal. But I guess it’s the same kind of loyal. I think I’m loyal. I’m loyal to my job. I’m loyal to people.

Off in the background, I just heard a voice I now recognize as Dave (Jack’s older brother).

Dave: About time you were loyal to yourself.

Jack noticeably ignored it.

Jack: So yes, that would be one word, loyal. I like to think I’m organized.

Beside us, there is much laughter. Jack shoots Mark and Mario a look; the two are laughing and roughhousing on a couch.

Jack: What? I am. You don’t think I’m organized?

Mario: Oh, you’re organized, babe. You are definitely organized.

There’s a lot of snickering going on. And I get that because Jack is so very organized. I feel like he would have sticky notes to organize his sticky notes. Mind you, that just got an uproarious laugh from Mark, so I think I’m spot on with that one.

Me: Sorry, Jack. Continue.

Jack: *thinking* Curious. Yes, I think curious is a good word. I am definitely curious.

I do find it interesting that after every word he’s glanced over to Mario as if seeking his approval. The reason this is so interesting is, I thought that the dynamic between Jack and Mario was that Jack was the dominant one. And although he comes into this book needing to learn things about himself, like everyone, I still thought that his confidence, organization, and loyalty, brought with it a dominance in their relationship. I mean, Mario has already called Jack ‘daddy’ more than once. But seeing this little interaction where Jack keeps glancing over to Mario as if seeking approval, making sure that he was answering right, I’m not so sure. That will be interesting to explore.

Me: Okay, Jack. So your three words are: loyal, organized, and curious. Yes?

Jack: Yes. I think that’s accurate. Don’t you?

Again, he side glanced at Mario even though the question was directed at me. Strange that he would be seeking my approval too.

Me: Yeah, that feels accurate, Jack. It’d be interesting to maybe revisit this question after the books are written. Don’t you think?

Jack: Perhaps, can I go?

Okay, that was interesting. Jack got up and hightailed it out of there. As if he became really nervous. Mario jumped up and caught him halfway across the room. I don’t know what they said, but Mario grabbed both of Jack’s upper arms and held him for a moment. Mario said something and Jack nodded. Mario squeezed the back of Jack’s neck quickly and pecked him on the cheek before walking over to me with a fierce swagger. Yeah, I really need to re-explore their dynamic. That was extremely interesting.

Mario

Me: Hey, Mario.

Mario: Hey, honey. What you got for me? Although, I already know, but go ahead. I know you need to say the question. Go, go, go. Do your thing. You do it so well.

Me: Thank you, I think. So, Mario, what three words would you use to describe yourself?

Mario: Astounding, astounding, and astrounding. Because honey, I am so astounding. Do not let this fierce look and this ripped body fool you for a moment. I am not a mere perception. What you see is only a fraction of what you get.

Me: *suspicious as hell* Ummm, why do you sound like Mark right now? What the hell?

Mario giggles and throws his head back.

Mario: (to Mark) See! *pointing at Mark* I told you.

Me: Wait, why is Mark, even here? This question isn’t for him.

Mark: Oh honey, you know I’m everywhere.

Me: That is true, but it doesn’t answer my question. Nor does it explain what the hell is going on.

Mario: *waving dismissively* I told them you can tell the difference.

Me: Wait. What? Are you guys testing me? To see if I can tell the difference between you and Mark? Is that what just happened?

The way they both just cracked up, says yes. This is weird. I’ve never had characters do this before and I’m not really sure what to make of it right now. I do know though that they’ve just given me a red flag — something to be very aware of when I’m writing this book. Thank you, I guess.

Mario: But alas, I am still astounding.

Me: Yes, indeed you are, Mario. Is that one of the words you’re using to describe yourself?

Mario: Oh, look, I could, but since I’ve only got three words, no, no, no, let that one go. Mark can have that.

Me: Mark is not playing this one.

Mark: Because I don’t need to. You know I’m astounding, honey.

Me: Oh, dear god. Please, somebody, just answer the question. No, wait. I don’t mean somebody. Mario. Mario, answer the damn question.

Mario: Oh, babe. You need to chill, you need a drink. You need… something. *waggles his eyebrows*

Me: What I need is for my characters to answer the damn question. Why can’t you be more like Jack?

A huge grin just spread across Mario’s face and he turned to Jack. They both kind of looked at each other as if sharing a secret that I’m not a part of. My characters are being very interesting today. And I don’t know if I like it or not.

Mario turns back to me and leans forward. Okay, finally.

Mario: I am… charismatic, flavorsome, and delectable.

Me: Delectable? Really? That’s what you’re going with?

Mario: (to Jack) *smirking* Jack, am I wrong?

Me: Don’t answer that. Please don’t answer that. I’m good. Okay, we’ve got our answers. Yay, let’s move on. Fantastic, thanks guys.

Oh, my god. What just happened?

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