The Secrets of the Supporting Characters — and Who Is Lava?
When I began developing the story, I spent days thinking about names.
I kept asking myself: who should carry the leading role?
The question lingered for days, then weeks.
Although the names of the protagonists were already decided, I couldn’t determine what part each of them should play.
The central role of GABRIEL was clear from the beginning, yet the thought of having him as the sole focus felt far too plain.
The solution presents itself in the very first chapter — during the tense encounter with the wolves.
There, as if by fate, his sister MAYA appears.
At first, the timid thirteen-year-old seems uncertain, but only a few pages later she proves to be unpredictable and fiery.
Still, Gabriel cannot carry the red thread of the story alone, even with Maya at his side.
That is why I introduced CASPER.
In my mind, Casper began as an ordinary boy with a perpetually confused head.
But as quickly becomes clear, his flashes of brilliance are astonishing — he solves problems almost before they form.
He isn’t foolish, merely impulsive.
His actions are unpredictable, and that unpredictability is his charm.
Rebecca Shaw — The Mysterious Figure | Visual concept inspired by Wolf’s Tale
Then there is REBECCA.
Her role is unique.
In my thoughts she became a symbol of near-perfection.
Of course, I didn’t wish to make her flawless — she is, after all, a young woman entering adulthood.
Rebecca is kind-hearted and always ready to help, yet behind her goodness lies a secret even she does not know.
Who, then, is Rebecca — the one who will shape the lives of so many others?
Perhaps she truly is as radiant as the first beam of morning sunlight, yet beneath that brightness something far deeper stirs.
ALEX, on the other hand, is the complete opposite.
The neighbour of Gabriel and Maya, he is quiet, but his actions speak louder than words.
A protective spirit burns within him, one that often saves his friends from danger.
Large, strong, muscular — he seems always prepared for anything.
But is he really?
His role is significant, and perhaps he will be the one to surprise us most.
I also included DETECTIVE ROBERT, added with a very specific purpose.
I needed an adult figure who could act as a bridge between the young and the grown-up world.
At first, I considered assigning that role to Professor Fryton, but ultimately chose a uniformed man — someone always in motion, yet serving as a guide to the young.
Robert is curious, clever, and ever ready to give advice.
Yet behind his devotion hides a secret that perhaps will never be revealed.
Among the remaining characters stand out Holug, who carries a symbolic meaning of his own;
the wise and kind-hearted Drustan, a man out of time; and Sarah, recognisable by the patch over one eye.
Leonida, who outwardly resembles Lava herself, brings a different kind of energy to the story.
But the greatest mystery of all is LAVA.
Who is this girl with pale skin and eyes black as night?
Who is she — the one who knows no fear?
And how is it possible that a being who should have no heart can still feel the magic of love deep within her?
Which character speaks to you the most?