'Thunderbolts' I was mostly attracted to because I really wanted to write Punisher and Elektra and Deadpool, who are characters I have always really enjoyed. But the funny thing is that over time, I came to really like Red Leader; he became one of my favorite guys in the book. Sometimes characters surprise you.

Charles Soule’s quote, "'Thunderbolts' I was mostly attracted to because I really wanted to write Punisher and Elektra and Deadpool, who are characters I have always really enjoyed. But the funny thing is that over time, I came to really like Red Leader; he became one of my favorite guys in the book. Sometimes characters surprise you," reflects Soule’s experience as a writer and his evolving relationship with the characters he creates or works with. Initially, he was drawn to writing well-known and beloved characters like Punisher, Elektra, and Deadpool, who he already had an affinity for. However, as he delved deeper into his work on Thunderbolts, he found himself unexpectedly drawn to a lesser-known character, Red Leader.

The mention of Red Leader becoming one of his favorite characters highlights how writers can develop a deep connection with characters that they may not have anticipated. While he originally set out to focus on the more prominent and established characters, Soule found that even the less flashy or secondary characters can take on a life of their own. This is a common experience for writers—characters can evolve in ways that surprise them, becoming more engaging and compelling than originally expected.

Soule’s comment, "sometimes characters surprise you," underscores the unpredictability of the creative process. Even when a writer plans to focus on specific characters, the writing process can lead to unexpected revelations or connections with other characters. It shows the importance of being open to these surprises, as they can lead to a deeper understanding of the story and the characters within it, enriching the overall narrative.

Ultimately, this quote reflects Soule’s growth as a writer and his appreciation for the dynamic nature of storytelling. It demonstrates how a writer's original intentions can evolve over time as they develop a more profound connection with the characters they bring to life, revealing the unexpected ways in which storytelling can unfold.