Writing Prompt #2: Masks

I’ve got another writing prompt for you.

This time, the assignment was to articulate a character’s emotions of humiliation, alienation, or regret (without relying on the body or describing physical sensations as a fallback) based on a quote from Kafka: “I was ashamed of myself when I realized life was a costume party and I’d attended with my real face.”

That’s right in my wheelhouse, so I came up with the following:

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Courtiers and merchants, all the richly dressed guests of the nobility, swirled around him in a suffocating press of bodies.

He should have known better.

How many times has Vidala told him? Truth is a coin that you must use sparingly, and for the love of god, don’t waste it on a pretty face! He felt sick with dread and a self-consciousness he’d thought he had put behind him.

The crowd had become a hazy blur, reduced to smears of colour, but he still felt every eye that picked him out as an imposter and every hidden smile of mockery at his expense. He should have made up some fanciful tale, he should have distracted her with flattery, he should have just kept his mouth shut, but Lady Pashavar had such kind eyes. Eyes that had crinkled with distaste, poorly hidden, when he’d revealed too much.

Here was a lowly street urchin who had clawed his way up into their elevated circles, playing the part of the up-and-coming merchant. Suddenly all his charm, his fine clothes, his handsome face, and the good opinion of his patrons didn’t matter at all. The illusion faded and all that was left was the truth. A hungry young man with a borrowed name.

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I gotta say, I love to read about charming con artists and savvy urchins that manage to claw their way up into the high society and nobility. Something about the idea of the trappings of the upper echelons with the hidden agendas, subtle politicking, and double speak combined with watching a character who’s nothing but want dancing on the knife’s edge is very appealing. Everyone loves a well written underdog.

Mask of Mirrors by MA Carrick has two of my absolute favourite characters like that, and I highly recommend the series if you’re interested in political intrigue and conspiracy focused fantasy. The trilogy is incredibly written, and I can’t speak highly enough about the complex characters and world-building that draw you in from the first chapter. The high page count is well worth it.

That’s all for me this today! Please like, comment, and share if you enjoy what you’ve read. 

Above all, be kind to one another. 

Love, Charlotte