Who is Marcus Wheeler?

Is he a mysterious figure spouting words of wisdom, or a miracle worker with a healing touch? Is he a bumbling fool annoying those around him, or a loyal friend unshaken and true. At times, Marcus is all this and more. He’s vulnerable and genuine, lovable and pure. And as the author who created him, I have to admit… He’s one of my favorites.
 So where did this character come from? And how was he developed? Let’s take a brief look at the character that so many love. Marcus is a sidekick, he just doesn’t know it. He represents that loyal friend that would go to the ends of the earth in times of trouble.  
 When I first started writing Bag of Lies, I knew I needed a character that demonstrated unwavering loyalty. The novel itself revolves around lies and betrayal. This darker theme adds a heavy weight to the nature of the book. So I knew I needed a counter weight to balance the adventure. Marcus is that counter weight. He’s light-hearted, at times child-like, and most importantly, he’s fun. 
 And like his friends, I don’t often call him Marcus. To me, he’s simply… Pudge. Although the nickname was originally a way to tease him behind his back. It slowly became an endearing way to claim him as my friend. I love how Michael respectfully calls him Marcus on the battlefield until something tragic happens. As soon as Michael reaches his side and sees the pain that he is in, Michael no longer sees the fellow soldier, Marcus. Instead he holds Pudge, his close friend, in his arms, desperately trying to keep him alive.
 In Lord of the Rings by J.R.R.Tolkien, Frodo’s gardener and close friend, Samwise Gamgee, follows Frodo all the way to Mount Doom to destroy the one ring. Sam is so much more than a sidekick, at times it feels as though the heart of the story rests just as much with him as with Frodo. Although Pudge doesn’t follow Michael quite as closely through their adventure, he definitely shares Sam’s loyalty. Pudge wouldn’t hesitate to follow Michael to the edge of the new world and beyond. 
 Another influence that might have shaped Pudge slightly, was also a supporting character, this time in a film. The 1985 adventure comedy, Goonies, introduces a fun loving friend who seems to always be exaggerating and telling wild stories. His friends call him Chunk, often teasing him and making him do his famous truffle shuffle. Although Chunk carries a few extra pounds along with a lovable awkwardness, he is a beloved member of the ensemble. 
 A gentle comparison with these two characters and just about any supporting sidekick, definitely reveals a ton of similarities. However, Pudge holds his own on the page as he demonstrates an unwavering loyalty, a steadfast innocence, and a compassionate heart for others. 
 Setting the comparisons to the wayside, Pudge is simply a good friend. By no means perfect or even an asset in battle, Pudge is the kind of friend you put up with, because deep down inside, you love him. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for you or anyone else for that matter.