Don't You Hate It When I Do This?04-05-03 @ 5:43 am EST
Yippee-doodle! I got my books the other day! :D They are:
Algonquin Indian Tales by Egerton R. Young
The Bear-Walker & Other Stories by Basil H. Johnston
The Complete Writer's Guide To Heroes & Heroines: Sixteen Master Archetypes by Tami D. Cowden, Caro LaFever, & Sue Viders
Creating Unforgettable Characters: A Practical Guide To Character Development In Films, TV Series, Advertisements, Novels & Short Stories by Linda Seger
Dynamic Characters: How To Create Personalities That Keep Readers Captivated by Nancy Kress
45 Master Characters: Mythic Models For Creating Original Characters by Victoria Lynn Schmidt
The Writer's Guide To Character Traits: Includes Profiles Of Human Behaviors & Personality Types by Linda N. Edelstein, Ph.D.
A Dictionary Of Egyptian Gods & Goddesses is still floating around out there somewhere on Airborne Home; it should be reaching me soon as it's currently in Midland, but the weather might deter it along the way. We got whomped with a hell of a storm yesterday. :/
I would have posted this sooner but circumstances kept preventing me from finishing this CHARACTER OUTLINE, dum-dum-dummmm! This is from Kress's book, Dynamic Characters. And of course I filled it out for your friend and mine, Damien! Aren't you just drooling in anticipation?? The formatting is modified as I cannot create checkboxes here, but oh well, you get the gist of it. Oh yes, it has NOT been proofread aside from fixing bad HTML tags...so enjoy any dumb typos you may find. If you decide to skip reading the thing, there's a bit more to this entry AFTER the character profile. Just so you don't miss it. :)
PART 1
Just the Facts, Ma'am: Your Character's Basic Statistics
Name: Damien
Also Known As (Nicknames): Dami
Age: 33 (34 in June 2003)
Birthdate: 6/6/69
Place Of Birth: Cheboygan, MI
Height: 5'8"
Weight: Approx. 160lbs?
Eye Color: Sandy gold
Hair Color: Light brown
Style: (Hair) Straight, kind of parted, rakish
Distinguishing Marks: None
Father's Name: Lucifer V (Fifth)
Father's Current Status
Living Yes
Deceased
Mother's Name: Lilith
Mother's Current Status
Living Yes
Deceased
Ethnic Background: Caucasian: European-American (possible very slight Italian and/or Arabic roots)
Religion: Roman Catholic
Degree Of Religious Practice: None
Current Address: 7972 N. M-33, Cheboygan, Michigan
Rents
Owns Yes
Brief Description Of Home: Large multiroomed house, many bedrooms for occupants, informal decor, a bit like a frat house only not nearly as messy
Other Occupants Of Current Home: Several family members and friends, including four children
Current Occupation: Singer/songwriter/musician, philanthropist
Current Employer: Self-employed
Significant Past Jobs: Used to work on cars
Income Level: Very high
Education: High school equivalent; some college
Marital Status
Never Married Yes
First Marriage--How Long?
Second Marriage--How Long?
Third Marriage--How Long?
Divorced--How Long?
Separated--How Long?
Widow/Widower--How Long?
