Episode 16: Unlikable or Unforgettable? Crafting Gil Peck in The Whistleblower

Welcome to Story Deep Dive!

In this episode, Dana and Rachel dive into how to craft emotionally complex protagonists in plot-driven genres, using Robert Peston’s The Whistleblower as their case study.

Whether you're a writer, reader, or storytelling enthusiast, you’ll gain valuable insights on maintaining character consistency, evolving emotional arcs, and deepening reader connection—even when your main character isn’t always likable.

You can also watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube!

Estimate Timestamps

00:00 – Opening Banter and a Side Trip into Lucy Score’s Universe

Rachel brings up The Things We Hide from the Light to explore unconventional pacing and how Lucy Score balances brand promise with emotional experimentation. Dana unpacks why that book works in the context of a series and what authors should consider before breaking genre expectations.

19:35 – What Makes a Character Complex?

Dana and Rachel transition into the main topic with a breakdown of Gil Peck from The Whistleblower. They explore how grief, ambition, and personal blind spots create layers in a protagonist—and how staying true to a character’s emotional trajectory can elevate a story.

39:40 – Is Gil Too Smooth? Character Consistency in Practice

A lively debate unfolds as Dana questions whether Gil’s behavior is always in character. Rachel offers a counterpoint: Gil is confident at work and floundering everywhere else. Together, they discuss how to ensure your characters feel real while staying consistent throughout the story.

1:02:15 – First-Person Narration and Voice as a Window Into Character

They analyze how Robert Peston uses first-person narration to immerse readers in Gil’s worldview. From voice to line-level choices, they explain how to make your character’s lens feel personal, specific, and unfiltered.

1:16:30 – Lessons for Writers: Tips on Character Flaws, Reader Trust, and Evolution

The episode closes with concrete tips on crafting complex characters: how to explore different facets of a single flaw, avoid redundancy, and gradually earn a transformation that feels authentic.

Book Selection

1997. A desperate government clings to power; a hungry opposition will do anything to win. And journalist Gil Peck watches from the sidelines, a respected commentator on the sport of power politics. He thinks he knows how things work. He thinks he knows the rules.But when Gil's estranged sister Clare dies in a hit-and-run, he begins to believe it was no accident. Clare knew some of the most sensitive secrets in government. One of them might have got her killed.As election day approaches, Gil follows the story into the dark web of interests that link politics, finance and the media. And the deeper he goes, the more he realises how wrong he has been.But power isn't sport: it's war. And if Gil doesn't stop digging, he might be the next casualty...

Where to Find the Book

The Whistleblower by Robert Peston is available in physical formats. It’s also widely available in libraries and online retailers. Details on the author’s website.

Next Episode:

In the next episode, Dana and Rachel bring it all together with their Editor’s Take on The Whistleblower, distilling what worked, what didn’t, and how to apply those lessons to your own writing. Be sure to tune in!

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