Roberton, Masterharper of Pern: What would he think of me and the way I look at things? I think he'd be proud of everything he's taught me. Would he like me as person? Yes, I think we would get on famously. What would he make of my life? Well, I think he would understand my mistakes, and be as proud of me as a father for working my way through them. I think the only thing that would have him sigh in regret (and I doubt it would get further than a sigh, and never one I would hear) is that I'm not doing much with my singing voice now. I sing when I can, and for now, that has to be enough (for both of us.).
Rohan, High Prince: What would he think of me and the way I look at things? I think he would be intrigued by my thoughts, the processes which I use to come by them would make sense to him, but I think my conclusions would intrigue him. Would he like me as person? More than likely yes. More importantly, I think he would respect me. He's the type of person whose respect is worth earning, so I'd be more concerned with that than if he liked me. What would he make of my life? That's a harder question. The individual facts might puzzel or be thought bizarre, but the human essence of it would ring true to him; which would have him reexamining his own life and aspirations. I think he would need my belief in humanity as much as I have needed his, and this would ether cement our friendship or tear us apart as human beings. Being a pare of awakened idealists, I'm betting on friendship.
I love this line of questioning! It's something I often think about, not just for my favorite characters, but for all the characters that I come across. How would they view my life; if I were in their reality, or if they were in mine. What advice would they give me? Could I trust it?
What advice do I then give myself?
Moving forward from here, do I alter my steps? Or pursue them with more confidence?
On what terms would I meet with this character; in their world, or mine? What would we talk about? Agree or disagree about -and why? How would the meeting conclude? Would they want to see me again?
Would knowing me change them? How? Why?
How does knowing them change me?
All of my favorite characters are ones whom I feel I would develop a close friendship with. Characters who, I feel, would want to hang out with me as much as I want to hang out with them. So when I settle in for a reread, its more like going over to a friends for a chat.
What kind of of person would they see when they look at you and got to know you? The person that I see when I look in the mirror.
