101 CHARACTER INTERVIEWS

Erin writes . . .

I am very excited about our post today, because we are interviewing Trigg, Ren and Riker, the characters from Margaret Chatwin’s 101. By the way, if you’ve just joined us on our blog, we’re having a justice and no mercy week. If that sounds weird, then check out this link: http://todayinshenaya.blogspot.com/2012/07/101-of-getting-seth-worked-up.html.

Now, with the housekeeping out the way, let’s introduce you first to Trigg. If you want to know what he like, think Zack Efron. He’s a dead ringer for Trigg. Gorgeous, hey? (Between you and me he looks a bit like Seth – only Seth’s even better looking)

Seth interrupts: Erin is about as blunt as an axe to the head. Trigg, let’s just get down to the interview. I was pretty stunned when I read your story. Not because you ended up committing a crime that put you in a hellish prison town, but – apart from what Erin says about our looks - we are scarily similar. You’re a peacemaker, just like me. But tell me, why didn’t you just report your father’s abuse to the cops?

Trigg: Hey, Seth, how’s it going, man? Thanks for letting us stop by. So, you’re gonna hit me with the hardest question first, huh? Nice. Humm, why didn’t I just tell the cops? Well, partly because of the threats. Dad, of course, knew he’d be in trouble if Ren or I ever told on him, so he’d been drilling "silence" into our heads for as long as I can remember – even before Mom died.

As I got older, though, the reason for not telling shifted. Yeah, I was still afraid of him, but I’d come to somewhat realize that his threats were idle. I mean, really, how much revenge could he get on us if he was locked away in a township? So, by far my biggest reason for not telling was because I knew the NAO would place Ren and I into a foster home. It wasn’t the foster home itself that freaked me out, it was the possibility of them sending us to different homes that did. And after I turned 18, I knew there was no way, ever, we’d be able to stay together. They’d leave me and take Ren. It would have been great if they’d just send us to live with Grandma, but that’s not the way the NAO works.

So the short answer to your question, Seth, is, I was afraid of what I’ve always been afraid of, losing Ren.

Seth: That’s the short answer . . . okay. Cool. Just so you know, Trigg’s a guy who can really analyse things. So Ren . . . my next question’s got to be for you. I loved your bravery, you remind me of Erin. Where did all that inner strength come from?

Ren: Oh, gosh, I don’t know. I just did what came naturally. Like with my dad, it just really made me angry to see him hurting Trigg, so I did what I did without really thinking about it. I don’t know if you call that bravery, or stupidity. I knew that if I took the blame before Trigg had a chance to, that the issue would be smoothed over a lot faster and with less pain. Trigg hated when I did that, though. He didn’t think it was right and he’d get pretty mad at me.

Seth: And 101? You were pretty amazing there.

Ren: Thanks , Seth! I was really upset about being sent there.  And believe me, I had plenty of time to realize that it was all my fault. I kept trying to think of a way I could make it up to Trigg, and then I remembered that he’d wanted me to promise I’d be okay. So I focused on that, thinking if I could just keep that promise then he’d be more likely to forgive. *pauses* But then Ace did what he did to me, and . . . well, I can’t even begin to tell you how hurt I was over that. Believe me, it wasn’t something I just got over with the snap of the fingers. I constantly had to remind myself that I was going to be his victim as long as I let myself. I still have to remind myself of that. He’s nothing but an Ace hole – lots of pun intended – and he wanted to imprint himself on my mind forever, but I won’t have it.

Seth: Like I say folks, she reminds me of Erin. And this brings me to Ace. You’re an interesting guy. Pleasant. Smiling. Friendly. But everyone is terrified of you because you are also megalomaniac killer. Now I know I am taking a chance asking this – you may decide to rearrange my face – but still, I’m not convinced you’re always so confident. Deep down I think you’re terrified of Trigg. Am I right?

Ace: Apparently you plan on joining Trigg on stage for comedy hour. That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard in a long time, Seth. Got any tissue? Any second now I’ll need to dry the tears of laughter that will be streaming down my face.

Seth: *smiling* Nice try, Ace, but I’m still not convinced.

Ace: Let’s set the record straight here, I ain’t "terrified" of him, okay? Not even slightly afraid. What’s he got on me? Nothin’.

Seth: Then why did you give him the time of day?

Ace: If you really must know, which you don’t, I just think Trigg would make a good asset to my team. Only problem is, I’d have to invest a major amount of time into helping him get over that whole "I have standards and morals" bit he’s always trying to play. But everybody has a price and I can find his. What am I saying? I already know where his ka-ching button is. All I have to do is get my hands on Ren and Trigg will mold into anything I want.

Seth: Ace, like I said, you have a certain style-

Ace interrupts: I’m just a firm believer in the old saying, "if you can’t beat them, join them," and Trigg just really should have opened his eyes to that concept a long time ago. Would have saved himself a few loose teeth and fat lips, not that I minded giving them to him. I’m not at all against sharing. I’m just good like that, you know?

Erin interrupts: Ace is smiling way too much. Always a bad sign that he intends to kill someone. And I like Seth's face just the way it is, so I’ll step in here. Ren, this question is about your brother. Trigg’s a pretty humble guy who always sells himself short when describing himself and his plans, yet he was able to rally an army to his side. How do you and the Northerners see him?

Ren: Trigg’s always been like that. My dad called him a coward and thought he was weak, but he wasn’t. Never has been weak. Okay, he didn’t know how to fist fight, I’ll give you that, but he’s always known how to wage a battle in other ways. He just never gives up. When other people back down because they can’t take anymore, Trigg is just getting started. That quality has leadership written all over it and everyone in township 101 recognized it. Everyone, except Trigg that is. I guess he thinks a hero is made out of steel, and because he has anxieties and uncertainties that he doesn’t qualify.

Erin: Okay, Ren, now down to the love. I got the impression that you and Riker have a thing for each other. I wouldn’t blame you; I think he’s great, but I have to know how you feel about him.

Ren: Riker? Well, he’s cute and super sweet and all, and don’t get me wrong, I do like him, but . . . to be honest, it’s Pintar I kinda have a thing for. Oh, gosh, now I feel just terrible for Riker, because yeah, I think he likes me in that type of way.

Erin: Riker . . . Now it’s your turn to answer the question. Do you have a thing for Ren? Just so you know . . . Charlie Hannam could be Riker.

Riker: Have you had a good look at her? She’s beautiful! Course I got a thing for her?

Erin: Can’t say I blame you. Because she really is pretty. Love that straight hair.

Seth: *rolls eyes* Erin are you going on about you hair again? How many times must I tell you that you have great hair?

Erin: *frowns* Shush Seth. This isn’t about us.

Seth: You got that right. Now my final question is for Trigg’s father . . . I’m looking you straight in the eye as I ask you this . . . Tell me, what did you think of your son after he received hero status?

Dad: Hero status? Is that what you call busting out of prison, getting everyone all fired up, and trying to change all the laws and regulations that rule the land? Sounds more like a troublemaker to me. Which is what he’s always been – trouble. Anyway, could you just pipe down and hand me a beer?

Erin: Well, on that note we’ll leave! Thanks guys for answering our questions – Margaret Chatwin, you were great. And to our readers, if you’ve enjoyed getting to know more about 101, you can always buy yourself a copy through Amazon or one of the other digital platforms. Or you could enter our giveaway. Please leave a comment and don't forget some contact details in case you win.

Bye for now.
E&S