Garth Nix explains that Sabriel's character was mainly developed from his own storytelling ideas, rather than being based on a specific inspiration. She evolved naturally within the story he created, reflecting his vision for the character.
He also shares his perspective on creating strong female protagonists, stating it was a personal choice rather than a deliberate message. Nix found Sabriel to be a more compelling character than a male counterpart, emphasizing his interest in developing interesting and dynamic female figures in his work.