Jaycee Woods

Sometimes when doing research using Copilot, I end up having a conversation with the AI about characters, story progress, and ideas for additional story development.

Me: The Story is doing well. Chapters are written about Chappo tricking his brother’s dealer (Smokey) into giving him information, getting information from an Egyptian migrant who was held as a sex slave by the cartel, and infiltrating the distribution side of the cartel on the US side of the border.

Copilot: That sounds intense and gripping! You’ve got quite a mix of intrigue and drama going on. How are you developing Chappo’s character through these experiences? Is he driven by revenge, justice, or something else?

Me: Revenge. He is a retired special forces sergeant who is applying his experience to attack the cartel responsible for his brother’s death.

Copilot: That sounds like a powerful motivation for Chappo. His background as a special forces sergeant must give him a unique set of skills and a strategic mindset, making him a formidable opponent for the cartel.

How are you balancing his tactical expertise with the emotional weight of his quest for revenge? Are there moments where his emotions might cloud his judgment, or is he able to stay focused on his mission?

Me: As an experienced professional, he suppresses his emotions until the job is done. However, he does use emotions to inspire and motivate the band of Apache and Commanche he leads. One problem for him is the CIA doesn’t know whether they should stop or help him, so they are spying on him.

Copilot: That adds a fascinating layer of complexity to Chappo’s character and the story. His ability to suppress his emotions while using them to inspire his allies shows his leadership skills and deep understanding of human nature. The CIA’s uncertainty about whether to stop or help him creates an intriguing tension and potential for unexpected twists.

How does Chappo handle the CIA’s surveillance? Does he try to outsmart them, or does he use their presence to his advantage in some way?

Me: To be determined. The CIA has sent a female operative to track his activity; she might later be asked to kill him by the agency. Meanwhile he seeks to use her for his own purpose and turn her loyalty to him.

Copilot: That sounds like a thrilling dynamic! The tension between Chappo and the CIA operative could add a lot of depth to your story. Her mission to track or potentially kill him, juxtaposed with his attempt to turn her loyalty, creates a compelling cat-and-mouse game.

How are you planning to develop their relationship? Will it be purely strategic, or do you see potential for a deeper connection or conflict between them?

Me: I think their relationship will be confused. He remains mission focused. However, he is so charismatic that the CIA operative has to fight an unprofessional urge to make a romantic connection with him.

Copilot: That sounds like a captivating and complex relationship! The tension between professional duty and personal feelings can add a lot of depth to both characters. Chappo’s charisma and the CIA operative’s internal conflict will make for some intriguing interactions.

How do you plan to resolve this tension? Will the operative’s feelings compromise her mission, or will she manage to stay professional despite her urges? And how will Chappo leverage this dynamic to his advantage?

Me: To be determined. It depends upon which tact advances the plot. I think that Chappo gets his revenge, but that only creates chaos in northern Mexico that leaves an opening for a sequel.

Copilot: That sounds like a great setup for a sequel! The chaos in northern Mexico could open up numerous plot possibilities, from power struggles within the cartel to new threats emerging.

Do you have any ideas for the sequel yet? Maybe Chappo could face new adversaries or even deal with the consequences of his actions in the first story. It could be interesting to explore how the chaos he created impacts both his allies and enemies.

Me: Not really. The idea of a sequel is allowing a financially successful story to continue. If there is a sequel perhaps different factions of the US and Mexican government seek to recruit him for different purposes while a group of Apache seek to convince him to reunite the Apache across the border with each other.

Copilot: That sounds like a solid foundation for a sequel! The different factions trying to recruit Chappo could create a lot of intrigue and conflict, both externally and internally for him. The idea of reuniting the Apache across the border adds a meaningful cultural and historical dimension to the story.

Do you envision Chappo being torn between these different paths, or will he have a clear goal from the start? It could be interesting to see how his experiences from the first story influence his decisions and alliances in the sequel.

Me: I think deciding between those temptations is his journey in the sequel. After he avenges his brother his life lacks the direction and purpose of his military career.

Copilot: That sounds like a compelling journey for Chappo in the sequel. The struggle to find new purpose and direction after achieving his initial goal can add a lot of depth to his character. The temptations from different factions and the call to reunite the Apache could create a rich tapestry of conflicts and choices.

How do you plan to explore his internal struggle? Will he have mentors or allies guiding him, or will he have to navigate this journey mostly on his own?

Me: Mostly on his own but Apache and US factions will attempt to exploit his old loyalties to people in his past in an effort to manipulate him.

Copilot: That sounds like a gripping and emotionally charged journey for Chappo. Navigating the manipulations and temptations from various factions while dealing with his own internal struggles will make for a compelling narrative. His old loyalties being exploited adds another layer of complexity and tension.

How do you plan to depict these factions? Will they have distinct motivations and methods, or will there be some overlap in their approaches? It could be interesting to see how Chappo’s past relationships influence his decisions and the dynamics with these factions.

Me: Each faction will attempt to use Chappo to achieve their own conflicting end. Meanwhile Chappo must choose which end is for him, which might not be any of the offered options.

Copilot: That sounds like a fascinating and complex narrative! Chappo’s journey to find his own path amidst the conflicting agendas of various factions will make for a compelling story. His struggle to choose his own end, rather than simply aligning with one of the offered options, adds a powerful layer of autonomy and self-discovery to his character.