What links these characters to success and the pot of gold?

Gizmos. Flashy cars and babes. Espionage. Who does this series of images remind you of? The dapper James Bond, of course. Or consider this: Egg-shaped head, a military moustache, a Belgian detective. It’s almost too easy. Move on to more recent times and we have the vampire with the pale skin that sparkles in sunlight and the brooding intensity that makes girls swoon. And the youngster with bright green eyes, round glasses held together with Scotch tape and a scar on his forehead.

James Bond. What’s not to like? This character, who was created in 1953, has gone on to be written by six other authors, has been played by six actors in 23 movies and is still going strong.

Edward Cullen is a cult hero and the books featuring him were so successful, that the last book was split into two movies, to milk the moneys. Never mind that dissenting voices have declared that he should be called a stalker and that Bella’s father should have got a restraining order!

What can I say about Harry Potter? J K Rowling is so clued in, she writes her next novel under a pseudonym and when this fact is unexpectedly (?) revealed, the book flies to the top of the bestseller lists.

So, what do we have in common here? A colourful character, an interesting context, a rip-roaring plot and you just don’t look back. You spin off a series and laugh all the way to a bank in the Caymans; or a chalet in Greece. And all the Hollywood wannabes cluster at your feet.

Yes, when you’ve created a character that readers love, set him or her off against another character they hate, the chemistry blasts you off on a trip that rivals the craziest reefer party. A splurgy, decadent world of movies, TV shows, toys, games, masks, mugs, graphic novels, et al.

So, should I make Vir and the HATCHET team from ‘The Madras Mangler’ recurring characters in a series? Many of you who have read the book have asked me to do this. There has been a suggestion that there should be more romance in the next book. Another reader has suggested I make the heroine Kat the main character in the next one. What do you think? Do fill in your comment below.

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