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Category: Characters

I love making characters and, if the planets align and I’ve done it right, then they come alive and leap from the page. They become real to you.

What’s All this About Characters?

And, just in case I mess up and my characters do not feel real to you? Then please feel free to contact me and hold my feet to the fire. Er, figuratively.

Seriously.

If have messed up, then tell me.

And if my characters feel good and real and true to you, then I hope you will let me know that as well!

So, here are some observations about them.

Faves

Who are my favorite creations?

Craig Firenze — the Force of Nature

Craig is a trip to write because every other word is a swear word. While all of the characters in Mettle have potty mouths, he takes it to an extreme.

I mean, why do you think the first word anyone says in that book is his—and it’s an f-bomb?

Peri Martin — the Snarky Author Stand-in

While all of my characters are me to some extent, Peri is my snarky best. But I was never as reckless as she is.

Er, was I? Hmm.

MJ Tanner — the Animal Whisperer in a Miniskirt

Mary Jacqueline Tanner is thirteen years older than me and is as much a product of the ’60s as anyone could be in tiny Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

And while {spoiler alert!} she does fall in love, the biggest relationship she has in The Duck in the Seat Cushion is with her beloved Snowy, the stray mostly Airedale terrier who she and her brother Sid find one day and take home.

Ceilidh O’Malley — the Fan Favorite

People love Ceilidh and I think they’ve got the right idea. I don’t think I have another character who went on such a journey. When you first see her, she is at her absolute lowest in life.

It was great fun to write her prequel. I hope readers come away with a greater appreciation of what she went through, but also of her mother’s motivations.

Tommy 2000 — the Plastic and Polymer Hero

How do you make a robot humanish but not turn him into a latter-day Pinocchio? I hope I’ve done Tommy some justice.

Ixalla — the Alien Revolutionary

One of the conceits of Untrustworthy is that no one in it is human. Ixalla wasn’t even originally going to be as big a character as she turned out to be. Ixalla became a voice for freedom. And I like that about her.

Trixie LaRue the Favorite Secondary/Sidekick

From her gol-darn Kentucky accent (based on my BFF’s mom, with love to Mrs. P) to her cougarish ways, to her loving friendships, to her radical competency, Patricia Louise LaRue is a kick to write and should be anyone’s ride or die.

Takeaways

Making characters is one of the most fun parts of writing fiction. Don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise.

Character Review — Dr. Mei-Lin QuanCraig Firenze, Noah Braverman, Minka Lopez, Dez Hunter, Eleanor Braverman, Olga Nicolaev, Kitty Kowalski, Mei-Lin Quan, Nell Murphy, Elise Jeffries,

Character Review — Dr. Mei-Lin Quan

Published by Janet Gershen-Siegel on February 19, 2026

Dr. Quan, a Character Review

Where did Mei-Lin Quan come from?

I didn’t originally have much of a plan for her. She was a necessary character, because I did see Eleanor Braverman needing this kind of medical help. But unlike others such as Kitty and Mink, or Craig or Elise, Mei-Lin didn’t have too much of a voice to start.

A bit like Ixalla, I didn’t really start to understand her until I started writing her.

The Past is Prologue—Backstory for Dr. Quan

When we first see Mei-Lin, she’s packed and leaving Los Angeles, bound for Boston. One of her last acts in California is to write to her ex and tell him to quit bothering her, or else she’ll block him. But that’s most of what we (and I) know.

Characteristics

I wanted at least one character to be a bit overweight, so I essentially elected her to the task. Because the first seven or so chapters exist to foreshadow much of the rest of the story, her weight does the job admirably.

For, who to better contrast with starving characters than an overweight one?

As I wrote her, I learned that she has a high voice, almost like a child’s. In addition, she gets lost easily, with virtually no sense of direction. Furthermore, her family is from Taiwan. And, at least one relative still calls that island Formosa. I also got to know that she had an ex, Chou.

And Chou wasn’t so happy with being her ex.

Purpose/Theme/Motivation: Dr. Quan at Work

There are four characters who I show at work. Five, I suppose, if you count Olga—and I suppose you should. I show Noah at the Boston Globe.

And I show Elise working in the St. Botolph’s morgue. In addition, I show Craig working at NASA. And I show Olga caring for Eleanor. Now, the kids and Eleanor understandably do not have jobs.

But I show Mei-Lin at work more than anyone else but Craig. There are scenes of her getting to work, and starting and ending her day. Plus, I’ve got her seeing patients and even performing surgery. Mei-Lin Quan is, like any other orthopedic surgeon, busy.

Her motivation throughout the piece is to be a healing peacemaker. Unlike the other characters, she doesn’t toughen up much, not even at the end.

Portrayal

I came up with Japanese actress Keiko Kitigawa, and it was mainly due to the below image. But I am open to persuasion to change my mind and choose someone else.

If American audiences know her at all, it’s from The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. But I think it would be better to have an actress of Chinese extraction. I don’t know. Landi Li is too young (although I do like that she was born on my birthday!).

So, if you’ve got a better idea for a portrayal, let me know in the comments section, thanks.

Actress Keiko Kitigawa, who I see as Dr. Mei-Lin Quan.
Actress Keiko Kitigawa, who I see as Dr. Mei-Lin Quan.

Quotes

The door to the sedan opened, and out staggered a woman of Asian descent with red eyes and messed up hair that looked like she had been sleeping in the sedan for days. She had her purse with her, along with a plastic bag with the logo of St. Botolph’s printed on the side, and a small gym bag. She squinted at Elise. “Do I know you?”

“St. B’s, right?” asked Elise. It was as reasonable a question as any, considering the hospital was one of the few places Elise ever went where there ever were other people.

“Yeah, Orthopedics, Mei-Lin Quan. I think I gave you a ride home a week ago? Days ago? I can’t figure out what day it is.”

“I hear that. And yeah, I remember now. Elise Jeffries. This your car?”

“No. Mine’s in the lot up there, back at St. B’s, if it still is at all.”

“You mean someone stole it?”

“No, at least, hell, I have no idea.” Mei-Lin said, putting her gym bag down and rubbing the bridge of her nose in the cold. “More like wrecked it. There was, God, it was anarchy at the hospital.”

“Anarchy?”
Click to buy Untrustworthy on Amazon

Relationships

I have nearly nothing on Mei-Lin and Chou, save for her family pressuring her to marry him—and her refusal.

But this will come when I write the prequel.

With Craig Firenze, she’s nervous and excited. They joke around but are also serious. They’re awkward and romantic, too.

Conflict and Turning Point

On what would normally have been a hot summer solstice, there’s a nor’easter. Mei-Lin (like a lot of other people during pressure drops) feels wonky all day. But hope returns when she looks at Craig.

Continuity/Easter Eggs

There really aren’t any Easter Eggs for this character.

Future Plans

Like with the other characters in Mettle, I don’t have any future plans for Mei-Lin beyond the prequel.

