Character Interview: Nathaniel & Levi Samuels
Nathaniel (“Nathan”) is the main character of Brothers, an apocalyptic-ish novel that’s currently on the back burner but I’m super excited to write at some point. Levi is his little brother. I don’t actually know that much about them yet, so I don’t have much to put in their intro, but they both care very deeply about each other and their family in general and they’re both super sweet.
Nathan: *heads into the interview room, with Levi right behind him, and takes a seat in one of the two provided chairs*
Levi: *climbs into the other chair*
Interviewer: Hello, gentlemen. How are you?
Nathan: All right.
Levi: I’m good. *smiles*
Nathan: *smiles slightly at Levi*
Interviewer: What are your names?
Nathan: Nathaniel Samuels, but everyone calls me Nathan.
Levi: Levi Jacob Samuels.
Interviewer: How old are you?
Nathan: I’m seventeen, Levi’s seven.
Interviewer: There’s a ten-year gap between you? *to Nathan* How were those ten years for you? Did you always wish for a younger sibling? Was Levi a surprise to you?
Nathan: I’d wanted a younger brother, yeah, from about the time I was five. Our mom had a lot of miscarriages before Levi came along. He almost didn’t make it either, but he pulled through. *smiles and pulls Levi into a side hug*
Levi: *smiles* Mama called me her little fighter.
Interviewer: Is your mom still around?
Nathan: *swallows hard* She, um… There was an attack on the army base we were on. Our house didn’t make it.
Interviewer: I’m so sorry.
Nathan: There’s a chance she’s still alive somewhere. *attempts to smile down at Levi* *looks back at the interviewer* There’s still a little bit of hope.
Interviewer: *nods* Was your mom in the military or your dad?
Nathan: Both, to begin with. That’s where they met. When they had me Mom retired and Dad stayed. I haven’t seen him in years, though.
Interviewer: Is the military something either of you are interested in?
Levi: *nods and pulls away from Nathan* I want to be a pilot in the air force!
Interviewer: Really? Why’s that?
Levi: I want to fly. *grins*
Interviewer: That sounds like a great goal. *smiles and turns to Nathan* How about you?
Nathan: *shakes his head* I’d rather work on a ranch. Mom always wanted to go back to a ranch like the one she grew up on. *smiles a bit*
Interviewer: I’ve always thought working on a ranch would be a lot of fun. A lot of work, but fun work. *chuckles* *to both* Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Nathan: Introvert.
Levi: What does that mean?
Nathan: Do you like people or alone time more?
Levi: People! I love people. *grins*
Interviewer: *grins* Do either of you have a favorite food?
Levi & Nathan: *in sync* Peach pie.
Nathan: *grins at Levi* Mom makes a great peach pie. It’s especially good with vanilla ice cream.
Interviewer: That sounds delicious. How about a favorite color?
Levi: Green, like the forest.
Interviewer: Have you ever been to the forest?
Levi: No, but I’ve heard about them. I want to go sometime. I want to see a bear.
Interviewer: Better be careful around the bears, though. Don’t go messing with any cubs.
Levi: *nods* I know. I won’t get too close.
Interviewer: *chuckles* Do you prefer movies or books?
Nathan: Movies.
Levi: *nods* Me too.
Interviewer: What’s your favorite?
Nathan: Captain America.
Levi: The Avengers. *swings his arm around like the Hulk smashing Loki* “Puny god.”
Nathan: *laughs* That’s his favorite scene in the whole movie.
Levi: *nods*
Interviewer: Do you have a favorite animal?
Levi: Bears.
Interviewer: Ah. I should have guessed that one. *looks at Nathan*
Nathan: *shrugs* Dogs, I guess. I’ve never really lived somewhere near animals.
Interviewer: What are some of your hobbies?
Levi: Watching movies.
Nathan: *nods* Watching movies, reading, hanging out with this kiddo. *ruffles Levi’s hair*
Levi: *pushes Nathan’s arm away with a grin*
Interviewer: What are some of your favorite things to do together?
Levi: Play superheroes! Nathan always lets me be The Hulk. *grins*
Nathan: *nods* I do. It’s a hard sacrifice. *winks at the interviewer*
Levi: *laughs* No it’s not. I know you like to play the others more.
Nathan: *grins*
Interviewer: Which of these is most important to each of you: kindness, intelligence, or bravery?
Levi: *sits and thinks for a moment* Bravery, I think.
Nathan: *nods* I agree.
Interviewer: And honesty or selflessness?
Levi: Selflessness.
Nathan: *nods*
Interviewer: What’s something you can’t leave home without?
Levi: *pulls a chain necklace out from under his shirt* Daddy gave it to me. I put it on every morning and don’t take it off until bed.
Nathan: *pulls a compass out of his cargo pants pocket* This was a gift from Dad, too. It’s sentimental and practical. *shrugs a bit*
Interviewer: That’s really cool. Any final thoughts?
Nathan: *shakes his head*
Levi: Thank you! *hugs the interviewer*
Interviewer: *hugs him back* You’re very welcome! Thank you.
Levi: *steps back with a grin and looks at Nathan*
Nathan: Yes, thank you. *shakes the interviewer’s hand*
Interviewer: Of course. Have a great day.
Nathan and Levi: *head out of the studio*
Levi is adorable!
Thank you!