Hi @LavenderZo ! If you have the time, could you take a look at my main character's best friend, Prince Ghilandar, and let me know what you think of him?
@Riorlyne
Hello! First off, I would like to thank you for asking my advice! Let's begin!
Your addition of a cultural feature in the facial hair is super neat! You have very in-depth mannerisms that actually add to his character instead of feeling pushed onto him. I love the detail about his expressive features, it really helps me envision him. I think, with how expressive he is, it is interesting that he is also reclusive. This is a combination that I don't see very often, as expressiveness is typically a trait for the more charismatic crowd. Very natural prejudices of a royal character that is believable. As for talents, I don't think empathy is as much a talent as it is a personality trait, but the rest are solid. With they traits you gave him, I see his INFJ personality does fit well. I would like to know more about the magic debate under the politics page. Your background page clears up some curiosity I had towards the prevalence of a magic debate and his secrecy towards his fire magic, and I like that the fire magic wasn't like the first magic he tries. it makes his discovery of skills all the more satisfying. His character design is appealing, and not too "OC"-like, if you get it. He seems very well-built for a supporting character, so much so that I think he would do well with his own story. I think some kind of story focusing on his discovery of magic and the building of that secret passion would be really interesting. Of course, I haven't read up on your protagonist, but I'm sure they make a very enticing duo!
One thing I would say to watch out for is this: a lot of authors tend to make these kinds of characters fall into the 'different princess/prince' type of role, where the teen royal is in disagreement with their parents, it causes familial drama, insert angst, and all that jazz (a good example of this is Jasmine in Disney's Aladin, or many of the other 'spunky princess' archetypes we see). As long as you keep Ghil grounded, I don't think that should be too much of a problem. Great Work!
@LavenderZo - Thank you for your detailed feedback! I'm glad that Ghil comes across as believable.
He seems very well-built for a supporting character, so much so that I think he would do well with his own story.
It's cool that you think that, because I plan for him to be the main character of the second story. :) It will probably include some flashbacks of him discovering and learning magic from when he was younger.
One thing I would say to watch out for is this: a lot of authors tend to make these kinds of characters fall into the 'different princess/prince' type of role, where the teen royal is in disagreement with their parents, it causes familial drama, insert angst, and all that jazz. As long as you keep Ghil grounded, I don't think that should be too much of a problem. Great Work!
Thank you for the heads-up on this. It is likely that Ghil will have some conflict with his father, but they have a lot in common and Ghil would want to work with his father, not against him. I definitely don't want it to fall into the trope of "my parents just don't understand meeeee"!