Dr. Mei-Lin Quan: Takeaways

This character turned from functional to essential as I wrote her. A lot like Ixalla!

Dr. Mei-Lin Quan — a character who found herself while I found her.

Want More of Mei-Lin and the Rest of Mettle?

If Mettle resonates with you, then check out my other blog posts about how changes in the periodic table nearly kill us all.

Character Reviews: Mettle

† Eleanor Braverman
• Noah Braverman
† Craig Firenze
• Dez Hunter
† Dr. Elise Jeffries
• Minka Lopez
† Nell Murphy
• Olga Nicolaev

Self Review: Mettle
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Character Review — Olga NicolaevCraig Firenze, Noah Braverman, Minka Lopez, Dez Hunter, Eleanor Braverman, Olga Nicolaev, Kitty Kowalski, Mei-Lin Quan, Nell Murphy, Elise Jeffries,

Character Review — Olga Nicolaev

Published by Janet Gershen-Siegel on February 17, 2026

Consider Olga Nicolaev, One of My Original Characters

So, who is Olga Nicolaev?

For Mettle to work, Eleanor Braverman (an Alzheimer’s patient) had to have a caregiver. Because just letting her loose wouldn’t work. And because tying down Noah wouldn’t serve the plot. Enter Olga.

Where Did Olga Nicolaev Come From?

So, you see, I had to have her. Because creating a character with Alzheimer’s means creating a caregiver for that character. But like a lot of other immigrants, I wanted Olga to have a higher education than her speech might indicate.

Therefore, when I was first writing her and getting her accent down, I wanted her to be a lot more articulate than that—in Russian. It’s … like this.

The Past is Prologue — Backstory for Olga Nicolaev

A lawyer in Russia, Olga can’t pass the bar in the US. So, instead, she becomes a caregiver for geriatric patients.  However, it doesn’t help that her English isn’t the best. Olga regularly skips shorter words.

However, she’s not dumb. It’s because she’s just impatient with how hard it is for her to express herself in English.

Description

Russian actress Larisa Luppian, who I see as Olga Nicolaev. Image is for reference purposes only.
Russian actress Larisa Luppian, who I see as Olga Nicolaev. Image is for reference purposes only.

I like Russian actress Larisa Luppian for Olga. But I didn’t want someone who would pretend to be Russian—I wanted an actress who really is Russian.

Purpose/Theme/Motivation

Olga’s initial purpose is simply to be the one to take care of Eleanor. Because I needed her! But toward the end (and I’m getting into spoiler territory here), her arguments save the day.

And all this from the least articulate character in the book!

Quotes {First, Eleanor and Olga are talking}

“Steven?”

“Not here.”

Dez and Noah returned with firewood. “We got some from going past the school and up near the post office. Somebody used a chainsaw, we figure. There were piles of it and more if we want it but a lot of it’s wet.”

“Can we put stuff in your garage?” asked Dez. “Maybe let it dry out in there?”

“Sure. We’ll just move the lawn mower and stuff.”

“Who is this boy?” Eleanor asked.

“I’m Douglas, ma’am. Here, I’ll build your fire back up again.”

“People do that for a living? I should get my purse.”

“That’s okay, ma’am.” Dez added pinecones and sticks before heaving a big log onto the fire. “I’m a volunteer.”

“You’re a good boy. Are you at college with my Noah?”

“Not yet, ma’am.” Dez got up. “Looks like you’re all set for a while. Noah, you coming?”

“Sure, just a sec.” He beckoned Olga. “Come with me a sec, could you please?”

“Yes. I be right back. You play cards with Dez, or he read you. We have Secret Garden for next book.” She followed Noah into the kitchen. “Well?”

“I don’t know how to say this. But Olga, you didn’t have to do any of this. You never had to stay. It’s been a few months, but you have been right here, as if,” he started to cry a little, “as if Ma were your mother, too. And, and I know I don’t say it enough but, fuck it, thank you. Thank you so much for, for everything. You’ve been fantastic and you went above and beyond a long, long time ago.” He clumsily wiped his face. “I don’t know what we’d all do without you.”

Olga awkwardly patted his arm. “She not patient no more. You not employer no more. You family.”
Click to buy Untrustworthy on Amazon

Relationships

Everyone in Mettle has some sort of a relationship with everyone else. But these are Olga’s two biggest relationships.

Olga and Eleanor

But what is any caregiver’s relationship with a patient? Because Eleanor is essentially helpless, Olga does just about everything for her. And this even includes sleeping in the same room. She is so devoted a caregiver that she is essentially on call 24/7.

When the power goes out, Olga doesn’t always tell Eleanor the full truth about what’s going on. But how can she? And, more importantly, why should she?

But telling Eleanor everything is really just a way to upset the patient. And that is something that Olga is loath to do.

Olga and Noah

Also, what is any employee’s relationship with their employer? Everyone calls her Olga. But she calls Noah ‘Mr. Braverman’, and she call Eleanor ‘Mrs. Braverman’. So, this is somewhat comparable to Caribbean caregivers calling my late mother ‘Miss Shirley’.

Conflict and Turning Point

Olga’s turning point is similar to the other characters in Mettle. But for her, it’s also a way to suddenly become the articulate, sharp friend she has really always been. But it was just English that got in the way.

Continuity/Easter Eggs

So, Olga doesn’t have any continuity with any other storylines.

Future Plans

She will definitely show up in the prequel.

Olga Nicolaev: Takeaways

Originally just a convenient plot device, Olga has a purpose. Because without her, the story would not end like it does. She is a truly necessary part of Mettle.

Olga Nicolaev — an essential part of Mettle.

Want More of Mettle?

If Mettle resonates with you, then check out my other blog posts about how changes in the periodic table nearly kill us all.

Character Reviews: Mettle

† Eleanor Braverman
• Noah Braverman
† Craig Firenze
• Dez Hunter
† Dr. Elise Jeffries
• Minka Lopez
† Nell Murphy
• Dr. Mei-Lin Quan

Self Review: Mettle
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Character Review — Minka LopezCraig Firenze, Noah Braverman, Minka Lopez, Dez Hunter, Eleanor Braverman, Olga Nicolaev, Kitty Kowalski, Mei-Lin Quan, Nell Murphy, Elise Jeffries,

Character Review — Minka Lopez

Published by Janet Gershen-Siegel on February 12, 2026

Consider Minka Lopez, One of My Original Characters

So, just who is Minka Lopez?

A few of the characters for Mettle came to me quickly. Minka is one of them. But she was always the second half of a duo, Kitty and Mink. But she always felt like an insecure outsider.

I originally envisioned her as a kind of hanger-on, who would essentially worship Kitty and the popularity Kitty could bring.

Where Did Minka Lopez Come From?

I think we have all seen teenage girls just like Mink. Yearning to be popular, and hitching their wagon to what they think is the likeliest star.

But then as I started to write more of her, she got a difficult backstory.

The Past is Prologue — Backstory for Minka Lopez

This will come out a lot more in the Nanowrimo prequel story, which may very well have to wait until 2024. But there are little flashes of her background in Mettle all the same.

