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Hi Mr. Card, can you reveal who the character Wit O’Toole is based on in real life? I have been deeply affected with the character and just want to know a bit about the real person(s) involved in the character buildup. Thank you!
AARON JOHNSTON REPLIES:
Wit isn't based on any specific real person. He is the amalgamation of many traits of leadership and military wisdom and instincts that Scott and I discussed and found admirable. Wit isn't Churchill because he is more of a soldier than Churchill ever was, but I do recall a lot of conversations about Churchill when we were mapping the book.
Wit is, like Mazer Rackham, what we hope to find in every commander: a brilliant tactical mind whose soldiers—because of their love for him and confidence in him—follow willingly him into battle.