Other: Involved in stable relationship for at least several years
Spouse's Name: Girlfriend--Katrina Witchita
Name By Which Character Addresses Spouse: Girlfriend--Kat
Spouse's Occupation: Girlfriend--singer/songwriter
Children
Name: No children
Age:
Name:
Age:
Name:
Age:
Name:
Age:
Name:
Age:
Police Record
No Arrests Or Convictions
Arrest(s) For: Sexual assault--woman admitted she falsified the story; released without any charges (was not guilty of the act)
Conviction(s) For: Assault & battery, breaking & entering, armed robbery
Sentence(s) Served: A little time served for the lesser charges; struck a deal for one year's probation on the armed robbery charge, after helping in the capture of the other suspect
Medical Record
General Health
Excellent
Good Yes
Below Average
Terrible
Chronic Conditions: Sometimes works or worries himself to exhaustion; is also sometimes accident prone
Current Conditions: Sometimes suffers dizziness/lack of balance due to head injury from a car crash in 1998
People Often Found With Outside Of Work: Friends from his band, from home, or family members
Organizations Of Which He/She Is A Member: None known
PART 2
How Do I Recognize Him/Her? Preferences and Mannerisms
Dress
Expensive Couture Clothing, Long-Lasting Styles
Example:
Expensive Couture Clothing, Trendy Styles
Example:
Good Quality, Conservative Clothing:
Good Quality, Unconservative Clothing:
Whatever Everybody Else In His/Her Group Wears, Which Is:
Whatever's Most Comfortable; Comfort Is Main Value Whenever Possible:
Whatever's Handy, Doesn't Really Care: Tank tops or T-shirts, boxer shorts, sneakers/sandals, baseball cap are the most frequent type of clothing worn
Dressing To Be Noticed--How And Why?:
Other: Necklaces--a cross and a silver D
Grooming
Every-Hair-Perfect-Type
Average Grooming And Cleanliness For Own Group Yes
Clean But Sloppy
Dirty And A Slob
Speech
Pace
Talks Fast Yes
Average Pace
Talks Slowly
Accent/Dialect: None; regular "Midwestern" non-accent
Voice
Shrill
Average
Deep
Unusually Musical Yes
Unusually Authoritative
Other:
Any Favorite Phrases Or Words?: Just usual sarcastic comments such as "Yeah, right"
Usual Cuss Words, If Any: Prefers not to swear unless very angry
Mannerisms
General
Projects A Calm Image
Volatile--Moods Change, And Body Language With It Yes
Usually Fidgety Yes
Other: May be very calm and casual at times, but at other times is very fidgety, and loud and argumentative when angry
Posture
Stiff And Rigid
Stands Straight But Not Stiffly
Average--Varies With Mood Yes
Slumped And Defeated-Looking
Flexible And Graceful Yes
Usually Relaxed Yes
Slouchy And Careless
Other: Usually casual, unless nervous or upset
Gestures
Doesn't Gesture Much
Gestures Are Deliberate And Controlled
Gestures Mostly When Excited/Upset Yes
Gestures Much Of The Time Often gestures when not upset, but not in a wild manner; much use of the hands
Gestures Wildly, Even Weirdly
Favorite Gesture: Hand gestures--not rude, just waving, shooing, pointing, etc.
When Does He/She Use It?: Most often when talking, more often when excited/upset/angry
Habits
Smoker?
No Does not smoke
Former Smoker
Yes--What And How Much?:
Drinker?
No Occasional drink, but only very, very rarely; never drunk
Former Drinker
Yes--What And How Much?:
Drugs?
No Does not do drugs
Former User
Yes--What And How Much?
Money
Prudent, Cautious--Saves Money Tends to give much money away to charities--BUT, has lots of money to give, and doesn't tend to spend much on frivolous or expensive things unless they are gifts for others; never in debt
Average--Some Debts, Some Savings
Spends Whatever He/She Has, Soon After Acquiring It
Deep In Debt
Into Criminal Activities From Financial Need
Vehicle
Does Not Own A Personal Vehicle Because:
Luxury Car
Make: Lamborghini Countach; Lamborghini LM002
Year: N/A
Details: Countach--plum colored; LM002--silver
Standard Vehicle
Make:
Year:
Details:
Old/Dilapidated Vehicle
Make:
Year:
Details:
Other:
Leisure/Cultural Preferences
Enjoys Sports?
Not Particularly Enjoys recreation every so often, but isn't really into sports
Yes
How Much?
Mildly
A Lot
Rabid Fan
What Kind(s)?:
Enjoys Music?
Not Particularly
Yes Enjoys creating and listening to music
How Much?
Mildly
A Lot Yes
Rabid Fan
What Kind(s)?: Pop/rock
Enjoys Reading?
Not Particularly Not much into reading
Yes
How Much?
Mildly
A Lot
Rabid Fan
What Kind(s) Of Books?:
Enjoys Dance?
Not Particularly Choreographs for some of his videos, but is not really into dance as an art
Yes
How Much?
Mildly
A Lot
Rabid Fan
What Kind(s)?:
Enjoys Theater?
Not Particularly Doesn't care for theater
Yes
How Much?
Mildly
A Lot
Rabid Fan
What Kind(s)?:
Enjoys Movies?
Not Particularly
Yes Enjoys the occasional movie
How Much?
Mildly Goes to the movies every so often
A Lot
Rabid Fan
What Kind(s)?: Action/adventure, comedy
Enjoys The Outdoors?
Not Particularly
Yes Enjoys the outdoors to an extent
How Much?
