23. Lady Elise: The Perfectionist with a Past

Let's keep the ball rolling and dive into Lady Elise's character arc without major spoilers! If you're just tuning in now, check out www.aetherguardian.com on the blog page to stay up to date with all the recent posts!

One, what does Lady Elise want? She wants to avoid past mistakes and guide the next generation to do the same. Perhaps avoiding mistakes is why she is such a perfectionist...

Two, what does she need? Ha! What does every perfectionist need? To relax! I'm joking of course. She needs to understand that her failures are not her fault. She needs to understand that there are forces beyond her control and that she needs to allow herself grace. Making sure that she never makes another mistake will not bring her peace.

Three, How will she change to get what she wants? She needs to learn to be flexible - perfect of course - but flexible despite the worlds imperfections. She needs to accept that her past self is not who she is today.

Four, What lie does she believe? She believes that if she can control everyone here and now, then she will be able to not only protect herself, but also others from all future pain.

Five, What truth must she accept? She needs to realize that our imperfections do not define us, but rather what we do despite our weaknesses is what bring us meaning.

Six, What is her ghost/motivation? Sorry I can't tell you. But maybe chapter 16 has some answers ;)

What about some of her character dimensions that are in tension with one another?

Well she's obviously stiff and precise, but she is patient and full of understanding. She is a true expert of her craft - a true prodigy! - yet she is haunted by her past mistakes. The classic - she's brilliant, but awkward outside of official business.

And that's all I can share for now! Check out next week's newsletter where we explore Lucy's character!