“Gold had many admirers, though Doha himself was not one of them. Too many allowed it to occupy the space inside their chests. He didn’t understand it. For a metal, it was pretty weak and unimpressive. And as currency, he’d only ever longed for enough. His father had worked his body broken so that they might have it. Doha did not think excess was worth his father’s misery. Still, as he beheld how the light reflected on the surface, he simply couldn’t help but be taken with its simple beauty.” BeautyGoldSimple LifeCharacter DevelopmentLove Of MoneyCharacterizationMaking Ends Meet Book:The Paragon Source: The Paragon
“It was thought that decisions were made by the logic-front of the brain, while emotions were controlled by the feeling-back of the brain, the part deeper and closer to the heart. In their culture, it was the responsibility of the party still thinking with the logic brain to rebuke those overtaken by emotion, who intended to start silly arguments or cause harm to others. The logical person would bring shame and reason to their friend by striking the front of the head, and thus increasing blood flow to the area. The science of the practice was murky, but at its core, it was customary practice to smack someone who seemed in need of a good smack.” Character DevelopmentLogical ThinkingLogical ReasoningCharacter GrowthPrefrontal CortexFantasy WorldCultural NormsEmotion Vs Reason Book:The Paragon Source: The Paragon
“Just last week all was calm. I was no one and nothing and I think that’s how things were meant to be. And now . . . I don’t know how to do this.” Character DevelopmentSelf DoubtComplex CharactersReluctant HeroUnlikely HeroesHeros JourneyAdmitting DefeatNontraditional Main Character Book:The Paragon Source: The Paragon
“He had people in there, people who needed him to show up. And show up he would. He realized that was all it really took to be a hero.” InspirationalHeroHeroismShowing UpCharacter DevelopmentShow UpCharacter GrowthUnlikely HeroesWhat It Takes Book:The Paragon Source: The Paragon
“And yet, in all of his efforts to understand the Mirror, his great mystery, his attempts to prove logic had failed again and again. Tests and theories and science—these things were his bread and butter—and they were meaningless now, in the face of mystery.” ScienceMysteryScientific MethodCharacter DevelopmentEngineerComplex CharactersFaith And ScienceScience And Magic Book:The Paragon Source: The Paragon
“What they think doesn’t matter.” “But it does,” Ghara moaned. “It matters to me. They’re our friends, Isla. Friends. Have you had those before?” “I have you,” Isla replied simply. “You are the only friend I need.” Ghara shook her head sadly. “Not me.” FriendshipFriendsBest FriendsCharacter DevelopmentMaking FriendsFemale FriendshipComplex CharactersFemale Friends Book:The Paragon Source: The Paragon
“These people couldn’t possibly doubt or worry or sulk. These people couldn’t possibly feel insecurity and shame and pain. These people liked to have fun, and so they did. Was it really that simple? Could she too reduce herself to such shallow waters and escape the depths that plagued her active mind? She was so intoxicated by the thought, that she’d convinced herself she could be like them.” FriendshipAnxietyCharacter DevelopmentSelf LoathingSelf DoubtComplex CharactersCharacter StudyNegative Self TalkAnxious People Book:The Paragon Source: The Paragon