 | Murdering fictional characters is an author’s sacred responsibility (when it serves the story). Researching how to kill characters can be a fascinating journey into a deeper understanding of our world (and storyworld). Note: Homeland Security or other government agencies surveilling citizens may have me (and other fiction writers) on watch lists for our research. Such are the risks authors take to bring their art into the world . . . Here are three story questions and resulting investigations into creative methods of murder for my fantasy storyworld of Kolkha: |
Story Question #1. How might a narcissistic sociopath poison unsuspecting nobles?
The nobles of my fictional world generally drink wine or a tea-like drink called “cha.” The poison I chose needed to be native to the region (Ancient Near East) or widely traded, and ideally something unique to the culture. And the killer must be able to poison other characters secretly.
The nobles of my fictional world generally drink wine or a tea-like drink called “cha.” The poison I chose needed to be native to the region (Ancient Near East) or widely traded, and ideally something unique to the culture. And the killer must be able to poison other characters secretly.
 | Ricin, produced from the castor plant, poison hemlock, and aconite (or wolfsbane) were all native to the region, but weren’t as interesting as the beautiful and highly toxic azalea, native to the Caucasus Mountains. It’s used to create “mad honey,” which some imbibe for a toxic high, but can be fatal, causing life-threatening bradycardia (slow heartbeat), hypotension (low blood pressure), and respiratory depression. Basically the body shuts down, leading to paralysis and death. |
Bees create mad honey when they ingest pollen from blooming azaleas. It’s been used since ancient times, at least since 401 BCE.
 | In my storyworld, the priesthood uses mad honey in small doses to induce mild stupor in animals before ritual sacrifice, so it’s readily available. Since the “cha” preparation among the nobility involves adding milk and honey, “mad honey” was a perfect poison for killing a few key noble characters. I added a bright magenta hue to the innards of the poison victims for cinematic effect. |
Story Question #2. What collective form might a shapeshifter take to kill six adult men?
The animals needed to be native to the location of my storyworld (Ancient Near East), and small enough to slither, crawl or fly under a tent.
The animals needed to be native to the location of my storyworld (Ancient Near East), and small enough to slither, crawl or fly under a tent.
 | Many deadly animals are too big (crocodiles, elephants) or too slow acting (roundworms, fluke parasites) for story purposes. Scorpions were the best candidates; a fatal scorpion sting causes lung paralysis and cardiac failure. Unfortunately, scorpion stings are rarely fatal to healthy adults—assuming they only get stung once from these naturally reclusive animals. |
In my story, the shapeshifting character morphs into a mass of scorpions, which made them capable of delivering multiple stings. I conveyed this critical information in a single line of dialogue: “I gave each enough venom kill a shark.”
Story Question #3. What collective form might a shapeshifter take to fend off a patrol of ten soldiers?
Short answer: hornets.
Short answer: hornets.
 | Writers are often advised to “write what you know.” I once inadvertently disrupted a nest of ground hornets (AKA yellow jackets). They swarmed and viciously stung every inch of exposed skin. I thought standing still might deflect them (bad idea). When their fury became too much, I bolted. Not sure I’ve ever run so fast before or since. These insects have NO sense of humor and are capable of stinging multiple times. I made it to safety, but then the fun started: my heart raced like a windup toy, my skin turned hot red, and my hands swelled, even the palms. I was skittering into anaphylaxis. Being far from aid, I chose to ride out the venom (then went to my doctor when I returned to civilization). |
Hornets are native to Eurasia, the location of my storyworld, as are yellow jackets. Both insects meet the criteria of causing instinctive fear, illustrated in this video of not-so-capable homeowners spraying a yellow jacket nest. The shapeshifting character in my story turned into a whirlwind of hornets and attacked the patrolling soldiers, which had the desired effect of driving them away.
Read similar actionable writing tips:
Research Rabbit Hole, Crafting Subtext, Drafting Daring Dialogue, Building Inclusive Worlds
Read about other possible ways to kill or terrorize fictional characters:
Space Sickness, Human Hunters (mosquitos), Universes within Us (Toxoplasma)
Research Rabbit Hole, Crafting Subtext, Drafting Daring Dialogue, Building Inclusive Worlds
Read about other possible ways to kill or terrorize fictional characters:
Space Sickness, Human Hunters (mosquitos), Universes within Us (Toxoplasma)
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