Candela Obscura: Chapter 2 Q&A with Travis Willingham

Tell us a little bit about your character in Candela Obscura Chapter 2.

Nathaniel Trapp comes from old money, and has despised his family for as long as he can remember. Repulsed by the arrogance and weight his family’s name carries, Nathan has strived to distance himself from his name and be a check against the evils that come when too much power is amassed by a single family in Newfaire. 

Nathan’s higher education allowed him to become an officer, which is where he met some of the other fellows at the table. But the horrors of the war only gave way to the revelations of horror committed by his family, this time in the name of expansion and public transit. Determined to hold those in power accountable, Nathaniel joined The Civil Tribune newspaper to investigate corruption and shine a light in the shadows of Newfaire.

Are you afraid of the dark, or are you afraid of what’s in it?

Not really afraid of the dark. More afraid of my imagination and what it thinks might lie in the unseen.

Do you have a favorite scary movie, series, or book? Let’s imagine you’ve suddenly found yourself in the middle of that world, what is your survival strategy?

Not really a favorite movie or book – but a decade. The 80’s was fantastic for horror – Exorcist, Poltergeist, Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street…the hits go on and on. Survival strategy essentially amounted to not making out, staying in a group, and not cracking jokes. Just watch Scream – you’ll get it.

What does your character define a monster as?

A monster can be someone standing next to you, and you’d never even know it. Actions define the monster, not their appearance or mystique.

What’s a fear your character overcame to join Candela Obscura?

The fear of judgment, or more specifically – the fear of his cowardice being uncovered. He’s never been particularly brave, and though he may have surrounded himself with brave individuals, sometimes that is not enough for the quality to rub off.

Describe this next chapter in 3 words.

War leaves wounds.