The trouble with Sebastian

Sebastian Auguste Dubois. If you’ve read the Hugo books, you’ll be familiar with this particular character. It’s been interesting to see people’s reactions to him, some hate him (often for very good reasons) but it seems many more really love him, which brings me to the reason for this new blog. Somebody sent me a message asking when Sebastian was going to return and it got me thinking about him. I’ve always followed a very strict rule when it comes to characters, whether they’re popular or not. If they’re not meant to be in the story, don’t force them into it (it’s why Ben is often missing and something I get a lot of stick for - if he doesn’t need to be in the story or doesn’t help in any way, he’s just not there). Sebastian was last seen causing trouble in Paris in ‘Les Mauvais Garçons’ before hightailing it off on the run. It felt like a suitable end to the character and I have no plans on bringing him back, although I have said that before, so all I can say, is watch this space!

There have only been two characters I’ve written who seem to demand more attention, the first is the wonderfully chaotic Charlotte ‘Coco’ Brunhild (who was so demanding, she ended up getting her own spin-off) and the second was Sebastian. When I began the second Hugo book (Les Fantômes du Chateau) it was very loosely based on a script I’d written a year earlier and one of the characters was “snooty Maître’d.’ As I started writing it I realised the character I’d originally written didn’t work in the novel and moments later Sebastian Auguste Dubois was born. Right from the get-go, he took over. As the novel progressed his character started writing itself and it’s fair to say that by the end of that novel I knew fully what was coming.

SPOILERS AHEAD (if you haven’t read up to book 6). I first had the idea that Sebastian was going to end up being the long-lost half-brother of Ben and it seemed a bit far-fetched (I asked my husband and he said it was a good idea, but by the time he read book 6 he’d completely forgotten and said it came as a big surprise! Proves what I always say, he only ever half listens to me!) I quickly realised there was lots more of the Sebastian story to tell.

There was a slight change in plans. In my original design, books 5 and 6 were going to be books 3 and 4, but I had the idea for what ended up becoming book 3 and that led directly to a new book 4, so Sebastian had to wait a while for his very own book. ‘L’assassiner de Sebastian Dubois’ is a book where we really see what Sebastian is capable of. The darkness was hinted at in book 2 (for example, was he the one who pushed Hugo down the stairs? I think it probably was, or at the very least he was present when Agathe did it) but we see his true character when he once again sacrifices Hugo to save his own skin.

When I started pulling the story together, I was reminded of how much I’d enjoyed weaving the story over two different time periods and I wondered if I could do it again. I had already been thinking about delving into Hugo’s past and this seemed to be the perfect opportunity.

Before long I had the outline and the novel was off in a brand new direction. In present-day Montgenoux, Hugo’s previous life in London is about to catch up with him in the worst possible way. It was interesting for me to create a whole new backstory, namely ‘the met outsiders club’ and introduce someone Hugo had been dating before Ben. I’d already explained how Hugo had been leading a solitary life in London but I’d also mentioned he’d been dating, therefore the introduction of the Tristan character gave me an opportunity to flesh that out a little.

I never meant to make it a love triangle situation because I’ve always tried to balance the personal storylines so that we get an insight into the characters without their personal lives taking over too much of the novel. I was surprised though how many emails I received about the potential threat to the Hugo/Ben love story. Tristan wants Hugo back and it almost costs him his life, but that’s a cliffhanger for you!

‘L’assassiner de Sebastian Dubois’ also brings back characters from previous books, such as the two protagonists from ‘Les Noms Sur Les Tombes,’ and Captain Philippe Laurent. I won’t talk too much about the outcome, other than to say it was a good way to tie up a lot of loose ends. The story itself feels quite claustrophobic and it’s almost as if danger is lurking around every corner, which of course it is. Most of the novel takes place in a prison on lockdown, Sebastian having tricked Hugo to enter the prison thus falling into a murderous trap.

Revisiting these books has given me a chance to take a step back and not be afraid of them, or what they mean or whether I think they’re very good or not. I’ve learned to appreciate them for the experience they were and to be thankful for them.

Next, I’ll talk about the sixth novel and one of my favourites, ‘L’impondérable.’

Until then, much love,

Gx