When To NOT Talk About Life Insurance

At this point in my life, I'd like you to read an interview that I'm going to do with one of my NaNoWriMo (that's National Novel Writer's Month to those of you who are in the dark) characters who has yet to appear in my story. If you haven't already realized, today is November the tenth. This means that, to be on my self established word goal of 30,000, I should have 10,000 words by 11:59 PM tonight. But leaving that factor and going to the next, I want you to realize that my story is on its third chapter (okay, the first is more of a prelude, but just give it to me, 'k?) and my main character is still in the process of meeting his soon-to-be-fellow-protagonists. Today it was brought to my attention---by secret sources *ahem*dad*cough*---that I need a character sacrifice.

That is, someone (one of the protagonists) to die for a (questionably) good reason.

Unfortunately, this must happen soon in the plot development and it just so happens that I have a rather small cast of protags and none of them that I can kill off. This is due to the fact that I need a dose of character development to take you readers for a spin in the chapters ahead.
Oddly enough, I've never been faced with a problem like this before. Each time that I've had one of my story dudes suffer a death it's been by my own choice---usually because they don't have anything better to do. However, in the current case, I'm actually having to deliberately make (what I'm calling in honor of Dr. Who) a Rory Character. Only in this character's unfortunate case, he WON'T be coming back to life.

*reconsideration*...I guess he's not really a Rory Character then...

Anyway, I need someone who my readers will begin to think shows promise of becoming someone awesome by the end of the book. AND THEN IS CUT SHORT IN HIS PRIME BY A DEATH OF HORRIBLENESS. Thus, breaking the reader down, exposing them to shock, despair, and fear for the remaining dudes, causing them to blubber in tears over their Lucky Charms.

And that is why, my friends, I write now. Because, if I'm not mistaken, the character in question is due to show up right about...now.

___

Hello nameless Rory Character who will be dying presently, how are you at the moment?

Huh, me? Oh...I guess I'm doing all right. Considering the circumstances about---well, y'know. 

Your death?

*cowers a bit* Umm, yeah. That.

Oh it's fine, I'll try my best to keep it painless as possible on your part.

I appreciate that. *nods sincerely*

No prob. Anyway, I'm sure our readers are wondering: Are you a guy or a girl?

A guy. The author---err, eh, that would be you wouldn't it?---figures this is the best way to go. 

What about your name? (I gotta go through the basics here)

...Well...I actually don't kn---

*explodes in spastic episodes of glee* AIYEEEEEE! I'VE GOT IT, I'VE GOT IT, I'VE GOT IT!!

*looks hopeful* A way to bring me back to life?

NO---YOUR NAME! 

*frowns* Oh. What is it? Do tell.

YOUR NAME IS RORY! 

*mutters and looks a bit disappointed* no duh. 

Excuuuuuse me? 

Nothing. What's my next question?

Do you eat ranch?

Nope. Allergic. 

To ranch??

Yup. 

What kind of personality would you describe yourself with?

*pauses to think and mumbles:* Isn't this your job?

Shush and just answer the question.

I guess I'm kind of...shy. Maybe. Or more like indecisive. *puts hands on sides of head* Ahg! I don't know! 

*writes notes* Hmm...indecisive...that's helpful.

*moans* Glad to hear it.

What about family? Do you have any family?

A wife. We've only been married for two years. 

Oh well congrats!

Thanks! 

What about animals? Do you like animals?

Funny you should ask about that. It just so happens that I'm working as an assistant to one of the world's most knowledgeable zoologists. 

Really? Do you work at the Lab that's on the top of Humphreys Peak?

Oh yes. Have you been there?

Actually, it won't exist for the next two hundred years, but I've heard a lot about it. What do you do at work?

Just the usual: Help Dr. Smite with animal tissue samples, check research and feed the few animals we have at the establishment.

*look of worry* But it's not like one of those creepy science lab where they mutate and cause harm to the animals, right?

Oh not at all. It's perfectly humane. I even take some of the animals home with me after work---their practically family pets.

So your wife, she likes animals too?

Definitely. 

*keeps taking notes* Also good to know...I wonder if her name should be Amy...

You ask something? 

Wha?

What?

Nothing. I have one last inquiry before we break up this brief talk. 

And that is?

How perfected are your survival skills?

Like, outdoors and such?

Yeah. 

Well I'd say I could survive for a little while. I'm not the smartest person on the subject, but I know the basics. Out of mere curiosity, why do you ask?

Oh, well, I'm just wondering. Just in case you might---ah---need them by chance. You know, later on.

*gives sideways look* I'm dying in the wilderness? 

*sits up straighter and puts on innocent look, speaking quickly* I didn't say that. 

Right. Well if you excuse me, this whole conversation is making me rather uncomfortable. *gets up out of cushy chair and walks away*

*stares at ticking clock in awkward (and lonely) silence* Well that when nicely. I don't feel guilty at all. Nope. Not one bit. *gets up and walks away in opposite direction*

___


Okay, well if you were wanting to know, it is awkward trying to interview someone who you both know is going to end up dying by your hand.

But that's not the point.

The point is for you to enjoy this post because it gives your nosey little nose a sneak peak at what is to come.

Also, in that case that you might have had a brainwave, I was wondering if you have any better name ideas than just "Rory". I like that name but extra suggestions are very welcome! =)

And that closes our post of November 10, 2012. Thank you for reading!
Kismint