CHARACTER SKETCH 6: THOMAS JENKINS

The character sketching exercise is progressing well with the exception of Zena. I am still undecided on the character. The main pieces are in place but I need to think about one or two things in terms of her challenges in the story. I want her to be the most compelling character in the book, one the reader cannot get enough of. I'll get there eventually.

The sixth character I'd like to reveal to you for my first unwritten novel, 'Redemption - Ideal Life' is Thomas Jenkins.

Thomas is a flamboyant and intelligent American, of Caribbean descent, who is determined to make his fortunes in Sierra Leone. A photographer by trade he has worked with the UN, in the hinterland of the country publicising the plight of underprivileged children and their poor families to the rest of the world.

After his contract ends he returns to Sierra Leone on a private capacity determined to make it big in the diamond industry. His ambition receives a boost when he is introduced to Larry. He warms to Larry, whom he believes is one of the few trustworthy Sierra Leoneans he could forge a partnership with.

He is a smooth and calm man and women fall easily for his tall dark Californian looks. Brown skinned and fit, Thomas almost has to fight off the women competing for his attentions.

Thomas has a dark side to him. He almost always secretly carries a gun and he is determined that no one, including Larry is going to dupe him like the bogus Sierra Leonean chief who managed to con him out of $50k.

Although Larry warms to him, he has a nagging feeling that Thomas has skeletons in his cupboard or is more than he is letting on. He suspects that Thomas is either a US intelligence operative or he is some sort of fugitive from justice. Thomas, in his opinion, always seems cagey talking about his past.

Thomas’ association with Larry is very beneficial to the former who makes a substantial profit as a result of Larry’s connections and help. He is grateful to Larry with the latter restoring his faith in his African ‘brothers’.

I hope you like the character. Thomas is going to bring style, mystery and adventure to the novel. If you have any tips that can make him more compelling please feedback accordingly.