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Cecily Nera's avatar

I'm sorry, but I have one last question (I know this is kind of late)---what happens once the clock reaches zero? Or does the story take place in a two week time frame? Aside from being an annoyance, what trouble does the clock actually give him?

Galileo Wordsmith's avatar

Oh my! I totally forgot about this comment! So sorry! Anyways, well let's see... When the clock reaches zero-- I mean, huge spoiler, but unless he stops it, his best friend Marc dies (among other things).

As explained by Marc: "We have determined that there are three groups, or classes, that this Clock puts all people in. First class is those that are not affected in any way by the Clock, Second class is those who are (in a range of mild to intermediate) somewhat affected by it, and Third class is those that are completely and utterly affected to the point of no return. These three classes and definitions are undoubtedly correct. Avidron and I are absolutely certain that whatever the Clock does is not going to be good. "

As explained by Avidron: " There are three (air quotes) types of people, as it were: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Yes. That's actually what I'm calling them as of now. Fitting, don't you think? So, the 'good' are those that'll die of whatever cause. Marc in this case. Then the 'bad', me, are those that'll probably go insane or something, and lastly, the 'ugly', which includes you, my old buddy Criss, and a few others that I know of, who will live with no physical or mental side effects. I reckon our deaths won't even phase you guys. Our existence might even fade from your minds. Er... their deaths. We don't know for sure that I'll die. So yeah."

Sorry that's kinda long, but I hope you can make sense of it.

Cecily Nera's avatar

Yes, that does make sense, and it sounds very interesting---thanks for sharing!

Cecily Nera's avatar

Is there a specific reason behind his impassivity towards most people?

Galileo Wordsmith's avatar

Something like a mix between childhood trauma and then neglect from his older brother who went from being his best friend to his impromptu-father.

Thanks!

Cecily Nera's avatar

What is one word that could define their entire character/personality?

Galileo Wordsmith's avatar

Pessimist.

Haha, or maybe protector.

Cecily Nera's avatar

Well, that's a start! I like to define that word early on for my characters, and then make sure that the smaller aspects of their personality (likes, dislikes, friends, attitude to life in general) reflect it. For me it's easier to start with the big picture than a lot of smaller things.

E. R. Ware's avatar

This is a bizarre one, but for all my characters, I'd ask myself 'what would be written on their gravestone' you don't need to know when or how they die but I just like to imagine what they would have on their gravestone. It helps me shape the character into the person they're trying to be. Just thought I'd suggest that! Good luck!

Galileo Wordsmith's avatar

Oh yeah, thanks! This is very helpful