A story is only as strong as its hero. The best stories aren’t just remembered for their worlds or their plots, but for the characters who shape them. But creating a hero that stands out—one that truly resonates with readers—is one of the greatest challenges in storytelling.
This was, and still is, one of my biggest challenges while writing Beyond Shattered Bonds: crafting a protagonist who is not just another fantasy hero, but someone readers will remember long after they finish the book.
Heroes are shaped by their struggles, choices, and the world around them. But how did I ultimately create my own hero, Kaelen Varian Drenavir?
The Origins
As I’ve mentioned before, my idea for the Beyond Shattered Bonds series has evolved over time—and with it, so has my main hero. But while many aspects of his character have changed, some core ideas have remained from the very beginning. One of those is Kaelen’s personality.
From the start, I knew I wanted Kaelen to be introverted. Heroes with quiet strength have always stood out to me because they offer so much potential for growth. Maybe that’s because I’m an introvert myself, and I can pull from my own experiences. But beyond that, I was drawn to the challenge of developing an introverted character in a way that felt authentic and compelling.
Then came one of the most important decisions—his name. It needed to sound powerful while fitting the fantasy setting of the story. I was drawn to Celtic-inspired names because they have the strong, mystical quality I was looking for. After digging through name lists and experimenting with different sounds, I finally landed on Kaelen—a name that immediately felt right.
But a first name alone wasn’t enough. I needed a last name—something that complemented Kaelen’s tone and had a distinct yet natural sound. While out on an inspiration walk, I realized I wanted it to end with an “-ir” sound to match his first name. Out of nowhere, the syllable “Dana” popped into my head—though I have no idea why. After playing around with variations, I refined it into Drenavir. The moment I saw it written down, I was sold.
Now I had Kaelen Drenavir—a strong name, but I felt something was missing. Since I have a middle name myself, I decided to give Kaelen one as well. This decision took longer, but inspiration struck while reading about variants in a Marvel-related article. I adjusted it to Varian, and finally, I had the full name:
Kaelen Varian Drenavir.
The moment I saw it, I knew—it was perfect.
Kaelen’s Inner Conflict
For Kaelen to become the hero of my story, I had to shape him through struggle. The best way to do that? Give him conflict. But crafting a meaningful internal battle is far from easy. It’s a delicate balance—being original while still creating something that resonates with readers.
The last thing I want is for Kaelen to feel like just another typical hero—someone readers have seen countless times before.
Without revealing too much, I will say that his past trauma takes a unique approach and leads to an ending that I believe will be truly impactful. His trauma has reshaped him, leaving scars that influence his choices, yet his core values remain intact. But his journey won’t be easy—he will struggle far more than the usual hero. His pain will define him, challenge him, and force him to evolve. By the end, I hope he will stand as a hero unlike any other.
But it’s not just his past that makes him different. The way he interacts with others is just as important. Unlike many protagonists, he doesn’t treat everyone the same way. He adapts. With each person he meets, his demeanor shifts—sometimes calculated, sometimes natural. His ability to adjust to individuals in ways others can’t sets him apart.
And maybe, just maybe… that too is a result of his trauma.
Powers & Abilities
Now that I had a solid foundation for Kaelen’s personality, it was time to give him a unique power—something that would define him. In fantasy, a great hero needs a power that stands out, something that enhances both their strengths and struggles. Without this, they risk feeling forgettable. But there also has to be a balance—too strong, and the stakes disappear; too weak, and the journey feels impossible.
From the beginning, I knew I wanted his abilities to be rooted in nature, something familiar yet powerful. Since I live near the ocean, it felt natural to connect Kaelen to water. But simply giving him standard water manipulation wasn’t enough—I needed something distinct, something that carried weight beyond just combat.
Without giving too much away, I’ll just say this: his power is more than just an element—it’s a choice. A morally gray ability that forces Kaelen to make difficult decisions. There will be moments where his trauma pushes him to use his power in ways he shouldn’t—and those moments will define him.
I’m curious—based on this description, do you think you can guess what it is? Let’s just say… when you find out, you may be surprised.
The Future
Of course, there’s much more to Kaelen than what I’ve shared today. But I don’t want to reveal everything just yet. His journey is only beginning, and when the time comes, he will step into the light.
I want Kaelen to reveal himself to you in his own way—through his choices, his struggles, and the way he grows over time. Will he be a hero you connect with immediately? Or will he slowly grow on you as his story unfolds?
Only time will tell.
But one thing is certain—I’m working my hardest to make Kaelen a hero unlike any other. One who doesn’t just exist on the page but stays with you long after the story is told.