After all, Kitty is clearly wearing designer this and that, whereas Minka is more of a wannabe. Kitty has someone who styles her hair, perhaps every day and certainly most days. Mink has to do this herself.

Kitty also has somewhat softer outfits, clearly selected to show off her coloring and figure to their maximum potential. Mink, on the other hand, has to guess and make do.

I only hint at Mink’s home life, nothing more. She lives with her Aunt Doreen—but why?

A Description of Minka Lopez

I see the young actress Victoria Moroles for Mink. It’s especially gratifying to me that she made a TV movie called Cloud 9 with Dove Cameron, who I have always seen as Kitty. And this image, I feel, exemplifies their earlier life perfectly.

Victoria Moroles, Dove Cameron, and Tatum Chiniquy in Cloud 9; image is for reference purposes only.
Victoria Moroles, Dove Cameron, and Tatum Chiniquy in Cloud 9; image is for reference purposes only.

Moroles and Cameron also made a TV show together, Liv and Maddie. I really love that I’m not the first person who ever thought about putting these two actresses together.

Unfortunately, they are both past high school roles—and these are junior high/middle school roles, anyway.

Purpose/Theme/Motivation

Apart from trying desperately to be popular, Mink follows Kitty around a lot. Although Dez has something to say about that, at times. But while he and Mink are somewhat competitive for Kitty’s attention, they do get along.

Mink even leaves with Kitty, seeking the center of the city in the hopes of … something. Yet Kitty miscalculates horribly, and Mink barely escapes.

When she returns to Brighton, one of Mink’s main purposes comes to life—she serves as a witness to the horrors of downtown Boston during the extended power outage and other events chronicled in Mettle.

Another one of her purposes is that she has a paper calendar. Even when she is not around, the calendar (which Dez keeps until she returns) keeps the story grounded in time.

Quotes

There was a dull ringing noise, and something grazed Nell’s foot. It was Mink’s earring, but the silver was dull and twisted. Somehow, the feather was still attached. Nell held it up for a second, it looked so strange.

“Minka, I did not tell you to stop.”

“Mrs. Davis, look.” Mink swept her dark brown hair away from her left ear. The other earring was still in, as twisted as the one Nell held in her hand. The remnants of that earring were shoved into a too-small piercing in Mink’s ear, and she bled.

Mrs. Davis sighed. “Go to the nurse’s office. With, hmm—with Penny.”

Nell froze.

Kitty spoke up. “I should go. I mean, I’m practically a nurse already. I am a total fucking angel of mercy or something.”

“No, you’re the next one to read. Now Minka and Penny, go straight to the nurse’s office.” Mrs. Davis scribbled her signature on a pair of hall passes. “Get fixed up and come right back. No dawdling and no detours, understand?”

“Yeah,” Mink and Nell said almost at the same time. They left the classroom, closing the door behind them.

The hallway was all but deserted. “You gonna punch me?” Nell asked.

“No. Why would I do that?”

“Kitty usually does.”

Mink shrugged. “Oh. Well, she’s not here. So, I won’t.”

“You do everything Kitty tells you to?”

Mink gathered her hair into a rough ponytail. “It’s important to be popular. Fuck, this thing hurts.”

“Here, I found the other one.” Nell handed over the ruined earring.

“Did you stomp on it?”

“It was like that when I picked it up.”
Click to buy Untrustworthy on Amazon

Relationships

Mink doesn’t really have any romantic relationships in the story. But she does have one big, fat friendship relationship.

Kitty and Mink

The first time we ever really see her, it is in history class. And, she’s got not only her own homework, but also Dez and Kitty’s. Did Mink do their homework? I would have to say yes. In particular, I see Kitty as such a user that this would pretty much be expected. That is something like, if you want to hang around with me, this is the price of admission and access.

Mink is very much a sycophant for Kitty, going along with nearly anything and everything, in the almighty service of her attempts at social climbing.

Conflict and Turning Point

Mink’s conflict and turning points are virtually the same as for the other characters. In particular, when the power goes out, her life turns upside-down. Because her aunt is missing. Mink, essentially, becomes a homeowner at the age of 14.

Continuity/Easter Eggs

I don’t have any Easter eggs for her and don’t really see a way to add her to overall continuity or crossing over to anything else I’ve written.

Future Plans

Mink will show up in the prequel, as will the other main characters.

Minka Lopez: Takeaways

While all of the characters in the story change and grow, her change is perhaps the most radical. Because once she’s been through the events of Mettle, there is no way she will see social climbing or popularity as being important ever again.

Minka Lopez — the survivor character.

Want More of Minka Lopez and the Rest of Mettle?

If Mettle resonates with you, then please be sure to check out my other blog posts about how changes in the periodic table nearly kill us all.

Character Reviews: Mettle

† Eleanor Braverman
• Noah Braverman
† Craig Firenze
• Dez Hunter
† Dr. Elise Jeffries
• Nell Murphy
† Olga Nicolaev
• Dr. Mei-Lin Quan

The Mettle Universe

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Character Review — Lex FeldmanMarnie Shapiro, Lex Feldman, Jazminder Parikh, Benjamin Chase, Astrid Hennigsen, Trixie LaRue, Ginny Carey,

Character Review — Lex Feldman

Published by Janet Gershen-Siegel on February 10, 2026

Consider Lex Feldman, One of My Original Characters

Who is Lex Feldman?

Lex Feldman is a kind of nervous but ultimately good person who gets Marnie to loosen up in some ways—and straighten up and fly right in others. He is an important character in the Enigman Cave Universe.

Where Did Lex Feldman Come From?

I went with Lex because I was watching reruns of The Tribe! The characters, of course, are rather different. For one thing, my Lex isn’t a jerk.

The Past is Prologue — Backstory for Lex Feldman

Competition for spots on wedge ships like the Valentina Tereshkova was fierce. Lex tried for the Chief Veterinarian job, but lost out to Tom Ciorciari. He was also breaking up with his last truly serious relationship before Marnie. For Lex, getting away to space is a way to heal.

But he can also spread his wings and become his own person.

Description

I see Oscar winner Adrien Brody here. It’s important for me to, in general, have Jewish actors playing Jewish characters. So, here we are.

Adrien Brody, who I see as Lex Feldman, DVM
Adrien Brody, who I see as Lex Feldman, DVM. Image is for reference purposes only.

He’s attractive but not 100% conventionally. I also love the idea of him being this twig of a person.

Yet he’s in love with Marnie, who is anything but a twig.

Purpose/Theme/Motivation

For Lex, most of his motivation is to be there for Marnie and support her in everything she does.

But he testifies for the side seeking to prove Enigmans are not intelligent.

When she chooses him to come along for First Contact, part of it is for moral support.

But he’s also there to essentially represent the animal side of things. Even with Enigman sapience essentially proven, there is always a smidgen of doubt.

