You might think I love conflict considering that it's the writer's and writing teacher's stock in trade. I actually hate it in real life, but that's the whole point. In fiction I have some control over it. In historical fiction there's less control but enormous consequences. The more extreme the conflict the better. In that case, even a minor character can change everything.

Here's where it gets ever so slightly spoilerish: In Amynta of Anatolia, Wade of Aquitaine #3 (releasing December 1, 2020), I include a little-known historical "minor" character who, as a child, was caught in the center of the world's greatest power struggle. How can a princess overcome being kidnapped and locked in a remote island labor camp because she isn't a boy? What kind of person will she turn out to be?

Inside fact: This arc alone has been a very popular read among (precocious) pre-teen, teen, and YA beta readers.
Amynta of Anatolia