Mildly Doesn't spend much time outdoors, except in close proximity to home, but doesn't mind it either
A Lot
Rabid Fan
Doing What Outside?: Relaxing, playing; occasionally swimming
Enjoys Going Out?
Not Particularly
Yes Enjoys going out
How Much?
Mildly
A Lot Often goes out, usually with company
Seldom Home
Going Where?: Downtown, away from home, on tour, to the beach, to dinner, to parks, etc.
Is Good Food Important To Him/Her?
Not Particularly Tends to eat whatever tastes okay
Yes
How Important?
Mildly
A Lot
True Gourmet
What Kind(s) Of Food?: Fast food or junk food, often; typically eats whatever is around; not very picky at all
Can He/She Cook?: Somewhat, but prefers not to use the stove
How Well?: Semi-okay, as long as he doesn't have to use the stovetop
Enjoys Shopping?
Not Particularly Isn't very big on buying things for himself, though he does buy gifts for others
Yes
How Much?
Mildly
A Lot
Addicted
Shopping For What?: Gifts for friends, family
Where?: Whatever stores the gift recipients like
Home
Where Does The Character Live?
Big City
Small Town
Rural Area Rural area outside a small city
Other:
Where Would He/She Prefer To Live?
Big City
Small Town
Rural Area Exactly where he already lives
Other:
Why Doesn't He/She Live There?:
What Kind Of Home?
Apartment
House Large multiroomed house
Trailer
Other:
What Kind Of Home Would He/She Prefer?
Apartment
House Exactly what he already lives in
Trailer
Other:
Why Doesn't He/She Live There?:
Decor Of Personal Space Controlled By This Character
Carefully Planned?
Yes
No No
Expensive?
Yes
No Not really
Neat?
Yes
No Not messy, but not incredibly tidy either
Clean?
Yes Mostly clean
No
Comfortable?
Yes Yes
No
Attractive?
Yes--To Whom?:
No--To Whom?: Not really attractive; more functional than anything. Most decoration has to do with his profession and is not really meant to look good. On the other hand, room is not ugly, either
Cluttered?
Yes Somewhat--more casual than messy or cluttered or tidy
No
Basic Overall Style/Impression: Casual, informal, unconcerned with appearances, interested in music
Pets
Does He/She Have Any?
Yes Yes
No
If No, Why Not?:
Would He Like A Pet?: Already "owns" one
What?:
If Yes, What Pets Does He/She Have?: Dog--Rottweiler owned by the entire household
Why Did He/She Acquire Them?: N/A
How Important Are These Pets To Him/Her?: Does not exactly own the pet in question; it is communally owned by the entire household. Concerned for the pet's safety and well-being, but does not dote on it
How Well Does He/She Treat The Pets?: Well, when they are in contact; likes to play and roughhouse with it, but is not its primary or only caretaker
PART 3
The People Around Your People: His/Her Social Ties
How Does The Character Treat And/Or Get Along With:
Spouse?: Girlfriend--treats as an equal; though they often fight, most arguments are instigated by her; puts up with them and spoils her, and listens to her when she's calm
Children?: Has no children of his own, but helps watch four nephews/nieces; treats them as little adults--gives them respect, personal space, and respects their opinions; spoils them, plays and jokes with them and is considered a friend and a "cool guy"; but also looks out for their safety and knows when boundaries are absolutely needed
Parents?: Loving and concerned about his mother, perhaps overly concerned; somewhat overprotective of her and quick to see to her needs. Wary and suspicious of father; does not trust him and sees him as a threat, though he would prefer to love him
Siblings?: Treats them as equals; argues and jokes and roughhouses with them, both brothers and older sister; only difference is younger sister, whom he is very protective of and concerned about
The Opposite Sex?: Treats them as equals
Children In General?: The same as he treats the children in his own household, as if they are their own persons deserving of respect
Neighbors?: Not close to neighbors, but if they were to stop by, he'd treat them as friendly as he treats almost everyone else
Friends?: As equals; jokes with them and gets into fights with them just as regular friends do
People More Successful Than He/She Is?: Indifferent to success level; treats them the same as anyone else
People Less Successful?: Same as above, though depends on circumstances; if he feels somebody is merely lazy or shiftless, may be forced civility and disguised annoyance; if less success is a matter of poor circumstances, may sympathize with them and/or try to help if they want it; has a soft spot for charities
Boss?: Is his own boss
Underlings At Work?: Works as a team with his bandmates; treats them as friends, no greater, no lesser than himself
