Meet the Characters: Seven Identical Noses

When I wrote a fairytale about seven identical-nosed brothers, I didn’t count on falling in love with them and adopting them as my own kids. Is it embarrassing? Kinda. Will I ever stop talking about them? Maybe. But that is not this day.

I promised I would share a post about my kids once I finished the third draft of their WIP, Seven Identical Noses. And since I did, allow me to give you a meet-and-greet tour of the cast, also called the B-Bunch.

Here they are, arranged from youngest to oldest.

Warning: this is a relatively spoiler-free blog post. ;)

Bip

Age: 16

Looks: the brightest golden blond hair, gem blue eyes, rosy cheeks

Vibe: the innocent ray of sun

Loves: spending time with his brothers; making others happy; eating sweet things

Studies: general studies (hasn’t specialised yet)

Fears: the dark; being alone.

Bip is the kindest of all brothers and probably everyone’s best friend. He loves being happy and sharing that joy with his siblings. He isn’t afraid to share his emotions, of which he has quite a lot. Though he’s sensitive and thoughtful, he also loves being a goofball. Especially when Bim is involved. Bip never means or plans harm, but he and Bim are responsible for half of the smoke marks on the kitchen ceiling.

Bik

Age: 17

Looks: palest blond hair, light blue eyes, fragile-looking

Vibe: the tender observer

Studies: general studies, wants to specialise in literature and botany

Loves: watching his brothers do things they love; stories & books; writing poetry; sitting quietly in nature

Fears: loud machinery; being laughed at.

Bik could easily have been a wallflower if it wasn’t for his brothers. Quiet, soft, easily fascinated, blending into the background – it’s a good thing Ben, Bal and Bel involve him in all things. Those who don’t know Bik well mistake his silence for stupidity. Those who know him well have seen him speak up in honesty when it mattered most. What nobody knows is that Bik has been writing witty remarks and poetry in a secret notebook for years. He intends to keep it hidden for some time still.

Bim

Age: 18

Looks: fluffy blond hair with one stubborn curl on his crown, sparkling hazel eyes

Vibe: the happy heart of chaos

Studies: it took him too long to respond to this question. Let’s say he’s still deciding.

Loves: baking and cooking snacks for his brothers; messing around with them; having fun

Fears: big dogs (and werewolves); being rejected.

Bim is probably my favourite of the group (but don’t tell them). Despite being messy, brainless at times - to Bal’s greatest grievance - and having the tendency to do whatever comes first to mind, Bim is the tireless wild child who always seems to be enjoying himself. He has a good heart and feels terrible when accidents happen. Most of the time anyway. When paired with Bip, cookies and kitchen fires can be expected - both at the same time.

Bop

Age: 19

Looks: wavy sky blue hair, soft dark grey eyes, cute lil vampire teeth

Vibe: the troublesome teen

Studies: architecture and coffee

Loves: glamping,apparently; cooking; brewing good coffee and sharing it with his brothers

Fears: pathogens; being forgotten

Where shall I start with this strange boy? Let’s take the order of most obvious to most obscure. First, he’s got strange looks that I will not explain in canon. Speculate away. Second, he’s a bit of a complicated brat and can be rather grumpy and stubborn, but I love him for it. Third, I was absolutely appalled when I found out Bop is, in fact, a glamper. Then again, nothing about this child surprises me anymore. He’s the middle child after all.

Bel

Age: 21

Looks: fluffy curly brown hair, warm brown eyes

Vibe: the positive chocolate friend

Studies: hospitality

Loves: gardening; playing guitar; supporting his brothers

Fears: pain; being unable to help

Bel could be called the ‘momfriend’ of the group. He’s the one who makes sure everyone gets along, is treated fairly, is taken care of, and happy. Bel will stand up for those being bullied, and will take on anything to ensure the safety of those he loves. He enjoys creating and contributing to creating brotherhood moments (like fireplace tea time), and looking at the bright side of life (like the afternoon sun glaring into your eyes). Most of all he enjoys giving shoulder pats and back pats. He has the warmest smile of the bunch and gives the best hugs.

Ben

Age: 23

Looks: brown eyes, scattered blond hair and dark, thick eyebrows.

Vibe: the driving force

Studies: project management & finance

Loves: whistling & singing; woodwork; crafting things with and for his brothers

Fears: bees; being stuck (physically and figuratively)

If Ben should be summarised in one word it would be: straightforwards. He is the most action-focused of them all and the driving force of the group. When his brothers don’t know what to do next, he’ll make sure they figure it out. He’s probably the tallest brother, and definitely the strongest, physically. His pace is unmatched and his whistle reverberates through your bones. He has a beautiful voice too, though he doesn’t sing unless while working or walking.

Bal

Age: 24

Looks: raven black straight hair, dark grey eyes

Vibe: the stressed parent

Studies: ancient language translation

Loves: restoring maps; seeing his brothers be happy and thrive

Fears: failing his brothers

Bal is the most underrated brother of them all. If it wasn’t for Bal, none of the brothers would get out of bed on time. Bal’s the one managing their routine, counting their expenses, and keeping the house in order when Bim and Bip decide to bake three batches of vanilla sugar cookies during lunch break. Bal might seem stern at times, but he knows how to apologise and own up for mistakes. He, more than anyone, puts everything into the brotherhood and loves his brothers with all he has.

Cast Summary

• Bip - the innocent ray of sun

• Bik - the tender observer

• Bim - the happy heart of chaos

• Bop – the troublesome teen

• Bel - the positive chocolate friend

• Ben – the driving force

• Bal – the stressed parent

Tell me, do you love these brothers as much as I do? Which one do you like or relate to most?What questions do you have more, and whom stood out to you the most? Let me know in the comments and I’ll answer as best I can!

Keep well this season,

Xx Marsh