Very interesting thread. If I had to put actors to my main characters, it would be something like this:
The Prophet, to Dashel:
"You've got strength, with a delicious streak of chaos. You know your destiny, yet you run from it… not out of fear, but out of spite. A true wild creature lives within you, pulling your strings – do you feel him?”
Dashel, 16, Main Character (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). A very ambiguously aligned character who has heroic ambitions, but fate has punished him every time he's tried to be one. He won't let his friends down, sometimes seeming even cruel and remorseless in their defense. Saved by the Prophet from certain death after he was cut down trying to protect his sister, his character is called into question many times - as he has quite the dark side, brought on by the Prophet and the trials he undertakes while fulfilling his blood oath. Jonathan isn't *quite* how I pictured him, but pretty darn close. He has a sort of tough aura that's not exactly threatening - you wouldn't be afraid to approach Dashel, but you'd want him on your side if something started. The physical attributes are close: mousy hair, lean face, but with an athletic build. I'd say he'd be a solid pick and do a good job with the role.
Prophet, to all his potentials:
"I do regret having to kill one of you before we even really began… but I needed to ensure I have your undivided attention.”
The Prophet, 72, Supporting Antagonist (Jack Nicolson) - No doubt at all. The Prophet is a twisted meglomaniac who always grins wolvishly at Dashel every time they meet. Jack captures the vitality, intensity and methodical evil that the Prophet gives off like a bad odor. Having forced each of his 'potentials' to commit blood oaths, swearing the rest of their lives to his service in exchange for being saved from imminent death (deaths which he often planned in advance, of course), he just is an irredeemable son of a bitch, and wouldn't have it any other way. I've always said, give Jack phenomenal magic powers and a sheer hatred of the world, and he would make Sauron cry rivers... and Voldemort wouldn't even know what hit him.
Dashel:
"How many more times will we stay our blade before we’re the ones who get cut down?”
Miles:
“It’s my hope that we never stop… otherwise, what separates us from them?”
Miles, 15, Supporting Main Character (Haley Joel Osmet... when he was around 15) - Yes, Haley's an easy choice. No actor has quite pulled off such an nonthreatening, harmless aura - yet had such a quiet confidence about him while doing so. That's Miles to a tee: often overlooked by others as a nonfactor, but when pushed far enough, he's one of the most formidable people you'll have to deal with. Dashel's best friend and closest ally in the novel. His weakness is often his inability to go on the offensive soon enough, however - fortunately, that's never been a problem with Dashel. Dashel watches out for him like he's the little brother he never had.
Dashel:
"Let’s stop the child’s play then. Someone might lose an eye.”
Jaco:
"Seriously though – how does it feel knowing you have exactly ten seconds left to live?”
Dashel:
"Is this the part where we exchange petty banter in hopes of rattling each other?”
Jaco:
"No, I think it's just time for you to die in a fire, Dash."
Jaco, 17, Main Antagonist (Chace Crawford). I admit, I was drawing a blank for Dashel's nemesis, and looked earlier on this thread and found this dude.
I think in an eye, he captures the simmering confidence of Jaco - he's better than Dashel, and he knows it. Each time they compete, it's always with help from Miles or outside circumstances that keep Dashel from falling to him. Jaco is hostile and unpredictable, yet has a charisma about him where if you didn't know of the monster that lurked beneath the surface, you'd want him to like you.
Nalia, to Dashel:
"You insult me with your arrogance! Did you honestly think I would be so easy to kill? That I would be so blind as to allow you within striking range with nary a defense in place?”
Nalia, 17, Supporting Character (Anna Sophia Robb). Don't be taken in by her good looks and sweet demeanor - that's a critical mistake that she counts on you making. By far the most intelligent character their age, Nalia is a consummate chess player, always thinking 12 moves ahead. And she plays life like chess - having no moral hangups about sacrificing those she deems pawns. Above all, she demands respect - those who give it to her, she may consider helping... as long as it's convenient for her. She shocks Dashel, Miles and Jaco at every turn, by seeming to surrender an advantage - only to either survive where others have fallen, or gain a major upper hand shortly after. Anna Sophia captures that sweet innocent mask, but when she glares at you - she can be more fearsome than Jack himself.
Well, okay, maybe not. But close!