Interviewing a character in your head is one way to understand that character before writing him or her. In this case, you’ll get to see the character of Katie Rodgers better. Enjoy!
Author: Hello. Thank you for doing this interview with me.
Captain: (smiles and nods) Of course. No problem.
Author: First, I must say it’s so awesome to meet you. I’m going to ask some questions, and try to get to know you more. They’re no wrong or right answers. Do you have any questions before we begin?
Captain: No.
Author: Ok. So, let’s start with the basics. What is your name?
Captain: Katie Rodgers.
Author: You look young. How old are you?
Captain: 15. I was born in 1762.
Author: Nice. So, tell me what you like.
Captain: Um, I like reading. My mother taught me. Also, I love the ocean.
Author: Katie, where are you from?
Captain: Boston. I’ve grown up there all my life. My father is a shipbuilder, but I rarely get out much.
Author: How would you express your relationship with your father?
Captain: Um, well, we’ve always been close. But since my mother’s passing, he has been every caught up in work.
Author: How did your mother’s passing affect you? What was your response?
Captain: I don’t think I’ll ever overcome the pain of her death. (pause). It made me fearful . . . of being helpless.
Author: In your own words, can you explain what being helpless means to you?
Captain: Well, helplessness is . . . bad. (light smile). I think that if I am helpless, then I am nothing. The problem is . . . I can’t help everyone.
Author: You seem to put a lot of pressure on yourself. My question is: in what ways does the pain of your past and the beliefs in the present affect your behavior or attitude?
Captain: Good question. I guess I haven’t really thought about this.
Author: Maybe it’ll be easier if I ask something like . . . . Do you carry yourself with dignity? Do you judge others easily? Or are you competitive?
Captain: I think I can be competitive, and I do carry myself with decorum because that’s what’s expected of me as a lady and as a captain. As for judging others, I’m . . . not sure.
Author: That’s all right. Let’s continue on this route of how you interact with others. Being afraid of not being there for someone, does that make you protective?
Captain: Yes. However, I dislike it when people are overly protective of me. It sort of conflicts at times, and I am very goal oriented sooooo . . .
Author: I can imagine. Speaking of goals, how would react when something fails to go as planned? Would you wait? Give up? Retreat and rethink? Forget everything and fight?
Captain: I’d stop and rethink.
Author: This might seem off topic, but are you loud?
Captain: I can be louder than I realize, I’m afraid.
Author: Does this make you self-aware? Embarrassed? Or do you see it as a gift? Or a way to control? Lead?
Captain: There are times I need people to listen, but I don’t have to always be loud to get people’s attention.
Author: Interesting. Can you elaborate?
Captain: (laugh) All right. I mean, I do do somethings that get people’s attention. Bombs. Acting like a lunatic. You know?
Author: (face “uh, I can work with this”)
Captain: Other times, my position in society gives me enough attention. Being the daughter of the shipbuilder. Being a Patriot in a British mansion. Being a girl captain prisoner.
Author: Do you find people listen to you more? If not, does that bother you? How do you handle it?
Captain: It does bother me that many don’t listen or take me seriously. I try my best to control myself though. Because the moment I lose it, they lose any possibility of respecting me.
Author: So, what title do you claim, and why?
Captain: You mean, when people call me “Captain She”?
Author: Yes. Captain She.
Captain: The title is a general term of who I am. It doesn’t make me enough to help others. God does, of course. However, I like the ring to name. Why, you asked? Because the title reflects where God has placed me, because it reminds me of His power using me, because I trust God to protect my name, I am . . . Captain She.
Photos from Pixel
Michala Woodruff 