Claudia's Character

Have you ever read one of those books where you absolutely fall in love with a character? Where a character seems so realistic that they could just walk out of the book and have a conversation with you? Or one of those characters that is totally like you, holding the same beliefs or traditions as you do?

I HAVE FOUND THAT CHARACTER.

Her name is Claudia, and she is from the same book I have been reading, Incarceron. Claudia has a fairytale life in a futuristic world. She lives outside of the prison in a place called the Realm, but her house is described as something out of a futuristic fairytale. What I enjoy most about the setting is that it takes too completely different ideas and twists them into one epic setting. Okay, this may seem confusing to some, because I understand that not everybody enjoys this. However, this is perfect for me, considering that I love fairytales but also like reading science fiction. Since these genres are on different sides of the spectrum, its nice to read something that is a combination of both. FINALLY!!!

"She could see the courtyard. Three horses were saddled; her father was standing by one, both gloved hands resting on the reins, and with a suppressed whoop of relief she saw that his secretary, the dark watchful man called Medlicote, was climbing onto the gray mare. Behind, Lord Evian was being heaved into the saddle by two sweating stable hands. Claudia wondered how much of his comic awkwardness was an act and whether he had been prepared for real horses rather than cybersteeds." (Fisher, 52). In this quote, Claudia refers to cybersteeds, which must be like robot horses. That would be so cool. Anyways, we can see how the author takes sci-fi elements and combines them effortlessly into a fantasy setting. I think this really adds amusement to the story.

So, like I said before, Claudia lives a futuristic fairytale, where she is being forced to marry into the royal family (even though Claudia lives in the future, it seems that the author wanted to make it seem that in Claudia's world, it was going backwards that made the society futuristic). However, she would rather do anything than get married to somebody she doesn't love, and she would rather be climbing a tree than attending afternoon tea. Let's face it, she has a free spirit and she is very independent. She is also very casual and relaxed, but still attempts to please others (even though she hates following strict rules and being proper). These qualities are very popular in characters in modern literature, as most go on to defy the government, society, or order. I think Claudia, in a way, defies her father, by acting like a tomboy and trying to be herself when he wants her to be somebody else.

"To hide from it he jumped down and took off the elaborate dress. Underneath she was wearing a dark jumpsuit. For a moment she glanced at herself in the mirror. Clothes changed you...Now Claudia felt lithe and free. Dangerous, even...Her father paused and glance towards Jared's tower. She smiled secretly. She knew what he could see. He could see her." (Fisher, 52). I feel like this quote represents how Claudia really wants to be herself and isn't afraid to show that she wants to be herself. I have also noticed that Claudia likes to test the boundaries and shows pleasure in taking risks. This shows her defiant attitude and spirit. She is also a very curious character, as she questions the rules of society and her structured lifestyle.

With that, have a spectacular Thanksgiving break!!