"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one." - James A. Froude

"Bruno. Adelbert. Wolfgang. Gerhard. In here at once!"

We stood before our father in his study and, like soldiers, took our punishment. More clearly than his voice, I recall the whoosh of a leather strap, cracking as it sliced into our bare thighs.

They are crying. I will not give in. He calls me stubborn and gives me extra blows. But as we leave the dark of his lair, he gives me alone the ghost of a smile, a nod of approval. Among his sons, I am the resolute one, and he admires me.

This is what I build upon.