Why is Jaypaw Blind?

Why is Jaypaw Blind? is an essay that was written by Victoria Holmes, explaining the reasoning behind Jaypaw's blindness.

Summary

 * Vicky explains that though when asked this question she is tempted to reply that Jaypaw was simply born blind,there are other reasons. She talks of being a hero and that this does not depend on having five perfectly functioning senses; being blind does not diminish Jaypaw's importance in the series nor his ability to be a hero. She explains that she liked the challenge of writing from the perspective of a cat without sight as the other senses - smell, hearing, touch - can be exploited more thoroughly. She claims to have deliberately started The Sight from his perspective so that little details could be added in order to "trick the reader into not realizing the narrator was blind." Part of the reason for this was to allow readers to get to know him before pitying him, though she goes on to say that it is very difficult to pity Jaypaw due to his personality. She says it was Jaypaw's destiny to be a medicine cat from the moment he was born.


 * Vicky also wanted to give Jaypaw exceptional sight through his dreams; he can see into the minds of other cats and know their deepest fears. In order to fulfill the prophecy given to Firestar about The Three, he must learn to use his powers for good.


 * She says Jaypaw is one of the most exciting characters to write about.
 * Contributer note: It is unknown if this message really is from Victoria Holmes. Canonicity warning.
 * Contributer note: It is unknown if this message really is from Victoria Holmes. Canonicity warning.