Quotes

The scene: the hearing to try to prove Enigman intelligence. Here, Lex is cross-examined by Counselor Terry Lynn Shull. Hunter Garcia is serving as a magistrate.

Terry Lynn said, “Tell me, Doctor, do gorillas make gestures?”

“They do, and they can make gesture sequences, too.”

“Do they have a language?”

“We’re not sure.”

“Doctor, what’s a gorilla’s IQ?”

Lex motioned to his tablet and Hunter nodded. Lex clicked around a little. “Maybe seventy to ninety, but that’s just Koko, a gorilla who was taught to use American Sign Language. Gorillas without known sign language don’t necessarily have a measurable IQ, and Koko could have been mainly making herself look good.”

“How so?” Terry Lynn asked.

“She may have figured out that making gestures would get her what she wanted, but she didn’t necessarily truly comprehend much of what she was signing. If she signed for juice, let’s say, and she kept getting juice, she probably learned making a particular sequence of hand gestures meant she would get a cup of juice. But it might just be like a dog barking to ‘speak’ and then getting a treat. Both animals realize that if they do X, then Y happens. But it does not necessarily mean Koko understood that her sign for juice really designated juice. It’s not possible to tell if Koko understood it was a representation for the concept of juice.”

“What’s a dog’s IQ, Doctor?”

“Dog intelligence isn’t really measured like ours. It’s measured more in terms of problem solving, learning, and thinking. Cognitive processes, as it were.”

“Are Enigmans smarter or dumber than dogs, Doctor?”

“I have no idea.”

Relationships

Amy Allenby

Lex and Amy knew each other as children, and were on and off again for years. Marnie is particularly surprised when Amy writes to Lex and refers to him as Alec.

But Amy wants to stay in the Solar System, and she wants children. So, she and Lex parted ways and she married someone else.

With very little on her, even I can only conjecture. But he does at one point say she really did a number on him.

In all honesty, though, I have no idea of the specifics—and I created these characters!

Marnie Shapiro

When Marnie first walks into the Veterinary while he’s on duty, he’s nervous and clumsy, dropping a paper towel roll multiple times. For a junior guy used to working the night shift, a visit from the captain is a novelty. And, he already thinks she’s attractive.

When they go to Enigma (Tom is too shocked by finding chlorophyll and feels it’s all too much), they get overly excited when they first find alien life. And that leads to kisses.
Click to buy Untrustworthy on Amazon

Conflict and Turning Point

As with the other characters in The Enigman Cave, Lex feels the change come when Carter takes over in the Solar System in a bloody coup d’etat.

But unlike many of the other characters seen in the book, he doesn’t get a chance to declare his stance.

In that way, I treat him like Sharon Townshend and Charlie Hill. But his stand should be obvious. He is as appalled and angered as Marnie is.

Continuity/Easter Eggs

I don’t really have much continuity for him. He’s basically just a solid, dependable love interest.

Future Plans

Since he wasn’t in the prequel, I don’t rightly know if/when I will bring him back. But he is quite literally a supporting character. I don’t see him as being the stuff of his own stories. But I can be persuaded by the right idea…

Lex Feldman: Takeaways

Sweet, smart, nervous, and definitely in over his head, Lex gives Marnie someone in her life who will give back all the caring she exudes to the crew. Because Ben Chase sure as hell never did.

Do  you want more character reviews? Stay tuned!

Lex Feldman — the character who lets the main character shine.

Click to buy Untrustworthy on AmazonWant More of Lex Feldman and the rest of The Enigman Cave?

If The Enigman Cave resonates with you, then please be sure to check out my other blog posts and pages about how our society handles first contact with a species that may be as primitive as Australopithecus.

Character Reviews: The Enigman Cave

† Marnie Shapiro
• Trixie LaRue
† Jazminder Parikh, MD
• Benjamin Chase
The Enigman Cave Universe
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Character Review — Ginny CareyMarnie Shapiro, Lex Feldman, Jazminder Parikh, Benjamin Chase, Astrid Hennigsen, Trixie LaRue, Ginny Carey,

Character Review — Ginny Carey

Published by Janet Gershen-Siegel on February 5, 2026

Consider Ginny Carey, One of My Original Characters

So, who is Ginny Carey?

The secondary communication officer (she works nights) on the Valentina Tereshkova is important to the storyline in The Enigman Cave. In particular, this is because she has a mathematics background.

… and she also just so happens to be Dr. Jazminder Parikh’s ex.

Where Did Ginny Carey Come From?

In a small way, Ginny’s origins depend on a sorority sister of mine. Alix was a math major who went to library school. I lost touch with her for decades and, unfortunately, only heard of her death after the fact. But I based Ginny on her (somewhat) while I still believed she was alive.

But there are a number of key differences between them.

The Past is Prologue — Backstory for Ginny Carey

I honestly never thought to give Ginny much of a backstory. The main thing that any reader should understand about her is that she has more of a math background than you would normally expect from a communications professional.

But that’s about it.

Description

Slight and looking younger than she really is, Ginny has medium brown hair and eyes and looks bookish. But that is because, well, she is. If the story was taking place in our current time, she would most likely be either a teacher of small classes or a tutor or a librarian.

Purpose/Theme/Motivation

Loyal to Marnie, Ginny has no qualms about finding odd communications and immediately reporting them up the command food chain.

However, since she is a lower decks character, she does not learn about the really bad stuff with Carter until a lot later in the story than the higher up characters do. And, because she and Jazzie are no longer dating, she cannot get any insider information that way.

As Marnie explains in the book, it’s to give people like Ginny plausible deniability. If the senior staff are arrested or even executed, the idea is that Ginny and people like her would have a fighting chance to escape punishment.

Quotes from Ginny Carey {she and Dr. Simon Mendoza are on the surface, looking to capture an alien animal}

Ginny and Simon walked to the stand of ferns and found undergrowth. “Here, jackalope, jackalope,” she called.

“Silly gal. What if it’s a Jill and not a Jack?”

“Is that even possible? What if they’re just single gender?”

“Me you’re asking? I have no idea.” He set down a cage on the ground. “Pity we don’t have bait. Any idea what they eat?”

“When Brian was down here, he said he saw one of them with a small fern frond in its mouth. But who knows which species of fern? Aren’t there, like, three dozen found so far?”

“Approximately,” Simon said. “Here jackalope, jackalope.” She elbowed him.

Relationships

The only relationship I have for her is the one with Jazminder. But why did they break up in the first place? According to the doctor, they just wanted different things out of life. But we’re only hearing one side of the story.

Then again, these are my characters, and I’ve only heard one side of the story as well. Hmm.

Conflict and Turning Point

Much like the main characters and higher-level supporting characters, Ginny’s turning point is essentially when it becomes obvious that the government at home is collapsing.

Continuity/Easter Eggs

Ginny Carey doesn’t star in any continuity or in any Easter eggs. And being more of a lower decks type of person, I did not put her into the prequel.

