User blog comment:Akasha1908/Cursed: Part 2/@comment-14298960-20131008085928/@comment-7383378-20131008193456

Dmitri is a vampire with an “ego complex.”   He thinks he is entitled to something bigger and better than what he deserves. In truth, he is nothing more than a coward. This is obvious, since instead of showing up alone, he arrives at Dracula’s castle with 20 vampires as back up. I can’t explain why he was written this way without ruining the next few chapters; just know it was for a reason.

Nicolai has only been a vampire for 50 years. I took into consideration the years where he had to fight his primal vampire urges versus when he actually learns to control his powers. A newly transformed vampire (from my perspective) does not simply turn, and suddenly become the perfect vampire. It takes time for the human half to die; for a young vampire to act like a vampire instead of a human with vampire-like tendencies. Nicolai needs to come off young and inexperienced, and able to relate to someone else going through a similar transition. I can definitely see your point, but I was hoping the act would come off as a very “human” on his part. A way to show he still has moments where he is human in many ways.

As for Meph, frankly, he has better things to do than outwit a creature he views as base (even when compared to a demon). Granted he prefers not to deal with a vampire, but why else would he say no? A soul has been offered as payment, and what Nicolai wants is simply information, nothing that would require any real work on Meph’s part. It’s like getting a soul for free. Not to mention he is currently trapped, without powers, in a tiny room, with a pissed of vampire. Add the fact that he just got out a deal, where not only does he get to keep the soul, but he is no longer required to keep his half of the bargain, and it’s pretty much win/win for Meph.

A demon not keeping souls…   This is more of how I see the demon/Satan relationship. I referred to Mephistopheles as a “broker” in chapter 1. An intermediary who is making a deal between two separate parties; the human and Satan. My view on this is that all damned souls belong to the Satan in the end. As a demon, you may enjoy the hunting and taking of a soul, but it’s important to remember there is a higher power you serve. After a demons gathers x amount of souls, he must make the delivery. Though he is allowed to savor them for the length of time they are in his possession, they are never truly his to keep. And so the cycle continues. The demon's desire to devour souls and the need to fulfill their quota, keeping the system running smoothly. :)

The word, forgive…   Sophia has committed a terrible act, and she knows it. Though she believes what she has done is ultimately for the best, she knows that her actions will hurt the one she loves. Sophia wants Darcula’s understanding and forgiveness, but since there is no way to ask for it in person, this is her way of conveying it to the one she left behind. It also plays into the very human need to want forgiveness, even when you know you don’t deserve it. It’s a selfish way to assuage your own guilt, without having to face the consequences of your actions. When Sophia asks for forgiveness at the end of her letter, it’s more for her own peace of mind than anything else.

Tepes…   This is simple. Sophia is Dracula’s wife, and therefore holds the title.

When you read, try to think from the character's point of view. You have to remember that the character is not you, and therefore will not act or react the same way you would in any given situation. Prime example is Meph. The demon isn't stupid. There is a time and place for cunning, and now wouldn't necesarily be very beneficial. He knows that if he doesn't give up the information Nicolai wants, things could become rather difficult for him. Especially since he is trapped. If he makes the deal, he gets a soul and (theoretically) he will never have to see this stupid vampire again. Not to mention, Meph knows the information he has will offer very little in the way of help for Nicolai. By giving Nicolai what he wants, Meph makes the vampire believe he is the victor. Now who is the smartest person in that tiny cramped room...

Whew! Ok, I  think I covered everything, lol! This was some great feedback! Thanks so much!