Character Interview: Orsa Lars
Orsa is the sweet old lady of The Last Assassin… And also a suspect for murder. I love keeping my audience on their toes with her, because I love her and I love the possibilities with her.
Orsa: *comes in and gracefully takes a seat* Hello.
Interviewer: Hello. How are you today?
Orsa: I’m doing well. How are you?
Interviewer: I’m fine. A bit tired. Shall we begin?
Orsa: *nods once* Of course.
Interviewer: What is your name?
Orsa: Orsa Anise Lars.
Interviewer: How old are you?
Orsa: Fifty-three.
Interviewer: Do you have any siblings?
Orsa: I had an older brother, Aren. He died a couple of years ago.
Interviewer: I’m so sorry. What happened?
Orsa: His heart failed.
Interviewer: I’m sorry to hear that.
Orsa: *nods, looking pained at the memory, but composed*
Interviewer: *waits a moment* Do you mind if we go on?
Orsa: Not at all. *smiles a bit*
Interviewer: *nods* What is your job?
Orsa: I’m the high steward of Kaloris.
Interviewer: And what does a high steward do, exactly?
Orsa: I’m the king’s most trusted advisor, and when he’s gone I’m in charge of things.
Interviewer: It sounds like a weighty job.
Orsa: It is, but I’ve been at it for quite a few years.
Interviewer: I’m sure you do an excellent job of it. Next question, are you an introvert or extrovert?
Orsa: I think I’m right on the line between the two.
Interviewer: Do you know which one you lean toward?
Orsa: Probably introvert. I tend to be rather reserved, observant, and analytical before I know someone.
Interviewer: What is your favorite food?
Orsa: Lamb.
Interviewer: Favorite color?
Orsa: Maroon.
Interviewer: What is your favorite book?
Orsa: The Adventures of Florencine Lily. It’s one I’ve enjoyed since I was a girl, and it’s what got me into herbs and spices.
Interviewer: So you enjoy those?
Orsa: *nods* I’m the leading specialist of herbs, spices, poisons, and remedies in the Kaloran court.
Interviewer: Interesting. What is your favorite animal?
Orsa: I don’t have one.
Interviewer: Is there a job you’d rather have than the one you have now?
Orsa: *shakes head* No. I’m happy where I am. If I were to get another job, though, it would be as a healer.
Interviewer: What are your hobbies, aside from herbal things?
Orsa: Singing, playing flute, and reading.
Interviewer: Which of these is most important to you: Kindness, intelligence, or bravery?
Orsa: Intelligence, with the bravery to use it well.
Interviewer: And honesty or selflessness.
Orsa: In a way you sometimes have to be selfless to be honest. Sometimes being honest would bring down someone’s opinion of you, and you have to lay aside your pride to be honest.
Interviewer: True. What is something you can never leave the house without?
Orsa: My herb bags. You never know when you might need them.
Interviewer: *nods* That was the last question. Thank you for your time.
Orsa: You’re very welcome. *leaves*