How each character in 'Silent Kingdom' was born (and what they say about different phases of my life)
- Escritora Carols
- May 9
- 4 min read
If someone asked me when I started writing Silent Kingdom, I’d answer: “When I could barely write at all.” But if they asked me how the characters were born, the answer would be more intimate: they were born with me. They grew up with me.
Some changed names, faces, even skin tones. Others gained layers as I myself discovered new versions of who I was. The truth? Each one carries a piece of me—or of someone I love.
So today, I invite you to meet these characters… and the version of me hidden inside each of them.
Julieta: the first spark
Julieta was born with me, at age 13. She had red hair, freckles, porcelain skin. She looked like the girl I wished I was as a teenager: beautiful, smart, with a supernatural talent for math (which was never my case, lol).
But time passed. I grew up. And I realized my main character needed to look more like the Brazil she represents.
I gave Julieta skin like mine, more natural hair, more familiar features. She became Northeastern when I was 24 — a time when I was fighting for representation and learning that presence isn’t begged for; it’s built.
Nina: the background character who deserves the spotlight
Few people remember Nina. She’s Nicole’s sister. But to me, she’s always been important. Nina has a disability, like me. And even though she doesn’t appear much, she’s the one who strengthens her sister. That’s always how I felt with my twin sister. Even in the shadows, I wanted her to shine.
One day, I promise, Nina will have her own story. Because characters like her should never be just sidekicks—in fiction or in life.
Nicole: 19 years of friendship, a thousand hyperfixations
Nicole was born from my best friend in elementary school. Back then she loved Hatsune Miku, drew anime characters, and was obsessed with Twilight (the Volturi, specifically, lol).
Today, she’s my designer, my 19-year-long friend, and has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Suddenly, it all made even more sense. She introduced me to BTS and took me on wild conversations about tornadoes.
Oh—and my twin sister insists she’s nothing like Nicole, but there’s so much of her there too: the protective streak, the sense of justice, the sisterly love.
Dante: the hallway heartthrob
Dante was once Nicholas, then became Dante. He never had a fixed face, but always echoed the school crushes and dreamy YouTubers I followed. He’s the kind of character who seems shallow at first… but wins you over with charisma.
Just like those classmates we underestimated—until we realized they knew much more than they let on.
Pollyanna: the blogger era
Polly nasceu da minha era blogueira. Quando a internet era feita de looks do dia e textões no Tumblr. Ela é metida (ou patricinha), exagerada, midiática — e eu amo isso nela.
Se eu era dos livros, da moda e dos cachos, Polly é minha versão com filtro, com glitter, muito cinema e ring light.
Rosa: the prophetic friend
Rosa always had that name. But at first, she was almost decorative.
She grew with me—and with the story—until she became Julieta’s official best friend. She had an Alice Cullen-ish gift: quoting lines from books that magically matched the future. Now, that gift became insight—she sees beyond, even without predicting anything.
Henrique: the camouflaged cousin
Henri, the pride of the Empire. I’ve never said this before, but he’s almost a copy of my cousin Samuel (only more handsome, of course).
Both are Flamengo fans, love basketball and engineering (though my cousin switched to theology). Funny, natural leaders, brilliant.
While rewriting the book at 25, I gave him an amazing girlfriend. You’re welcome, cousin.
Rebecca: the backseat of my memory
Rebecca shows up more toward the end of the book, but she’s been with me for years. She’s based on a friend from high school who sat behind me and dreamed of becoming an architect.
I gave her the same name and looks as a tribute to that quiet care we shared during exams, in the halls, between classes.
Luís: the echo of longing (saudade)
Luís is the gardener. Juan’s father. But to me, he’s more. After my grandfather passed away (I was 15), writing Luís took on a deeper meaning. They’re not the same, but they share that simple love, that wordless wisdom, that symbolic hat (which my grandfather never wore, but I see it on him anyway).
Every time I write Luís, I wonder: “Would Grandpa like this?”
Juan: friends to lovers (and a lost letter)
Ah… Juan. I have to confess: he was inspired by a childhood crush. A friend. Nothing ever happened, but it stirred something in me for a long time.
His looks don’t match, but personality? Maybe (my sister says absolutely not, which is why I always say I’m hopelessly romantic).
In fact, I once wrote a letter to my parents telling them I liked him. I never meant to give it to them. But God did—it slipped out of my bag and landed in their hands. At that dinner, I learned about the purpose of dating: marriage.
And I didn’t know if I wanted to marry him. Or Seth from Twilight. Or Niall from One Direction. I was just a girl in love with the idea of love. Like Julieta.
Each character, a version of me
Looking back, I realize: I didn’t invent anyone. I stitched together fragments of seasons, people, dreams, and heartaches into bodies made of paper. They were born with me. Grew with me. And now... they live with you.
What about you—do you have characters born from phases of your life too? Or have you ever read a book where a character felt like you, just with a different name?Tell me in the comments — I’d love to read your story too!💬
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