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Back in December I had great fun on Helen Hollick’s Blog joining
in on a special event that had Helen interviewing best supporting characters
from a number of top selling books. Today, I am going to share that interview
with you.
…. And The Best Supporting Character Is…
We all know the protagonist is the hero (or anti-hero!) of a
novel. He or she usually has a companion main character – often the ‘love
interest’ or maybe the stalwart side-kick, but what about that next rank down –
the supporting role guy or gal? You know, the one who doesn’t get Best Actor,
but Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars.
I thought it time that some of these supporting cast characters
had a chance to step from the shadows of novels and have a turn in the
limelight – join me here every day from [date] December to [date] December to
meet the next Supporting Character…
So, a rousing round of applause please for…. Zilda Gilespie
Helen: Hello, I believe you appear in Pauline Barclay’s novel
Satchfield Hall? Would you like to introduce yourself?
Thank you, but you might be talking about a novel, but it is my
life you are asking me to discuss here. I am not complaining, just putting
things straight for you. Right, my name is Zilda Gillespie. I am married to
Robert and we have one son, David. For many years we have been close friends of
the Bryant-Smythe’s at Satchfield Hall, indeed my husband has joined forces
with Henry on several business ventures and it is through these associations it
was rumoured David had been involved with Celia Bryant –Smythe. Believe you me
my son knows better than to sniff around Bryant-Smythe’s daughter.
Helen: what role do you play in the novel?
Goodness, this is not a play, it is real life. However, I will
humour you because I can see you mean well so I will play along. My role in
this heart rending story is an important one. I support my husband and run our
household. David, now grown up, is like his father, confident and independent
and more than able to take care of himself whilst seeking the life he desires. At
least that was what I believed, but events took an unthinkable turn and we
found ourselves plunged into a nightmare almost breaking us emotionally.
Helen: No spoilers. But are you a ‘goody’ or a ‘baddie’?
Let me say that I have my say to protect my family which at times
has caused unsettled feelings. At the end of the day, I want what is best for
those I love. How I am viewed by others I really don’t know and care less.
Helen: So you support the lead character? Who is he or she and
tell us a little bit about him or her?
A difficult question because whilst Celia Bryant-Smythe is the
leading character in this sweeping saga, my son should also take centre stage
at times too. Celia is a young wealthy lady who is adored by her mother,
however, her father’s views changed dramatically, with devastating consequences,
once he learnt what she has been up to behind his back. It is 1943 war or no
war there is no excuse for moral standards to slip whatever the circumstance. My son, David found himself being caught up
in all the nasty business. War, wealth and power can turn unpleasant people,
like Henry Bryant-Smythe into evil beings and you cannot always escape the fall
out as we were all to learn to our cost.
Helen: Now be honest – what do you really think of this lead character!
A liar and trollop, if I am blunt, but what really happened found me having to reconsider my judgement on every
level. I’m not always right, but I am never wrong, except this time I could not
have been further off kilter.
Helen: Do you like being the ‘supporting role’ or do you wish you
could have a lead part in a book of your own?
Supporting or leading role, call it what you will, but had I had a
leading role as you put it, I would have dealt with Henry Bryant-Smythe long
before he went out to destroy everyone else.
Helen: What is one of your least favourite scenes?
During the years there are moments and events that cause my heart
to miss a beat, but the one that will stay with me forever is the moment I
learnt the truth; it was heart breaking.
Helen: and your most favourite?
Pains me as it does to admit it, but knowing I was wrong.
Helen: Thank you – that was really interesting
Thank you to my surprise it was fun and at the same time
therapeutic being able to reflect on that time.
I hope you enjoyed meeting Zilda as much as Helen did.
Until the next time, I hope the sun is shinning in your heart and on your face.
Love
Pauline
xxx
My first love
My second love...
2 comments:
so nice to re-visit fantastic posts!
Hello Helen, thank you. It was such fun doing this and what a cast of characters too. x
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