Alix: Peter Pan Syndrome

Peter Pan (Disney) -
the original spark.

 Character Focus: Alix


Ælemental 1: The Tree of Life introduces a bunch of characters at once. It has to, as it is the first book in the Ælemental series. Simon and Sally are the lead heroes of the story, but Alix, the Ælf, is one of the main supporting characters. When I envisioned Alix 6 years ago, all I  wanted was for him to be a elf-like figure, named after my own son Alex, with a frivolous, playful attitude. Not for comedic relief, just simply the 'relief' element. Ælemental was going to be a young adult fantasy series, but I also wanted the story to examine the environmental state of our planet. A modern day parable to all of the problems in our global community today. But with such a serious gravitas to the story, I needed a light and playful element.

all stories, art, music, etc. in the world are inspired by Ælementals, so Alix inspired Peter Pan

Alix immediately became fashioned after J.M.Barrie's Peter Pan. "A mischievous boy who can fly and magically refuses to grow up" quickly became my adventurous teenager, whose imagination soars and is part of a magical race that doesn't age normally. In my series I set forth the premise that stories, art, music, etc. in the world are inspired by the existence of Ælementals (to which Alix belongs). These creatures would appear throughout history to famed artists, who went on to produce their creative works. In other words: Peter Pan would have been based on Alix. This way inspiration would flow both ways: I could look at the most interesting of fantasy characters throughout history and by introducing modified versions into my story reinforce the cyclical premise of art imitating life imitating art.  

Terence of Tinkerbell (Disney) - a more well-rounded
version thanTinkerbell's other companion.

Part of the attraction of having Alix on board was to explore my own personality aspects that refuse to grow up. On that level I get to examine the deeper levels of my own Peter Pan Syndrome, which I believe exist to a certain extent in every male on Earth. Following the four noble truths in Buddhism I wanted Alix over the course of the series to become aware of his personality faults, see the cause and consequences of them, realize there is a path of growing up and learn how to do so. Even though I have a lot to learn about myself as a father, husband and man, I feel Alix will help me reflect upon myself along the way. In a way I'm simply continuing the gradual evolution of Peter Pan, through Disney and other creative interpretations over the years, which have added more subtle layers to the Peter Pan archetype.

Ælemental celebrates creativity: Alix as 'first contact'

ambassador should embrace the alien aspects 

of his magical race

Peter Pan (Tony DiTerlizzi) - getting there,
but still not 'alien' enough.

Of course it would not do to have a literal carbon copy of Peter Pan star in my series. First of all: Peter Pan has already been 'done' in so many different ways, especially over the two decades. From movies like Hook and TV-series like Neverland to books like Peter Pan and the Starcatchers (excellent origin by the way), plays and even videogames. Peter Pan sure is popular in the age of irresponsibility and creative play (topics also touched upon in Ælemental), but even the most fervent fan can be overexposed. Second, and more importantly, I wanted to stay true to the motto of Ælemental, which celebrates creativity and develop Alix in a more original manner. Not just visually either. Ælementals are creatures of energy and spirit - they should be truly alien in all aspects of behavior, motivation and physical appearance. It was important that Alix represented this as 'first contact' ambassador to Simon and Sally. He should embrace all alien aspects of his magical race.

Planescape (TSR) - a more ecological Ælf like
appearance. His brooding gaze is what got me.

As such Peter Pan only lent inspiration to Alix's surface personality and appearance, but through the story the reader gets to experience the full range of motivations of this mysterious Ælf. Vogler/McKenna taught me that every flaw in a character adds more dimension to their (internal) conflict. For instance: Alix is obsessed with matter. He is after all an energy being, so his fascination warps his values concerning personal property and the 'sanctity' of flawless material condition. He could be a collector of action figures in mint condition, which clashes internally with his wild abandon and action oriented attitude. Alix is also very loyal to his 'family' - a term adopted to include a broader range of global friends (another topic addressed in book 1). He will go to great lengths to 'save' those he cares about. This will play an important role down the road in the series, where Alix will have to make the most important decision in his life (sorry, no spoilers here).

All in all, I hope Alix makes for a proper reincarnation (or is that preincarnation?) of Peter Pan for the 21st century.