CARL GREGORY

 You've met the protagonist, 10-year-old Tony Gregory, of "Minor Problem." Now, prepare to meet the deuteragonist, the supporting main character. He is Tony's first cousin and best friend.

As a beautiful day ends in the summer of 2001, Carl, his cousin Tony, and their friends hear a loud crash from Tony's house. After investigating, they find the house trashed and Tony's parents missing. The kids then head to Carl's house, where they walk in on his parents with the kidnappers. With help from their friends, the two boys manage to escape the three bumbling villains and later decide to save their parents themselves.

Name: Carl Dylan Gregory

Birthday: March 24th, 1992

Parents: Liam & Annette Gregory

Cousins: Tony Gregory, Darrell Budden

Hometown: Baytona, Newfoundland

Height: 3'10

Weight: 85 lbs.

Eye Color: Brown

Hair: Short, straight, sandy blonde

Favorite Color: Orange

Favorite Food: Pizza

Worst Fear: Spiders

Hobbies: 

Collecting rocks, quad rides, playing with friends

Ambition: 

To own the world's coolest rock collection and be Tony's spy partner

What are their strengths?

Carl is not just intelligent and strong but also remarkably determined. His unwavering resolve in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.

What are their weaknesses?

Carl is a pushover who sometimes allows himself to be taken for granted.

What do they want?

Carl wants to save his parents from the kidnappers.

What do they need?

Carl's journey involves saving his parents and learning to stand up for himself and his beliefs. His struggle is one that many can relate to.

What motivates them?

Carl's actions are driven by his intelligence, strength, and deep love for his family and friends. His kindness is a beacon of warmth in the story.

What's their central conflict?

Carl's central conflict is with the kidnappers who have stolen his parents. He also conflicts with Tony, who doesn't appreciate him enough.

How do they change?

Carl will learn that he does not deserve to be taken for granted as his feelings and opinions are important, too.

Do they achieve their goals?

Read "Minor Problem" and find out!

When author Joshua Emberley-Penney was asked about creating the character of Carl, he had this to
say:

"Carl was obviously inspired by my cousin, Dillon, and since I know him so well, I felt I really knew Carl's character. I did the same as I did with Tony. Carl's first name came from the actress Carla Gugino, and his last name is shared with Tony since their fathers are brothers. His birthday month comes from the release date of 'Spy Kids' and the 24th because of my and Dillon's birthdays. Then, of course, you add some quirks and flaws to make a character people can relate to.

I struggled to write Tony's character because all I could see were flaws. With Carl, it was the opposite. I couldn't find any. Growing up, Dillon was always so adventurous, funny, smart, and responsible—everything you would want your son to be. Although nobody is perfect, I think my cousin comes pretty close. Although Dillon and I have similar flaws, I didn't want another brat in my story. Then, it came to me.

Since Carl's role in the story is to support Tony and lead him toward his transformation, he always ends up being the voice of reason in their mischievous predicaments. Therefore, his flaw is that he's always allowing himself to be bossed around without realizing that his feelings are just as important as everyone else's. Carl is always coming to Tony's rescue and isn't appreciated enough. But, like Tony, throughout the story, he will see the error of his ways and grow as a character."

We also spoke with Sherry St. Pierre, one of the teachers on the Penn-on-Paper editing team.

"I'd have to say Carl is my favorite character as he seems level-headed, kind, and able to keep Tony on the straight and narrow—a good balance!"

Interview with Dillon Budden, cousin of the author:

First, how do you feel about the book dedicated to you?

I remember Josh asked me what I wanted for Christmas one year. And I kind of wanted to spur his creativity. I knew the gift (the story) would cost him nothing except his time, and I wanted to inspire him. He wasn't obligated to dedicate it to me, though, and I absolutely love that! It was never an expectation that he would do that.

How do you feel about your cousin basing a character off of you?

I am extremely honored and inspired to continue writing and singing my music and expressing my own creativity. "Minor Problem" brings me a lot of nostalgia. I feel transported back to the garden we all hung out in when we were kids.

Who is your favorite character in the book?

Am I biased if I say, Carl? But Glennis would be my second fav.

Lastly, how do you feel about the book overall?

I am 100% biased, but it's my favorite book of all time. I enjoyed it all the way through.

Well, there you have it, folks. 

Keep an eye out for "Minor Problem."

Written by Joshua Emberley-Penney

Available next month!