Competitors At Work?: Treats them as friendly rivals; tries to keep on good terms with others in the music industry, even if he doesn't agree with their views or doesn't like their music, but does not brownnose or flatter; if one of them pisses him off, he'll snap right back
The Local Police?: Unusual relationship with the local police; a few of them keep their eye on him as he has a record, but for the most part he tends to help them in certain investigations in which he has some experience; clashes with them on matters of dispute as he has a small problem with authority, but tries to remain civil and help when he can
The IRS?: Probably has somebody else do his taxes for him ^_^;
Anyone Who Challenges Him/Her?: Takes up the challenge, if he feels they are equals; if he feels the other party doesn't stand a chance, may laugh them off or try to convince them to back down; if they refuse, may deal one blow (physical or figurative) to convince them, then lets them retreat on their own; if defeated, may have to sulk a while and lick his wounds, but for the most part TRIES not to hold grudges
Anyone Who Angers Him/Her?: Temper usually flares explosively, but resentment doesn't often last for long; may have to simmer for a while before coming to an agreement or a compromise; tries to avoid conflict, but isn't afraid to face someone down if he has to. More than willing to defend someone else if they are being troubled by another--especially protective of women, children, and underdogs, and may resort to violence and physical threats if any are threatened
Anyone Who Helps Him/Her?: Tries to be self-sufficient, but can thank someone for help if he really needs it
Anyone Who Asks For Help?: Most often more than willing to help those who can't help themselves; often goes out of his way because of this
PART 4
Everybody Gets Twenty-Four Hours: How Does He/She Spend a Typical Day?
Waking Up
Who Else Is Sleeping In The Same Bed?: Sometimes Kat ;) , but most often just himself
What Time Does He/She Wake Up?: Around noon
What Wakes Him/Her Up--Alarm? Dog? Wife?: Tends to just wake up when he feels like it
Is He/She Cheerful In The Morning?
Yes Depends on how he slept; tries not to take out his crankiness on others if in a poor mood; may feign a cheerful attitude if he slept lousily, as a way to get out of explaining why
No
Does He/She Eat Breakfast? What?: Sometimes may eat breakfast with the family if he gets up early enough, but often just catches something on his own; WHAT depends on what family is eating
What Does He/She Do During Breakfast--Read, Talk, Watch TV, Feed Kids, Etc.?: May talk, but often misses family breakfast
Dressing
Is This A Big Deal, Consuming Time And Thought?
Yes
No No; dresses casually and wears the same type of clothing most of the time
Work
How Does He/She Get There?: Work is infrequent--is a musician and occasionally has to spend time in a recording studio; may take a plane or bus to reach it
Does He/She Anticipate, Dread, Resent, Etc., The Work Ahead?
Yes Likes his job and sets his own terms, so has no reason to dread it
No
Does He/She Give The Job Genuine Attention And Effort?
Yes Yes--puts as much as he can into his music
No
Does He/She Enjoy This Work?
Yes Very much so
No
Why?: Not sure why; just enjoys entertaining others and being in the spotlight
Is He/She Good At This Job?
Yes Very good; multiple Grammy winner, many records sold
No
Would He/She Rather Be Doing Something Else?
Yes
No No
What?:
How Long And Hard Is The Work Day?: Work is sporadic, but takes up most of the day when in progress; doesn't consider work very hard, though he works hard at it
Does He/She Stop For Lunch?
Yes Sometimes, but may skip meals if busy
No
Where?:
Eating What, Typically?:
With Whom?:
Dinner
Who Prepares His/Her Meal?: Varies; sometimes himself, sometimes a family member or restaurant
Who Does He/She Eat It With?: Also depends on where he is and what time it is
What Does It Typically Consist Of?: Depends :)
Does He/She Enjoy The Meal?
Yes Usually
No
Why?: Not picky about what he eats, as long as it's palatable
What Goes On During Dinner--TV, Conversation, Fighting, Reading, Etc.?: Depends on where he's eating--if at home with family, talking; if elsewhere, talking and whatever else goes on where they're eating
Who Cleans Up?: Usually not him
Evening
What Does Your Character Do On A Typical Evening?: May relax or go out somewhere--driving, to the beach/park, out with friends; may play with the kids or take them somewhere
Where?: Local city park/beach, movies, at home, etc.
