#BP #Friendship: Madnes and Oz

The Beautiful People monthly meme, hosted by Paper Fury and Further Up & Further In, where writers answer a series of questions about the characters they create.

Last month my BP post’s focus was on V. Chronicles—the Fantasy novel series I’m currently editing. But for this BP post I’m going to focus on the serial series:

Madnes Solver.

The friends I’ve chosen for this are:

Madnes (the protagonist) and Oz (the antagonist).

1. How long have they known each other, and how close are they?

Madnes and Oz have known each other since they were children. They are cousins, and they used to be very close, two peas in a pod, though they differ in personality. Sadly, things didn’t stay that way. A change overcame Oz, an icy cold, and he began hating the world and everything he once loved. Madnes didn’t understand why or where this change was coming from, but it put an end to their friendship. And soon Oz moved away with his parents, and Madnes couldn’t bring himself to say goodbye or try and mend the broken bond between them.

Madnes is human, but did I mention that Oz is of the Crowv race, a humanoid that is part crow?

2. What’s their earliest memory of being best friends?

Probably that very day they first met. Their parents introduced them to each other, and though Oz was quite shy and timid he gradually opened up to Madnes after he saved him from some bullies.

3. Do they fight? How long do they typically fight for?

They may have had little arguments and spats as kids. But the big fight came when Madnes saw how Oz was changing and began questioning it. Now they are young adults, and Oz is one of the antagonists of the series. He seeks to crush and ruin Madnes until he hands over the Madness Solver power to him. So far there is no end in sight for this fight/battle, though Madnes is determined to somehow restore his friend.

4. Are their personalities similar or do they compliment each other?

They complement each other well, or used to. Both Oz and Madnes are thinkers, and they can understand each other’s thought processes. But this also makes it difficult for them to be open about emotions and feelings.

Oz is more emotional, deep inside, but he hides it well—and rarely does it slip out. As kids, with Oz by his side, Madnes was more outgoing and adventurous, and usually the one to get them both into trouble. But since the time they parted ways, Madnes grew introverted and kept to himself.

5. Who is the leader of their friendship (if anyone)?

It used to be equal. But now Madnes is the only one still trying to restore that bond and draw Oz out of the darkness he’s sunken into.

6. Do they have any secrets from each other?

Oz does. The reason he wants the Madness Solver power from Madnes is so that he can use it to find his mother, who vanished without a trace years ago; ever since, he’s been searching for her to no avail. He believes the power will grant him the knowledge and ability to find her (if she’s still alive) or punish the people responsible. He’s willing to do anything to get the power, even make his former best friend suffer until he gives up on life and dies, therefore releasing his power for Oz to take.

7. How well do they know each other’s quirks and habits?

They know the young versions of each other very well, but they’ve since grown into young adults, and been apart for years. Basic quirks and habits probably remain, but people change over time, so there remains a lot they don’t know.

Current habits: Madnes fools around with his deep red hair when he’s either nervous or thinking up a solution to a problem. Oz has a tendency to eat cream-filled buns when he’s depressed or upset—he stress eats them, and somehow keeps a lean figure. 😉

8. What kind of things do they like to do together?

As kids they read story books, played silly games (Madnes’ ideas), and got into mischief. But those are all no more than memories now.

9. Describe each character’s fashion style (use pictures if you’d like!) How are their styles different/similar?

Oz is the prince of the Red King’s kingdom in Wonderland. As such, he dresses in all the fineries of royalty: silk blouse and trousers under a colorful robe or tunic paired with a sash or cape. When he wants to blend in or visit Earth he wears more casual—though still fine—clothes: casual waistcoat and pants, cotton long-sleeve shirt, men’s black frock coat occasionally.

 

Madnes wears steampunkish clothes with a Victorian twist. A long, open coat or jacket, vest or laced-up shirt, trousers, sometimes a cravat. But always—always—a top hat, his trademark signature. 😉 His top hat is dark brown, with a pair of goggles wrapped around the base (no key though).

 

They are young, around 16 years old, so don’t compare their faces to the people in the photos, hehe. 😉

10. How would their lives be different without each other?

I think Oz would have fallen into darkness a lot faster if it weren’t for Madnes’ friendship, and he would be lacking the bright childhood memories they shared together. I think that leaves a glimmer of hope that he could one day change, that otherwise wouldn’t exist.

As for Madnes, he would’ve been lonely as a child without Oz, who was his first true friend, and he wouldn’t have learned how to get along with people who were different than himself and had different likes and dislikes.

If you’d like to know more about this series, you can read it right here on the blog! A new chapter is added every Wednesday, and is also a part of the #BlogBattle. 🙂

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