My Russian Characters
When I wrote my first book, I needed to give the main character a robust background from the 1500s. Specifically, she needed a humble childhood to give her the strength to become a powerful woman. My inspiration came from the Smithsonian website featuring three-part color photographs from the 1910s by Sergei Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorskii.
These early photographs have been painstakingly restored to show breathtaking images of Rural Russia, and I used these photographs as visual inspiration. Besides this first book, in the sequel, the other main character searches for her all across Russia. In my third book, there are Russian spies.
Why did I choose so many Russian characters? I thought I made a random choice, but now I have a different conclusion. I like the image (stereotype) of a Russian person. They have great inner strength, an influential culture, and a vast country that begs to be explored. I treat all my Russian characters as reserved, intelligent, and wise.
What about the Cold War and communism? I tread lightly in this area. My characters regret their negative past and have moved on to new challenges. I see modern Russian culture as transforming and powerful. This has provided lots of great material for my third book.
I think it is essential for a character to have pride in themselves, and this is what comes to mind when I think of a typical Russian, resulting in tremendous inner strength. Russia, as a nation, has made many accomplishments, and their influence is vast.
How did I create my Russian characters even though I have never been there? Lots of research. Fortunately, the internet is a powerful resource. Did the tragic war in Ukraine alter my perception? My books were all published before this significant event, so the answer is no. Unfortunately, my future work must consider this circumstance.
If a writer wants to write a powerful story, they need potent characters; in my experience, a Russian person fits that bill. Why? Their power comes from within. As opposed to a character that needed to rise to the occasion. (A person that needs to become strong to rescue their child.)
Yet, that is not the entire story. I like my Russian characters. They have an honest quality that makes them approachable. If they were real, I would like to ask them how they feel about world events and their childhood. Unfortunately, that will never happen, except inside my bonkers mind.
You’re the best -Bill
October 25, 2018 Updated September 30, 2023
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