May's Bonus Content: Favorite Meals

Food preferences can reveal a lot about a character's personality, background, and individual tastes, from the simplicity of a favorite fruit to the indulgence of a decadent pairing. They can also reflect a character's lifestyle, social standing, or even their emotional state. While deciding what my characters like to eat, I learned to consider not only what they enjoy eating but also how they approach food in general and the role it plays in their lives.

Edith and Edward

Edith and Edward, despite having access to world class chefs, have a surprisingly simple favorite: oranges. It's a choice that needs no fuss or preparation, merely the raw pleasure of biting into succulent flesh, but within this seemingly uninspiring choice lies a deeper symbolism that speaks to their personal perspectives of life.

Back in 18th-century England, oranges were like rare gems, imported from faraway lands at great expense and savored only by the wealthy elite. For Edith and Edward, these fruits are yet another symbol of their success—a taste of luxury and exclusivity, despite their objective appearance of economy. You must, however, note that oranges are a humble fruit, abundant in other parts of the world. Edith and Edward's appreciation for the finer things is notable, yet there's an underlying simplicity to their tastes, harking back to days when food was scarce and meals were sparse. The oranges, unadorned and unpretentious, speak to this impoverished past. This duality mirrors Edith and Edward's journey—from modest beginnings to extraordinary success through persistent labor, and much like oranges, their rise to prominence required planting, nurturing, and growth.

Yet perhaps most poignantly, oranges serve as a reminder of the fleeting nature of existence. Just as the fruit may spoil if left uneaten, Edith and Edward know that their riches must be enjoyed while they are available, for you never know what tomorrow might bring, and money cannot be used beyond the grave. While the crop is ripe, they devour it, reaping the fruits of their labor.

Tamsin and Thomas

Staying true to their penchant for nostalgia, Tamsin and Thomas find solace in a classic favorite: meat pies. These savory delights represent simplicity—a throwback to carefree days spent picnicking on the country estate and playing games with the MC while nibbling on this pocket food to stave away hunger. It's a warm reminder that life wasn't always as bleak as it is now, and there existed a time when laughter and joy filled their days, giving them something to hold onto while handling the present.

Moved by the lovesickness of the young Tamsin and Thomas, Mx. Cooke took it upon themselves to bake these pies for them every Sunday afternoon—a tradition that continues to this day. It's a simple gesture that provides Tamsin and Thomas with a sense of belonging outside of just Francis and profound gratitude for the labor of love that went into their creation.

Henrietta and Henry

Henrietta and Henry's favorite indulgence, the pairing of chocolate with tea, is more of a luxurious ritual than a simple treat. Each ingredient is meticulously chosen, from the quality chocolates to the specialty teas like Earl Grey and Darjeeling, to ensure that every combination is a distinct assortment of flavors, never to be repeated again. Enjoying chocolate and tea together has become a cherished moment of leisure in their daily life, and its pleasure remains a private affair meant for their enjoyment alone—a particular moment that can only be fully appreciated in solitude.

I must reiterate that it is particularly the performance of the routine rather than the actual consumption that makes the dessert memorable to them. Generally, they believe that any well-prepared dish, regardless of the ingredients, and as long as the quality is up to their standards, can provide an enjoyable dining experience.

Lucia and Laurence

For Lucia and Laurence, their greatest delight is a reflection of their vivacious and convivial spirits: champagne and strawberries. The champagne, with its effervescent bubbles, mirrors their lively personality, while the addition of sweet strawberries gives it a playful touch that perfectly complements their joyful nature. This combination of flavors results in a balance of splendor and fun, embodying their belief that life should be enjoyed to the fullest with panache and amusement.

Lucia and Laurence's gregarious personality and natural talent for making any event more joyous are a wonderful match for the celebratory spirit of Champagne, which is best enjoyed with good company, as they are wont to seek. The strawberry garnish, a delightful and whimsical addition, adds a touch of sweetness to the crispness of the champagne, giving it an aesthetic pop of color that reflects Lucia and Laurence's vibrant charm and, moreover, the rouge they regularly apply to flatter their appearance. Coincidentally, I have always associated Lucia and Laurence with golden yellow, which happens to be the base color of this drink.

Did any character's favorite repast surprise you? Is there a meal that you suspect would suit one of the characters?