Star Wars: Mistress Red (Audiobook)
Claragosa for Arthur Prowse / Narrator
Protagonist and narrator in the first-person, Arthur Prowse is a daring, Imperial archaeologist and stalwart defender of the throne. A middle-aged, human male with a prissy, received pronunciation of the English language, Arthur is initially a ruthless cog in the well-oiled machine of galactic fascism, until he undergoes a crisis of faith in the Empire, growing both a spine and a moral compass throughout the duration of his latest, heart-racing expedition to save what he loves - if he only knew what. As such, he’s the idyllic, Gothic protagonist yet to witness his first of many tragedies.
The role of Arthur Prowse as a first-person narrator is exceptionally demanding, with over 19,000 words in both prose and dialogue. Aspiring audiobook narrators are encouraged to audition. Though Arthur is conceived to speak with a British RP accent, as most Imperials often do, other interpretations are more than welcome. Bonus points if you like Batman. Good luck.
(Narration: In this excerpt, Arthur Prowse has just discovered the tomb of the Sith Lord Iesea iv Katedij [prn. Ee-ye-SAY-ah iv Cah-TEH-deej], and is filled with awe and wonder. He recounts his feelings upon seeing Iesea’s golden sarcophagus up close, longing to seize it. But he is fearful and wary.)
I felt the whispers of a god crawl throughout my body, gnawing at my spirit, leaving only the empty vacuum of fear. It was that numinous feeling again, far greater, far stronger than that which I was lured by the mask above the well. But my yearning, my lust to caress my fingers upon the golden likeness of Iesea iv Katedij herself, buried underneath the marble slab I gawked at, was offset by immense terror. A great unquiet that held me back, made my very soul tremor.
(Narration: In this fight scene excerpt, Arthur is battling with our antagonist at a critical moment of the story. Each action is fast-paced, emotionally-charged and heart-racing. It’s do or die for Arthur, and he’s getting hurt.)
Al’assa’s boot rocketed into my jaw, I heard a terrible snap as I tumbled to the sand. Feeling teeth wedge themselves in the back of my throat. I hoisted myself upright, feeling the burning resolve of Imperial duty spur me on as Al’assa kicked me down again. My vision blurred again in stretches. I felt queasy. Spat out my teeth, my lips trickled with hot blood and dusty saliva. But still, I resisted.
(Dialogue: In his negotiations, Prowse recounts memories of old regarding the Chiss. He tries to flirt with Al’assa, a member of the species, but his conduct is filled with Imperial, standard-issue racial prejudice.)
“Your people... I’ve only heard stories about them, in old legends from the Outer Rim. You call yourselves the Chiss, right? Never thought I’d see one up close. You clean up pretty good… for an alien, anyway.”
