All blog postsWhen I started writing Prince of the Ancients, I anticipated readers would love Ant... but I failed at realising exactly how much. It's been quite humorous, especially when I've been told I'll have readers showing up at my doorstep if I hurt him.
Relatable fiction characters
He's probably the one character I am so happy people have related to, because I put so much of myself in him. I wanted him to be a character who feels deeply but doesn’t always express it in the expected ways. He’s anti-social, often grumpy, and prefers the quiet of his own thoughts. His sharp intellect and observant nature mean he notices everything—whether it's a detail others miss or the emotions they try to hide. But there’s more to Antares than his brooding exterior. He’s one of the characters I feel closest to because, in many ways, I’ve imparted some of my own traits into him—specifically traits related to ADHD.
ADHD in fantasy books
Antares struggles with overstimulation, which is something I relate to personally. There are scenes where his closest ally, Dracho, recognizes when he’s feeling overwhelmed. Dracho understands that sometimes touch, even meant to comfort, can make things worse when Antares is already overstimulated. It’s a subtle but important aspect of their relationship—how they navigate these moments with care and understanding. Whether it’s a bustling market or an emotionally charged situation, Antares' reaction depends heavily on his mood. At times, he thrives in chaos, but when he’s struggling with emotional regulation, even small stimuli can become overwhelming.
This internal battle of feeling everything so intensely yet not always knowing how to express it is something I’ve personally experienced. It makes Antares’ emotional journey so much richer because his love and loyalty are expressed not through grand gestures, but in the small, fiercely protective actions he takes for the people he lets close. He doesn’t say “I love you” easily, but when he does, it carries the weight of all his complexities. He’s blunt, sometimes to a fault, but that’s part of what makes him so human.
The beauty of Antares is that, although he’s not empathetic in the traditional sense, he feels things deeply. He just doesn’t always express it in soft words or gestures. Instead, he protects the few people he allows close with an unwavering loyalty. His love isn’t showy or romantic in the typical sense—it’s fierce, protective, and constant. He may come across as blunt, but for those who matter, there’s no safer place than by Antares’ side.
Creating Antares has allowed me to explore emotional depth and regulation in a way that feels incredibly personal. He’s not just another brooding hero—he’s a character who mirrors some of the challenges I’ve faced, which makes writing him all the more special.
And I promise not to hurt him... much.
