Is Redemption Possible?
June 12, 2025
When crafting characters, authors assign certain traits with each character to make them unique. In a series, the characterization may deepen with each book, so that by the time readers reach the last book, they know the characters inside and out. But what happens when a beloved character’s cover is blown, and he or she has done something seemingly unforgivable?
If the revelation is meant to paint this formerly trusted associate as a villain of the worst order, then that can happen. It isn’t easy because readers come with their own history and experiences and can react strongly to someone’s misdeeds. Most will be in the other camp of thinking, as in “I knew that person was too good to be true” or some other rationalization that helps justify the new behavior.
But…what if the author wants to redeem the character? Most of the series-long traits that give the character such a grounded nature come to mind. Can you paint the badness as a mistake? Possibly. However, I had my heart set on total redemption. Not any easy task.
My first draft seemed like it worked to me, but my critique partners let me know that it wasn’t right. So I listened, especially to the person who said that this character’s rules of magic weren’t explained. Big light bulb moment.
In this paranormal cozy mystery series, A Magic Candle Shop Mystery, I have been slowly letting my main character discover some aspects of this character’s talent, but the plan all along was to have her character arc nearly crash and burn because of this hidden talent. Here’s where a major hiccup came for my critique buds. It wasn’t enough to show that this character’s talent made him do it.
The answers came out of the story ether, thank goodness. I realized my subconscious had clued in to this storyline all along, despite them not appearing in the words of the book. As a possible rationale for the murder victim’s death, the reader will now find out more about Savannah’s paranormal community and especially the code of conduct for those who use magic, including those of the character who needs redemption.
I realized some of these reveals need to happen earlier in the story. With that, I rolled up my sleeves and went to work. I have been editing hints and story facts in throughout the book, and if I’ve done my due diligence, most readers will take in stride the crisis of this character’s series-long personal story.
It’s a risk to go for total redemption, I know. People react emotionally when characters show their true colors, especially if there weren’t overt hints of it in the previous books. The only clues are this character’s total commitment to secrecy about their core talent.
Broken trust is nearly impossible to repair (for characters and people!), but I included serious downsides for the seemingly villainous character, so that this character is penalized more than the character who got a raw deal.
FLAMED OUT will answer all the long-running story questions, and it puts forth the notion that everyone has magic, whether we know it or not. The overall theme of the story is a message I believe with all my heart. We are stronger together.
Thanks for being on this journey with me. If you’d like a chance to win one of any of the first 4 books of the Magic Candle Mysteries I wrote as Valona Jones (SNUFFED OUT, IN THE WICK OF TIME, TALLOWED GROUND, or CANDLE WITH CARE), post a comment here sharing your thoughts on redemption. Can a character be redeemed? These books are available in digital and print (US only for print mailing). The winner will be posted on Tuesday.
Have you entered our June contest? It runs from June 1-22, with multiple ways to enter. One winner takes home two cozy mysteries! Enter HERE.
Want to know more about our author Maggie Toussaint aka Valona Jones? Visit her WEBSITE.
Posted in with Maggie Toussaint • Tags: A Magic Candle Shop Mystery series, Is redemption possible, Maggie Toussaint, Valona Jones, Villains | 28 Comments
I do believe characters can be redeemed, just as people in real life can be redeemed. People have the capacity for change, so I don’t see why I a character can’t be changed for the better.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Cherie! You have a kind and forgiving heart.
I can’t wait to read your new story. Redemption is a great character motivator. Both my female sleuths have had issues in the past and seek redemption. Striving to do better is a positive goal. It’ll be interesting to see what happens to your characters in this regard.
Thanks, Nancy. I didn’t want to reveal what happens in the book, so I spoke generally in this blog. When my sleuth is done wrong by someone she trusts in this next book, it truly shakes her up. That’s why I needed to have a very compelling reason for her to trust this character again. Balancing those scales was difficult, but thanks to help and many edits, I have broken and mended my sleuth. As tensions and character arcs grow and change, I love how much those contrasts enhance the resolution of everything.
Redemption is a key topic in a writer’s toolbox. Looking forward to seeing how you wrap the series and handle redemption
I have always loved the idea of writers having a toolbox. Growing up a tomboy, I became familiar with tools at an early age, and I use many construction tools today in my arts and crafts projects. There are times to use a chisel or putty knife to remove unwanted material, and there are other times when you use a paintbrush to gently remove that top layer of dust o you can see everything clearly. When it was time in my story to raise the stakes, I went for the heavy duty tools!
You’ve certainly piqued my curiosity, Maggie. Now I can’t wait to read this upcoming book!
Thanks for saying that, Lois! I hope others also feel the same!
Redemption is possible for real life, so it should be possible for fictional characters. I like to see these redemption arcs in books.
I’m glad it is something that you like, Brenda.
Redemption is possible though sometimes not probable. Thanks
Hi Dianne. I hope when you read this next book that you feel this redemption is probable!
I am always up for a redemption story. This series was my first by you and I totally fell in love with Tabby and Sage. Am excited to read Flamed Out. I have so many questions!
Thank you, Marcia. I’ve done my best to answer all the series arcs and dangling points raised in the series.
Total redemption. An interesting question.
I think, in part, it depends on how egregious the fall was.
Then it’s up the the muse of the author to work it out.
More power to you!
I must admit, Libby, I had a moment where I thought I was crazy to go for total redemption, but I stuck to my guns.
I definitely believe characters can be redeemed – most especially if the character(s) that had felt betrayed are able to resolve the issue and move past it with the belief that it won’t happen again. In my life? I’ve experienced some… and then other occasions where trust had been broken and redemption didn’t happen. It’s nice that authors get to choose which way it will work out for their characters! 🙂
You raise an interesting point, Maria, that authors get to chose which way it will work with their characters. That’s one of the reasons I began to write…so that I could fix things that had happened in real life. Not just to characters but old buildings. In one of my early books I had a burned out relic on the waterfront restored to be a museum. Now, 20 years later, that is actually what happened! Someone else with a love of local history shared the same dream and had the finances to pull it off!
Redemption is always possible unless the person in question is totally evil. Like He Who Must Not Be Named. One of my favorite “redeemed” characters (who really wasn’t that bad) is Villiers from Eloisa James’s books. Love that rascal!
You totally made me smile, Pat. And I hope you love the ending of this series.
It depends on the person but I think they can be redeemed
It is nice to give a person a second chance. I understand your caveat. People who want to change, can change. But the reverse is also true. Someone who doesn’t want to change, will stay the way he/she is. I hope all the readers out there will give my character a second chance.
Your Magic Candle Mysteries sounds interesting! Congratulations on your WIP!
Yes, I believe characters (real life and fictional) can be redeemed. I have heard or read about news where persons have redeemed their worth by turning over a new leaf. For me, I always give other second chances but sometimes it didn’t work, that’s ok – I will move on! – Emily
Thanks, cwkuen. It’s heartening to know that readers believe in redemption.
I always hope that a character can be redeemed.
Hope is a powerful force in the universe. Thanks!
My winner is BRENDA ELLIS! Congratulations, Brenda. You may select any one of my Magic Candle Shop Mysteries. The formats are digital (anywhere) and print (US only). Thanks to everyone who chimed in with their thoughts about redemption.
Absolutely redemption is possible built within an arc or awareness, forgiveness and a choice to act differently, though compassion is necessary and support as different habits take time to be established until they become routine.