Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re answering a deceptively simple question from a listener: how do you write an immortal character? If your hero can’t die, what’s left to fear...and how do you keep their story from feeling, well, lifeless?
We’re digging into the listener's character Equia, her mysterious soul-stripping backstory, and the deeper issue behind the question: what does immortality mean to a character, and what does it cost? From gods freezing time to cursed divine gifts, we break down classic (and subversive) examples from Pirates of the Caribbean, Invincible, Interview with the Vampire, Castlevania, and Logan. And we explore why immortality often fails when it becomes a cheat code instead of a challenge. Plus, we unpack how emotional truth gives immortal characters staying power, how to dirty up a too-clean origin story, and what really makes a power feel earned. Whether your hero lives forever or wishes they didn’t, this is the episode to help you build it right.
Email your own advice prompt to fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind.
Check out my new short story "Upon a Dream," which was published this past week in the Briar & Thorn issue of The Fairy Tale Magazine! Available to read online here.
Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.
Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!