Jul 2, 2013

Music for Monday: Character Theme 3

Sorry I'm late! We had a houseguest yesterday, and after that I was watching Sherlock. But I'm here today!

I've had this song set for this character almost as long as I've had the character himself. He's changed, but yet he's not. He's grown so much, on both sides of his character, but remarkably, this song still fits him. I can't help but think it always will, at least during this stage in his story.

Bring Me To Life ~ Evanescense



How can you see into my eyes like open doors?
Leading you down into my core
Where I've become so numb


Call my name and save me from the dark
Bid my blood to run
Before I come undone
Save me from the nothing I've become 


Iri as pianist Jarrod Radnich. Or is is Jarrod Radnich as Iri?


There's not much that can break my heart as thoroughly as this song when I'm thinking about Iri. This is what's behind his mask of wit and smiles, what feeds his hatred, makes him desperate. There are very few alive who have glimpsed this side of him, but it's the first key to understanding what he's become.

He's lived for fifteen years without love, surrounded by people who value him only for his powers. Since he chose to betray his loyalty to his land and the king's army, he has held everyone at a distance, including God. He believes himself irredeemable, and in his mind, it's made him invincible.

Without a thought
Without a voice
Without a soul
I've been living a lie
There's nothing inside
Please
Bring me to life


The first crack in his world is when he loses his powers - all of them. He was told he wasn't worthy to bear them, and it nearly destroyed him. After living like he has for so long, depending on his power to make him valuable, suddenly he is worthless in his own eyes.

The second crack come when Aaron follows him into the wilderness to kill him - and instead spares his life. Iri begins to watch Aaron closely, furious, puzzled, and wanting whatever Aaron has. His mask had slipped, his real self laid bare, and someone valued him still. Before the end, he has a choice to make...


This song is so perfect for Iri that it inspired some fan art. (I still can't get over that I have fans.) The wonderful R. S. Sharkey made this amazing wallpaper for me, based on this song. I love it to death.


4 comments:

Kat Heckenbach said...

I find it so interesting that a lot of writers I know have songs picked out that express their characters. It's honestly something that has never occurred to me. Other than the song a certain person sang solo at the church I used to go to...the person who inspired one of my characters by singing that song...I never relate music to any of mine. I may have to start trying to find songs for them, though.

Sandra said...

Amazing!
I feel split when it comes to Iri. I despise what he has become, but at the same time I wish I could some how tell him it's not too late to repent and turn back. Poor Iri.

ElizabethLiberty said...

I think that's what draws most people to him. ;) The whole antihero thing. I love antiheroes.

@Kat: That's funny! I've been doing that forever. :D Another thing I do is find orchestral songs that fit. I don't have one for Iri at the moment, but this is Wyn's: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Azxk0PgseyI

Kat Heckenbach said...

That's so pretty, Elizabeth!