Every great story has its heroes and villains. But what happens when those labels aren’t so clear? In Saboteur, things aren’t black and white. Characters don’t fit neatly into the “good” or “bad” boxes. They’re complicated, unpredictable, and full of surprises—just like real life.
Let’s first discuss heroes. We expect them to be brave, strong, and always do the right thing. But in Saboteur, the hero isn’t perfect. They’re insecure, make mistakes, and sometimes hesitate. They’re not brave but are rather normal. And isn’t that what gives them appeal? This is the kind of hero who struggles yet rises again to the occasion and is worthy of cheer. Their imperfections make the journey so real.
Now, the villains. There, how we love to hate them! But what if this villain wasn’t wholly evil or wicked? This is where the villain has a great advantage over other characters in Saboteur because he isn’t just a person with a nasty attitude or a power-hungry agenda but has a back story, motives, and even plays moments of weakness. And here’s what twists that logic: he may think he is the hero of his own story. Now, that would honestly make you take a pause, wouldn’t it? Because knowing the source makes it hard to write them off completely. I kept having one question pop into my head as I wrote: “Would I do differently in their shoes?”
But the best part? The characters who live in the in-between. You know the ones. They’re not full-on heroes or villains. They’re unpredictable. One moment, they’re helping the hero, and the next, they’re causing chaos. These characters are so much fun to write because they feel the most real. We all know people like this, don’t we? They’re not all good or bad—they’re a little bit of both. They keep us on our toes.
Writing Saboteur taught me that people aren’t just one thing. A hero can have selfish moments, and a villain can show kindness. It’s the blend of light and dark that makes them interesting. Real people are like that, too, full of contradictions, capable of both great and terrible things.
As you read the book, I hope you’ll start asking questions. What really makes someone a hero? Is it their intentions or their actions? Can a villain be redeemed? What about the people in the middle—can we ever fully trust them? These questions make the story stick with you.
But Saboteur isn’t just about characters. It’s about the choices we make and the lines we draw. What would you do in their shoes? Would you stand firm as a hero, or would you bend the rules to get what you need? Would you trust someone who seems good, or would you follow your instincts?
If you’re ready to dive into a world where nothing is as it seems, read Saboteur today. Meet the heroes, villains, and everyone in between. Who will you vouch for? Who will surprise you? And maybe, just maybe, you’ll see a bit of yourself in their struggles and triumphs.