Future Plans

Right now, I don’t have any plans for her. However, there is some room in the Enigman universe for a sequel or two. In part, I covered some of this in the crossover story, Timelines are Alive. But Ginny was not in that one.

Also, there is a possibility that I might want to write a longer piece about returning to Earth and even confronting Carter and his cronies. Still, someone would have to stay behind on Enigma, and it makes more sense for someone in communications to do that.

For any of the protocols to actually make any sense, Marnie would have to take Astrid Hennigsen along, just in case there were any communications issues on the way back to the mother planet. By the same token, Marnie would also have to take Jazminder with her.

Hence, Ginny and Jazzie would most likely not have a reconciliation. Although keeping scenes of interacting with the Enigmans could work. I don’t know. The truth is, I have never really sat down and tried to map out a sequel.

Ginny Carey: Takeaways

For a lesbian ex-girlfriend character, she started off as being almost a throwaway character. But then I figured out the mystery and came to realize that she would be the most perfect person to solve it. Go, Ginny!

Click to buy Untrustworthy on Amazon

Want More of Ginny Carey and the Rest of The Enigman Cave?

If The Enigman Cave resonates with you, then please be sure to check out my other blog posts about how our society handles first contact with a species that may be as primitive as Australopithecus.

Character Reviews: The Enigman Cave

† Marnie Shapiro
• Trixie LaRue
† Jazminder Parikh, MD
• Lex Feldman
† Benjamin Chase
• Eileen Bragin

The Enigman Cave Universe
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Character Review — Student #17Ixalla, Tathrelle, Student #17, Velexio, Adger,

Character Review — Student #17

Published by Janet Gershen-Siegel on October 14, 2025

Consider Student #17, One of My Original Characters

So, who is Student #17?

In Untrustworthy, one of the conceits is that people don’t really have names at birth. Cabossians, instead, get names later. But they are called by their numbers as adults, anyway.

As a result, this character does not have an actual name. And, later in the story, he never actually chooses one for himself.

Where Did Student #17 Come From?

When I was first developing Ixalla, I wanted her to be a dedicated teacher. And the best place, I feel, to show her dedication would be in the eyes of her students.

After all, if you had a teacher who inspired you, kept you together, and maybe even kept you alive, wouldn’t you want to remember that person?

The Past is Prologue — Backstory for Student #17

I don’t really have much on him or really on any of the students beyond Five. But this is by design. He is, essentially, just some kid in Ixalla’s class. I never intended for him to have any sort of prior relationship to Ixalla beyond being a student in her class.

And so, their connection later is meant to be out of what was an almost random moment where they are just about thrown together.

Student #17: a Description

Like all other male Cabossians, he is bald and has a genital appendage on each hand, where we would normally have a pinkie finger. And, like all fertile male Cabossians, he has the ability to give birth to sterile children if impregnated by another fertile male.

Purpose/Theme/Motivation

When the story starts out, he’s a shy kid, already the kind of child who Five would pick on. But even as he becomes physically weaker, he shows unexpected reserves of strength.

Once you get to the end of the book, it becomes clear that, even though he’s got limitations, he can take care of himself.

Quotes for Student Number Seventeen

Student Number Seventeen looked at Ixalla as she awoke, and his tone was rather grave. “We are running out of nutritional supplements.”

Ixalla sighed when she inspected their stash. It was all too true. “…I imagine that the supply chain has broken down, all along the line, even as far as City Number Thirty-one.” The statement gave her pause, and then she was able to collect herself.

“T-teacher Number 7,999,533,628?” inquired Student Number Seventeen, “Are you all right?”

“Yes, I, huh, I could have sworn that that woman, that she and I had a history and, and it had something to do with City Number Thirty-one.” She waved a hand dismissively. “I suppose I am losing my mind, is all.” She chuckled a little.

“What is so funny, Teacher?”

“You calling me Teacher and referencing my number,” Ixalla explained. “I think maybe by now the three of us all know each other well enough that you can use my name. And once we get the two of you back to your parents, when you are of age, they’ll, well, they will name you, of course.”

“What if my parents are gone?” asked the unknown girl. “I do not even know if they are.”

“I – let’s think positively, shall we?” Ixalla tried to remain upbeat, but even she had to admit that the girl had a point. She no longer had her identification card, after all. And with tablet grid communications completely down… there was no way whatsoever to find the unknown girl’s family.

“We’ll never find them,” the unknown girl said sadly. “We all know this, right?”

“I – just, it’s not impossible,” Ixalla said. She drew them closer to her. “You may call me Ixalla. That is my true name. Not, not seven billion and change, but Ixalla. Know who I am. Just, just, know me.”

“Y-yes, Ixalla,” Student Number Seventeen tried the new designation on for size. “Thank you for telling it to us. But to me you will always be my teacher.”

Relationships

While I never give him a romantic relationship, he does adopt a daughter. And he continues to have a brother and sister style of relationship with the unknown girl.

Conflict and Turning Point

Like with the other characters in the story, Student Number Seventeen’s turning point is when the instructions and the dissatisfaction collide and eventually turn into city-wide (if not planet-wide) riots. But I never actually show him participating in any of that.

However, this makes perfect sense, seeing as he is already fairly severely physically disabled by this moment in the overall storyline. And so, even if he was still with his parents somehow, he would likely be hiding during the worst of it.

Continuity/Easter Eggs

Like with most of what is connected to Untrustworthy, there really are no continuities or Easter eggs for this character. And for the most part, there really can’t be any, anyway.

Future Plans

I like the way Untrustworthy ends, so there are no plans for a sequel. This character did not show up in the prequel. At this point in time, I have no other plans for him.

Student #17: Takeaways

Sympathetic, shy, and ultimately traumatized, Student #17 is like a phoenix rising from the ashes of Caboss.

For this reason alone, along with Ceilidh O’Malley from The Real Hub of the Universe and Neil Murphy from Mettle, he is one of the more hopeful characters I have ever written.

Click to buy Untrustworthy on Amazon

Want More of Student #17 and the Rest of Untrustworthy?

If Untrustworthy resonates with you, then check out my other blog posts about how an alien society devolves into fascism.

Character Reviews: Untrustworthy

• Character Review—Adger
† Character Review—Ixalla
• Review—Tathrelle
† Character Review—Velexio
• Character Review—Student #17

Untrustworthy Universe

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Character Review — Sally Bowles/They Say This One Tiles Bathrooms AdequatelyPeri Martin, Tommy 2000, Greg Shapiro, Selkhet 3000, TSTITO, Rachel Gifford, Ted Moore, Charlie Hollis, Sally Bowles, They Say This One Tiles Bathrooms Adequately, TSTO Tiles,

Character Review — Sally Bowles/They Say This One Tiles Bathrooms Adequately

Published by Janet Gershen-Siegel on September 25, 2025

Consider Sally Bowles/They Say This One Tiles Bathrooms Adequately, One of My Original Characters

So, who is Sally Bowles/They Say This One Tiles Bathrooms Adequately?