With Whom?: Family, friends, the kids, etc.
How Much Does He/She Enjoy It?: Usually enjoys going out or whatever happens after dinner; pretty laid back
What Would He/She Prefer To Be Doing Instead?: Usually likes what he's doing
Why Doesn't He/She Do That?:
Is The Evening Atmosphere Pleasant, Calm, Tense, Frenetic, Wary, Fun, Productive, Other?: Usually fun, but can be calm or frenetic, depending
Bedtime
Does He/She Usually Go To Bed At A Consistent Time?
Yes
No Goes to bed when he feels like it
What Time?: Usually late, around midnight/2am
With Whom?: Often alone, sometimes with Kat ;)
When Does Bedtime Occur At A Different Time?: Depends on the circumstances; just goes when he feels like it
Does He/She Usually Fall Asleep Right Away?
Yes
No Not often
If No, What Is He Doing In The Meantime--Reading, Watching TV, Sex, Tossing And Turning, Etc.?: May take a while to get to sleep because of his nervousness (tends to have nightmares and recurring insomnia)
How Much Does He/She Enjoy This Activity?: Not at all
Does He/She Dream A Lot, Little, Or Never?: A lot
Are Most Of His/Her Dreams Scary, Pleasant, Sexual, Etc.?: Several recurring nightmares based on traumatic experiences when he was younger; occasionally has normal dreams
Is Any One Dream Recurrent?
Yes Yes
No
What?: Recurring nightmares about his escape from a cult at age 6; murder of his sister in 1986; and a few more based on other things that have happened to him in the past
Does Your Character Sleep Peacefully Through The Night, Restlessly, Or Very Badly?: Goes through periods of poor sleep due to nightmares and insomnia; then periods of normal sleep with few or no nightmares; sometimes wakes up screaming
PART 5
Deep Inside: Your Character's Inner Life
What Is His/Her Earliest Memory?: Has very vague memories of being in the cult, including of a friend named Elise; first clear memory is from age 6, of escaping the cult
If He/She Were Suddenly Much Much Richer, What Would He/She Do With The Money?: Is already very rich; gives much of the money to charity, as he doesn't care to spend much on himself; main interest is in charities to prevent domestic violence and child abuse
What Is His/Her Stated Dream In Life?: To keep his family safe and happy
What Does He/She Really Long For, Underneath?: Innocence; the life he would have had if his family had not been in the cult
What Event Is He/She Most Afraid Might Happen?: That his family will be threatened or killed
Who Does He/She, In His/Her Deepest Soul, Really Love Best In The Whole World?: His deceased sister, Lilu
What Would He/She Be Willing To Die For, If Anything?: Family
What Does He/She Believe About God?: Believes God exists, but is a faceless, abstract Being who does not interfere in the affairs of humans--cold and distant
About The Purpose Of Life?: To help those who can't help themselves, and protect those who need protection
About An Afterlife?: Is uncertain about his own fate in the afterlife, but wants to believe his sister is in peace
What Does He/She Actively Work To Gain Or Keep Or Protect--Not Merely Say Is Important, But Actually Invest Time And Emotion In--Money, Fame, Family, Love, Country, Revenge, Etc.?: Family; the hurting and helpless
How Would He/She Describe Himself/Herself, If Totally Honest?: Trying
In A Single Word, How Would You The Author Sum Up This Character's Attitude Toward The World--Interested, Optimistic, Defeated, Exploitive, Compassionate, Dissatisfied, Power-Mad, Controlling, Happy, Etc.?: Hopeful
Would Your Character Agree With Your Assessment?
Yes
No Probably not, knowing him :)
Why Or Why Not?: Tries to come across as jaded and a pessimist at times, when in truth he tries so hard to help others in order to redeem himself; also always tries to hope for the best in others, no matter how many times it doesn't work out that way
Wasn't that fun? Whooee! I'll like to browse through the other character books to see if I can figure out more about Charmian's motivations; she's the only female character I've spent so much time in her POV. I know, that sentence was horribly constructed and not grammatically correct, but you get the idea. There's all sorts of goodie stuff about ARCHETYPES in these things! Woot! (Hope I'm using the word "woot" properly there as I have no idea what it truly means. If it's a curse or a slang word for the genital area, forgive me.) The "Heroes" book will be especially interesting. I think Charmian comes across as a "Crusader." More on all of that when I have time to type it.
Tar for now! :)