You may already know this, or you may not, but I frequently use the traits associated with western zodiac signs as character archetypes for my stories. It works for me as a useful tool to remind me of the way each character is likely to act or think, and helps keep my brain consistent in this area. I don’t always stick to everything one hundred percent, but a strong base is there, for sure.

	ARIES: Brigit O’Creagh Hired maid of the Widow Collingwood. Has a dirty mouth and knows her way around a blade. Has no trouble finding her place within a crew of rough sailors. If you haven’t read The Maid and the Cook, you can get to know Brigit way better there.
	TAURUS: John Bone The ship’s cook. Built like an ox and knows his way around a galley. Tight with coin and not fan of drama. Has a soft spot for salty maids from Cork (looking at you, Brigit – again, learn more about Mr Bone in The Maid and the Cook).
	GEMINI: William Osbourne Swift-tongued and observant navigator. Keeps the ship on course and always has a smart remark at the ready.
	CANCER: Benjamin Till The Quartermaster and Hannah’s protector; the one who cares and shows it. He keeps his opinions to himself, for the most part, but is the first one to jump in and defend his nearest and dearest. A leader that the crew gladly follow.
	LEO: Simon Grey Described as a “proud little rooster of a man”, the Master Gunner is full of colorful, often bawdy stories. There is no bigger fan of Simon Grey than Grey, himself, but he’s almost always smiling and laughing, and the crew is generally amused with his bravado.
	VIRGO: Hannah Collingwood The Widow from Bristol is a bit uptight, at least to start. She’s very wrapped up in what is acceptable and proper, and isn’t fond of things getting out of line. But as the story goes on we see how her sharp mind makes her just the person to step in and help when it’s needed the most.
	LIBRA: Christopher Winters Deckhand and lover of the ship’s carpenter, Ellis George. Winters doesn’t have a huge role in TDL, but he will in the sequel, and we’ll really get to know him in an upcoming short spin-off, so stay tuned. You’ll see him as Devil’s Advocate; a charming young man who only wants what’s fair for everyone.
	SCORPIO: Rowland Graves A man with dark secrets and vengeful agendas. He’s content to lie in wait as long as it takes for the perfect opportunity to fulfill his obsessions. Gosh, sorry you had to be a villain this time around, Scorpios. If it makes you feel any better, Hades, our deliciously dark Lord of the Dead from The Eighth House was one, too, and a much more entertaining example. But Rowland wasn’t always such a madman. You can find out how he got there in The Decline and Fall of Rowland Graves.
	SAGITTARIUS: Hezekiah The ship’s Bosun, a slave who escaped during the rebellion partially incited by Bertrand Symes at the beginning of the story. An easygoing character with a ready laugh and smile, honest to a fault and ready for whatever the wind brings.
	CAPRICORN: Edmund Blackburn Ship’s Captain and longtime sufferer of daddy issues and It’s Lonely At The Top syndrome. Until Hannah arrives, he lets no one in but his best friend, Benjamin. The man makes a plan and sticks to it at all costs, and his eye is fixed on the bottom line. A dry sense of humor and a leadership position are as natural as breathing for our captain.
	AQUARIUS: Ellis George The carpenter, and the man who leaves everyone guessing. Always has an unexpected answer to every question, and while fairly sober compared to his shipmates, is also extremely intelligent. We’ll get up close and personal with Mr George during his first encounter with Mr Winters in The Carpenter and the Deckhand. An interesting man with surprises up his sleeve, I promise.
	PISCES: Henry Adams The ship’s cooper (that’s barrel-maker, my friends, and a very important role on a ship, indeed), and unlikely poet, singer, and teller of tales. A man who knows his way around a drink or two. Another guy with a fun origin story that might show up later.

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So there you have it! Do you like your sign’s character? Surprised? Hate them? Rather be someone else? Tell me in the comments! The Devil’s Luck will be coming to Amazon in September. Sign up for my email list to be the first to know!

 

<3
Eris