Of course, the real character Sally Bowles is from the film and play Cabaret. But in my universe, it’s more like a stage name for a character who hates their real name.

Or, like a new name that a trans human has taken for themself.

One of the ways that the Obolonks started to truly come alive for me was to create a reputationally-based naming system for them. And, in order to better reflect reality, they wouldn’t all have the best of reputations when Naming Day rolled around.

TSTO Tiles would be one such Obolonk. And it doesn’t help that they’re one of the offspring of the Obolonk big cheese, They Say This is the One.

Where Did They Say This One Tiles Bathrooms Adequately Come From?

When I was first putting together the reputation-based names for my Obolonk characters, this one’s name started off as just TSTO Tiles Bathrooms.

But of course, they didn’t really come alive until I added the adverb at the end. It offers (I believe) just the right touch of passive-aggression. It’s a lot like telling someone, you’re not so much of a problem child, most of the time.

Damning with faint praise, indeed.

The Past is Prologue — Backstory for They Say This One Tiles Bathrooms Adequately

A total or at least 50% screwup, TSTO Tiles does not fit in well with proper Obolonk society. Like other mods, they split the difference, acting like a more or less proper Obolonk much of the time, but mimicking human behavior and sexuality when out with their friends.

Sally Bowles, a Description

Like all the other Obolonks in the series, Sally Bowles is tall, bald, and an orange shade. The shade darkens as they age. But Sally isn’t that old, so they, like their siblings, is kind of an iced peach shade.

Purpose/Theme/Motivation

The overall arc for this species is essentially to start to fit in with human society and, in the process, change us as much as we are changing them. But here, in the first trilogy, the main motivation is to start to bridge the gap.

Quotes

There was one dressed in a short black pixie cut wig, over which there was a black bowler hat with a purple band. They wore a black leotard with a plunging v-neckline, and short shorts, dark hose held up by a black garter belt, and tall black boots. The makeup was heavy and dark, including impossibly long false eyelashes that were obviously not meant to be at all natural. That one was wearing some form of strategic padding, as Obolonks didn’t really have figures. There was an old-fashioned cigarette, lit and smoldering in a long holder.

The Obolonk approached, took a drag off the cigarette, and blew the smoke to the side. “You may be wondering who I’m dressed as.”…

Tommy tapped Peri on the shoulder and addressed the Obolonk directly. “You are They Say This One Tiles Bathrooms Adequately.”

The Obolonk cringed, and this time they exhaled their cigarette smoke directly at Tommy. “I’m a she and I’m Sally, Android.”

“I don’t care what the hell you’re calling yourself,” Peri said. “But his name is Tommy. I’d appreciate it if you used it.”

“Got it,” said Sally. “Follow me.” Tommy and Peri glanced at each other. “Oh, I’m completely harmless,” the Obolonk said. They followed.

Don’t forget your small hot gun in the clutch.

A doorway led to an office area where the music was a lot harder to hear. The Obolonk turned to face them. “I don’t know why you’re here, although I do apologize for my parent’s behavior. I know you came a really long way.”

“Sally,” Peri asked, “how long you been doing the Mod thing?”

“Over twenty years. Nice dress.”

Relationships

I don’t list any relationships for Sally. But dressed like that, Sally may be looking for some sort of companionship, either with a fellow mod Obolonk or even with a human.

Conflict and Turning Point

In accordance with the overall conflict and turning point in the first Obolonk trilogy, Sally’s issues aren’t as much a fight for survival as in the second trilogy.

Rather, her issues are more whether humans will continue to allow the Obolonk experiment to continue on our soil, or if we will go back to holding these kind and mostly friendly aliens at arm’s length, all for the sake of maintaining our own irrational prejudices.

Continuity/Easter Eggs

Apart from within the initial trilogy itself, there is no overarching continuity for They Say This One Tiles Bathrooms Adequately.

Future Plans for Sally Bowles

While I don’t really have future plans for this character, I do have plans for the storyline. And since Tommy 2000 can more or less live forever, his memory of Sally Bowles will stay with him.

So, perhaps, the name will come up again. I’ve barely started to outline the final trilogy, so I don’t really know yet.

They Say This One Tiles Bathrooms Adequately: Takeaways

A bit like Roger Clinton, Alice Roosevelt, Neil Bush, or Billy Carter, Sally Bowles is the family member that the head of society is so embarrassed by that they just plain want to sweep them under the rug and hope everyone forgets them.

But there’s more to Sally Bowles than flashy human-style clothes and makeup.

Want More of Sally Bowles and the Rest of the Obolonk Universe?

If the story of the Obolonks resonates with you, then please be sure to check out my other blog posts about how our society turns tripartite, with humans, robots, and Obolonks.

Humans
† Peri Martin
• Greg Shapiro

Robots
† Tommy 2000
• Selkhet 3000

Obolonks
† Obolonk leader TSTITO

The Obolonk Universe

Self-Reviews: Obolonk Trilogy

• The Obolonk Murders (see below for the URL)
† Self-Review: The Polymer Beat
• The Badge of Humanity

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Character Review — Astrid HennigsenMarnie Shapiro, Lex Feldman, Jazminder Parikh, Benjamin Chase, Astrid Hennigsen, Trixie LaRue, Ginny Carey,

Character Review — Astrid Hennigsen

Published by Janet Gershen-Siegel on September 23, 2025

Consider Astrid Hennigsen, One of My Original Characters

So, who is Astrid Hennigsen?

The communications officer on the Valentina Tereshkova is a vital part of The Enigman Cave. Although she’s nowhere near a main character (or a very high level supporting character), a lot of her actions drive the plot.

But as she would probably say, she’s just doing her job.

Where Did Astrid Hennigsen Come From?

Whenever you think of space opera, I think it’s inevitable to think at least a little bit about Star Trek. At least I do.

And, as a result, the series which are earlier in the timeline all have communications officers. But once you get to TNG, that role starts to fade, in favor of Operations or Counseling.

Someone still opens a channel, someone still announces that, “the hailing frequencies are open”, and someone inevitably answers calls, particularly generalized ones just sent to the ship itself.

But the role has changed in terms of acting as well. These characters (such as Tasha Yar) do more than just answer the phone.

When you go back to much earlier in the Trek timeline, the communications officer’s job is a lot harder, and it’s full-time. In Enterprise, Hoshi Sato tries to do translations on the fly. In TOS and Strange New Worlds, Nyota Uhura is the heart and soul of the ship.

And in Discovery, Ronald Bryce and William Christopher are efficient linguists, even as the time shifts from pre-TOS to the deep future.

These people are more than just computer jockeys.

The Past is Prologue — Backstory for Astrid Hennigsen

All of this being said; however, the last thing I wanted was for Astrid to be someone who is almost preternaturally gifted. She would be highly competent, but not in the sort of way where it’s not believable.

Astrid, in some ways, is someone I see as being kind of like your cousin who’s good at languages.

