Yesterday, I introduced Larry Edwards the hero of my first novel, 'Redemption - The Ideal Life', to you. Is he convincing enough? I'd appreciate any suggestions that would make him a more believable hero.
Today, I'd like to introduce you to Larry's nemesis, Michael Wilson.
Michael and Larry are childhood friends who rarely see eye-to-eye because Michael believes Larry should not be thought of as highly as he is because he has many faults just like him. They have a very complex relationship. Sometimes they are the best of friends, while at other times they cannot stand the sight of each other.
Tall, handsome, with a charming smile, it’s as if butter would not melt in Michael’s mouth. He easily gains the trust of people. The trouble is he often lets them down just as quickly. Michael has enormous potential, he is smart, funny and knowledgeable. However, he is extremely lazy. He is always looking at ways of making a quick buck without breaking sweat. He consistently fails but finds it hard to change his ways. He has a very negative mindset always looking at the glass half empty.
He has an easy going style and makes friends easily. Michael knows anyone who needs to be known and is privy to all the juiciest gossips in his social circle. Larry wonders why Michael doesn’t put his talents of extracting information from people to good use. Michael is happiest seeing other people fail, a trait which Larry believes is Michael’s way of pacifying himself for his lack of tangible success in life.
Michael is amused when Larry and Vanessa’s marriage hit the rocks and uses the opportunity to poison Vanessa’s heart against her husband. He delights in feeding her gossip about Larry’s romance with Zena. Frustrated at not getting Larry and Vanessa to tell him the issues that are causing problems in their marriage, Michael sadistically makes up stories which he spreads around, and all aimed at making Larry appear foolish and heartless.
Michael believes his feelings about Larry are justified when Larry’s business subsequently collapses. He has always believed Larry was too good to be true. He thinks Larry has just been lucky getting a good job and doing well at university. He believes the real Larry was emerging, i.e. someone who was nothing to write home about.
Michael and his friend ‘The General’ start an oil business mainly funded by the latter. Michael is ecstatic. He finally sees his chance of success and making lots of money. He has always lived beyond his means and kept up appearances. Now he is about to become a don.
Things turn sour quickly when the General starts to question Michael’s judgement and worry about his lack of confidentiality in their business dealings. The General eventually sacks Michael on suspicion of financial misappropriation, which leaves him devastated.
He is surprised that Larry offers the olive branch after all the gossip he’s spread about him. He shows grudging respect to Larry for getting his life back on track and begins to wish he could learn from him more. However, he still has a nagging feeling that Larry wants revenge and is offering the olive branch to lure him into a false sense of security.
Does Michael come across as someone you'd love to hate? Again, I'd appreciate your comments or suggestions. I'd like Michael to be seen as very worm-like and detestable by those who know him well on the one hand; and on the other hand to be seen as charming and entertaining to those that do not know him so well. I want Larry to despair that people just cannot see Michael for what he truly is.
Tomorrow, I'll reveal a third character - so keep posted.
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