Your character needs a friend. He or she needs someone in their corner rooting for them in the face of opposition and ridicule. I learned this in writing Golden Lotus. Everyone needs a Gabe.

In Golden Lotus, Thorn had his grandmother and the young woman from his dreams. But he needed Gabe. Gabe was Thorn’s friend from childhood. The friend who stood by his side during heartbreak and loss. Gabe helped Thorn plan and was the listening ear that heard Thorn’s pain.

When I finished my rough draft, Thorn’s world was limited to Mala and the adults who shaped him. But something was missing until Gabe insisted on making his presence known to me. Thorn found a friend and wanted to share the wonders he experienced in the glen with Gabe. Through Thorn’s insistence, I soon meet Gabe. Thorn was right; everyone needed to meet Gabe. Gabe was the support he needed, the brother he would never know unless I allowed him in.

But why should I allow a character to direct the creation of other characters?

A character without friends is isolated. They have no one to bounce ideas off when they need to make a decision that will change the fate of their world. There is no accountability, so there is no reason to return home. Thorn needed someone to bring him back home. Gabe, a friend as dear as a brother, gave Thorn additional incentive. Gabe’s life was dependent on Thorn freeing Mala from Nasha’s power. Who among us wouldn’t fight to save the life of our best friend? Exactly. Our main characters need the support of friends, even if it is in a limited role.

Everyone needs a Gabe, a friend who sticks closer than a brother.