One bit of information I need to make clearer in editing is that she doesn’t necessarily want to be on the Val, working for Marnie. At one point, Marnie even says that this wasn’t Astrid’s first choice for an assignment.

But what was? I confess even I am not sure. But I don’t really see her as someone selfish enough to have wanted to work with someone pretty, just to advance her career. I don’t think Astrid is shallow like that.

Since Rosa Perrault got more depth in the prequel, maybe that could answer the question. Hmm. If Astrid wanted to work with Rosa, then she most likely wouldn’t see working for Marnie as being some sort of step down.

Astrid Hennigsen, a Description

Ethereally light and somewhat Scandinavian-looking, Astrid is also like your cousin who seems to get a sunburn just about whenever the weather is anything but a solar eclipse.

Purpose/Theme/Motivation

Astrid wants to do the right thing and do her work well. But at the same time, she also wants to make big discoveries and talk to aliens.

To her credit, she knows her role extremely well, and does not wish to step over anyone to get ahead.

Quotes {The Species they’ve found appears to be primitive; Astrid helps confirm that here}

Astrid said, “There’s even a third thing we know about the Enigmans.”

Marnie turned to her. “What is it, Astrid?”

“I’ve been listening and scanning for any sign of communications. Not just on Enigma but I’ve also been checking for anything coming from anywhere. And not just radio—I’ve been looking in the visible and invisible spectra. The light here is the same as the light on Earth or the Vega System or anywhere, really. I haven’t found anything. I’m not just looking for video or anything like that or listening for the top forty hits. I’m trying to discern patterns. If anyone ever tries to communicate, they have to be expecting that a receiver will understand them. To my mind, that means patterning. Even complicated patterning.”

“What did you find?” Peggy shifted from foot to foot, looking almost as peeved as Ben.

“I found nothing. There are no communications going on out here, just a few random tangent waves which are meaningless. They’re just a function of our orbit. The Enigmans don’t have transmissions of any sort. At least, none I can reasonably detect.”

Relationships

I did not give her any relationships. Sorry, character!

Conflict and Turning Point

Much like with the other characters in the story, the main turning point for Astrid, where she really crosses the veritable Rubicon, is when she agrees to disobey direct orders from Earth.

Continuity/Easter Eggs

While her look is rather similar to that of Ceilidh O’Malley, I don’t really have any other connections across universes for Astrid.

Future Plans for Astrid Hennigsen

She was barely in the prequel, although if I want to lean into her wanting to work with Rosa, I could potentially make them cordial. But I don’t think that’s necessary right now. Not every single question has to have an answer.

I need to remind myself of that, at times.

Astrid Hennigsen: Takeaways

This smart, cheerful communications officer brings in information and interprets it in ways which other characters cannot, and drives the plot while doing so. She is a 100% necessary character!

Want More of Jazminder Parikh and the Rest of The Enigman Cave?

If The Enigman Cave resonates with you, then please be sure to check out my other blog posts about how our society handles first contact with a species that may be as primitive as Australopithecus.

Character Reviews: The Enigman Cave

† Marnie Shapiro
• Trixie LaRue
† Jazminder Parikh, MD
• Lex Feldman
† Benjamin Chase

The Enigman Cave Universe
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Character Review — Kitty KowalskiCraig Firenze, Noah Braverman, Minka Lopez, Dez Hunter, Eleanor Braverman, Olga Nicolaev, Kitty Kowalski, Mei-Lin Quan, Nell Murphy, Elise Jeffries,

Character Review — Kitty Kowalski

Published by Janet Gershen-Siegel on September 16, 2025

Consider Kitty Kowalski, One of My Original Characters

So, who is Kitty Kowalski?

When I was first developing Mettle, a pair of names came to me quickly: Kitty and Mink.

Where Did Kitty Kowalski Come From?

She arrived nearly fully formed. But never confuse this malignant narcissist with Athena’s birth, at full adulthood, from Zeus’s forehead.

Rather, I knew I wanted a mean girl character. And then, as I continued writing her, Kitty became essentially just barely this side of a psychopath.

Yeah, she really is so bad as all that.

The Past is Prologue — Backstory for Kitty Kowalski

When I finally get around to writing the prequel to Mettle, some of her backstory will get a lot clearer. But a big part of it is best said by songwriter Al Stewart in his song Carol.

“Your TV mother with her cocktail eyes….”

While Kitty’s mother isn’t necessarily an alcoholic, I see both her parents as being neglectful. But being wealthy means people think of them as being eccentric. And, more importantly, no one calls Child Protective Services on them.

When Mettle first starts, Kitty isn’t living with her parents, and she’s only fourteen years old.

‘Nuff said.

Kitty Kowalski, a Description

Short and blonde and ethereally light, Kitty resembles actress Dove Cameron. Unfortunately, Cameron is already too old to play this role.

Purpose/Theme/Motivation

The truth is, as the consummate party girl, Kitty’s main motivations in life are to get high and piss off everyone around her.

She has no other depth from me because as a person she truly has no other depth.

Quotes from Kitty Kowalski {Yes, she really is this nasty; this is the morning after the power has gone out}

Kitty inspected the saucepan. “Gross. You’re really gonna eat that?”

“You got a better idea?”

“It’s fucking gross. You don’t just eat corn for breakfast.”

“You gonna make me pancakes, or something?”

Kitty wrinkled her nose at him. “I’m not your slave.”

“Hey, you brought it up. I was perfectly happy just making my own breakfast till you decided it sucked.”

“Well, it still sucks. Where’s the fucking internet?” she whined.

“Same place as the fridge and the washing machine and the shower.”

“I miss my phone.”

“Yeah, that, too.” He turned off the flame. He washed a pair of bowls and forks from the dirty dishes in the sink. “Want some?”

“No, are you fucking retarded or something, Dez? That’s just, ugh, it’s repulsive.”

“Suit yourself.” He dumped the corn into a bowl.

Mink entered the kitchen. “What’s left in the cabinets?”

“Green beans, some tuna, I think I saw tomato paste,” Dez said as Mink opened the cabinets and looked for herself.

“There’s pumpkin pie filling, too, and we still have peanut butter. I wish we had bread.”

“Want some corn?” He offered her the second bowl and fork.

“Sure, thanks.” He dumped about half his bowlful into hers. “Kitty, what are you gonna have?”

“I want French toast.”

“If we had eggs, we could make French toast, if we had bread. And a working toaster. Aunt Doreen used to say shit like that.”

“Yeah, she’s hysterical.” Kitty folded her arms and scowled. “This blows.”

Mink shrugged and ate as did Dez. When they were done, she bused the dishes to the sink and washed them and turned to wash more dishes. “Man, we don’t have to live like pigs. Can somebody dry?”

Kitty made a beeline out of the kitchen.

Relationships

Like in the case of a lot of narcissists, Kitty doesn’t have any relationships unless they are transactional. That is, she only wants to know: what’s in it for her?

Dez Hunter

Dez is probably her only conquest who doesn’t just hang on her every word. But at the same time, he has got to be stoked that he is with the hottest girl in their grade. Kitty conveys a great deal of cachet.

Then again, that’s also why Minka Lopez hangs around with her. But don’t mistake their time spent with Kitty as being out of affection. Rather, it’s spent out of a need to social climb within the rigid societal hierarchy of middle school.

Conflict and Turning Point

When Kitty rejects even the meager help being offered to her—the only help anyone can possibly offer—she’s kicked out of the group. Mink tags along because she feels she has to, and they leave.

Which turns out to be so disastrous for both girls.

The reader only learns about this later when Mink is able to rejoin the fold. But we never see Kitty again. Is she dead?

Even I have no idea.

Continuity/Easter Eggs

In Lizzie Borden is Vital to the Timeline, the time travel agency’s director is named Sylvia Kowalsky. And while the spelling differs, that story takes place around 1600 years after the end of Mettle.

So, is Sylvia related to Kitty?

Again, I have no idea.

Future Plans

Since I don’t honestly know whether she’s alive or dead at the end of Mettle, there is little sense in planning anything else for her. But she will be in the prequel.

Kitty Kowalski: Takeaways

As the Schrödinger’s Cat of Mettle, Kitty’s endgame could go in nearly any direction. But unlike Jeannie Scutter Firenze, I just don’t see myself writing a redemption arc for her.

But never say never.

Want More of Mettle?

If Mettle resonates with you, then please be sure to check out my other blog posts about how changes in the periodic table nearly kill us all.

• Noah Braverman
† Craig Firenze
• Dez Hunter
† Dr. Elise Jeffries
• Minka Lopez
† Nell Murphy
• Olga Nicolaev
† Dr. Mei-Lin Quan

Self Review: Mettle

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Character Review — Corwin ZacharyDalton Farouk, Carmen D'Angelo, Josie James, Peter Ray, Tad Lewis, Elston Young, Corwin Zachary,

Character Review — Corwin Zachary

Published by Janet Gershen-Siegel on September 9, 2025

Let’s Consider Corwin Zachary, One of My Original Characters

So, who is Corwin Zachary?

I like using acronyms, so the idea of the bad guys in Time Addicts using an acronym was irresistible. ZERO is a great acronym. So, as a result, Corwin is the ‘Z’ in the equation.

Where Did Corwin Zachary Come From?

For the bad guys to really be able to do what they’re doing, they need money. Who better to bankroll them, than a wealthy businessperson?

The Past is Prologue — Backstory for Corwin Zachary

Corwin joins ZERO because of an invitation. But why is he brought in, in the first place?

He’s got so much more money than most people of the time, even Peter Ray. His family owns any number of luxury businesses throughout the Solar System. Corwin has so much, he is not hurting for money.

As a result, this makes him incredibly attractive as a partner in crime for the other miscreants in the story.

Description

For Corwin’s look, I am drawn to the actor John Tuturro.

Purpose/Theme/Motivation

Corwin is basically a greedy SOB. But he’s also taken in by Robin McKenna’s promises that they can change time to their own ends, in any way they please. It’s a tempting, irresistible offer, so far as he’s concerned.

Therefore, in some ways, he’s a lot like Elon Musk. He’s got a massive pile of money, but needs new places to spend it. And, if he can make his life easier at the same time, then he’s sold.

Quotes {Josie and Tad Meet Corwin for the First Time}

They got to a doorway, the only door, and it had a zero on it. Pay dirt. You people have got a flair for the dramatic, I see. She knocked. “Yick Wo’s!”

In less than a minute, the door opened, and it got very noisy. The person answering the door was a tall, slightly built man who was probably in his sixties. He had to bellow to be heard. “Yeah?”

Behind him, there was some sort of frenzied activity, but it was hard to see anything. “What’s going on back there?” Josie yelled.

“Stuff,” the guy answered. “Now, what do I owe ya?”

“Seventy-three mercs and forty-eight triangles,” said Tad. “Is that like work stuff back there?”

“It’s stuff, for fuck’s sake.” The guy pulled out a billfold and started to count out his payment.

“Are you hiring?” Josie yelled back. “’Cause what we do is kinda boring.” I don’t know who this guy is, but there’s no question that something or other is going on here. The Robin House is a front for … something.

“What can ya do?” the guy yelled. He handed over a combination of large and small coins to Tad, who traded the bag of food for it.

“I can manage robots,” Tad yelled. “And my pal Jamie here can do books.”

“I already got an accountant. But a manager for robots could work.” He was about to shut the door when Josie put her foot in to stop it.

“I can also take care of a lot of other stuff.” She pulled up a sleeve to show him the clock tattoo on her wrist.

Click to buy Untrustworthy on Amazon

Relationships

The people in the cabal have interrelationships. But these two are probably the most important for Corwin Zachary.

Corwin and Cassandra

Initially, Cassie is Corwin’s girlfriend. She is a bit ditzy and is not a temporal sensitive. She is much more like a lackey than anything else in the cabal, and her name isn’t a part of the initialism.

Corwin and Robin

Things improve for Corwin Zachary when he trades up for Robin. The problem is, Robin is supposedly still seeing Elston Young.

So as they say in Facebook, it’s … complicated.

Conflict and Turning Point

Corwin’s turning point happens at virtually the same time as everyone else’s in the Time Addicts series, when the team confronts the cabal. And unlike Elston Young, Corwin does not have any redemptive actions.

Sorry, character, but you are going to jail for a long, long time.

Continuity/Easter Eggs

Corwin doesn’t fit in with any other continuities. He did not show up in the Time Addicts prequel, either.

Future Plans for Corwin Zachary

So far, I don’t honestly have any future plans for him. But never say never!

Corwin Zachary: Takeaways

I like the idea of a very wealthy individual looking somewhat hangdog and certainly not being a standard fantasy type billionaire. You know, kind of like Bill Gates in real life, and not like so many billionaires fiction writers love to write about.

Fortunately for us in the real world, Bill Gates is a far better person than Corwin Zachary.

Want More of Corwin Zachary and the Rest of the Obolonk Universe?

If the story of the Obolonks resonates with you, then please be sure to check out my other blog posts about how our society turns tripartite, with humans, robots, and Obolonks.

Character Reviews: The Obolonk Murders

Humans
† Peri Martin
• Greg Shapiro
† Rachel Gifford

Robots
† Tommy 2000
• Selkhet 3000

Obolonks
† TSTITO, the Obolonk leader

Character Reviews: Time Addicts

The Good Guys
• Josie James
† Dalton Farouk
† Tad Lewis
• Cyndi Mendez
† Bobby Brodie
• Keisha Darnell
† Vera Travers

The Bad Guys
• Peter Ray
† Dae Ou Xiang
• Elston Young

The Obolonk Universe

Self-Reviews: Obolonk Trilogy

• The Obolonk Murders
† Self-Review: The Polymer Beat
• The Badge of Humanity

Self-Reviews: Time Addicts Trilogy

† No One is Safe
• Nothing is Permanent
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