The one-but-last task I had to complete for the creative writing course last semester involved character creation. Using a provided "character checklist" we were to create two different characters and write a bit of an internal monologue for them, each with an internal conflict. I'm not quite proud of my fulfillment of the last part of the task; there are internal conflicts in these characters if you squint the right way... Well, I tried, didn't I?
Lance is a tall, slender man with dark hair and pale skin. His face is angular, rather long, with a steep forehead, deeply set eyes, sharp cheekbones, long, straight nose, shapely lips and narrow chin. He keeps his face shaven clean. He moves gracefully, gestures sparsely and keeps his composure at all times.
Psychological
Lance is a solitary creature, considers himself to have a superior intellect and typically perceives everything around him with a large dose of cynicism. He tends to be neurotic, is almost pathologically introverted, but can easily put on a mask of amity. He’s confident and quick-witted, however reserved. He tends to judge people and situations quickly and he’s rarely wrong in his judgement. He’s manipulative and egoistic, but doesn't aim to do harm unless he holds a grudge against someone. He has a propensity for subtle practical jokes, because playing the unseen puppeteer amuses him.
Interpersonal/cultural
Lance comes from the system - he was put up for adoption at an early age and being dragged through many families taught him to depend on himself only. Outwardly, he appears harmless and responds kindly enough when approached, but is easily irritated and doesn't put up with anything he considers below his intellect. Despite his harsh disposition, he knows the value of having good relationships with some of the people around him, and picks out his acquaintances carefully. He’s curious and always hungry for knowledge about the world around him and longs for company that would be an intellectual match for him. Although he appreciates solitude, he often feels lonely and wishes for a companion who would match him word for word in discussion.
History
Since early age, Lance was passed on from family to family. His mother was a teenager and was too afraid to raise him herself. Lance had a hard time adjusting, and by the time he was of age, he had several scars from suicide attempts and a list of drugs for depression and various disorders. Despite trouble in school, he had no problem with learning, and got his PhD in history a year ahead of schedule. After that, he drifted from job to job, ranging from teaching to car repairs to serving coffee.
***
Serving people coffee is stupefying. I knew full well that my chances of having a decent job outside of academia after completing my history degree were slight, to say the least. Still, I cannot help but wish I went for astrophysics or engineering, or at least psychology - perhaps it would give me a better understanding of the bizarre things people do. Like considering drinking overpriced coffee and browsing the Web on their MacBooks in my workplace is a sign of sophistication and intellect. Every now and then I indulge in engaging them in discussion, but very few of them are able to hold their own against me. Thankfully, my boss hasn't noticed that I cost him at least three regulars in the six months I've been working here.
Quite surprisingly, I seem to enjoy the most the visits of the oafish blond man who works in a garage down the block from here. He may have the attitude of a dog, which I never really appreciated, but his bickering is quite amusing rather than noisome. He may not be capable of a meaningful discourse, but his company is by far the most agreeable out of all the people I’m meeting on any sort of regular basis these days.
Samuel is the embodiment of the Aryan ideal: he’s a strong, healthy, fair-skinned, blue-eyed blond. He can look intimidating, but his friendly manners soften the image of a biker or street fighter that his posture can suggest. He keeps his hair fairly long and sports a golden beard that he’s very proud of.
Psychological
Sam is often compared to a Golden Retriever puppy - energetic, cheerful and friendly. It’s hard to dampen his mood. He is optimistic and kind and makes friends effortlessly. He’s a quick thinker, sometimes jumps to conclusions and doesn't easily acknowledge his errors. Still, he takes up responsibility eagerly and is good at problem solving. However, he can seem overbearing and doesn't always realize when he is unwanted. When confronted, he can get aggressive, and has been known to seriously harm people who crossed him. His temper is quick.
Interpersonal
Samuel keeps a large circle of friends. He’s amiable, caring and kind, and his positivity is contagious. Sometimes he lacks tact and offends people involuntarily. He is loyal and inspires loyalty, has natural leadership abilities. He feels obliged towards those he considers his friends. Still, when upset or angered, he tries to separate himself from any company for fear of hurting someone.
History
Sam is an ambitious young man who left his family to study abroad and make his own living without the support of wealthy parents. However, after coming to England, he dropped out of college after just one semester, preferring to pursue his passion as a car mechanic. He works in a garage by day and goes out partying with his band of friends most nights. Three days of the week, he volunteers at a homeless shelter, since having been its patron once taught him compassion.
***
One of these days I will snap and break a customer’s neck, but it is not this day. At least I hope so. Rourke saw my expression when I walked into the garage in the morning and immediately knew not to cross me today, and set me to work on several cars we had in shop for maintenance rather than put me where the customers were.
It’s not that I’d hulk out on anyone, but last night was horrible. Some guy started beef with my friend, and I couldn't just stand there and listen to his moronic insults. He called the cops after I dragged him out of the club, and since both I and my friend were tipsy, we ended up in the drunk tank. Henry’s still there, and I couldn't do anything - although it was me who got aggressive, they’re holding him, because he’s black. It’s maddening to think about this injustice. I’m a law abiding citizen, but it’s hard to respect the law when the law doesn't respect those it’s supposed to protect.
I have to stand up for a moment and calm myself, otherwise I’d hurl the heavy wrench I’m holding through the window, possibly killing somebody, should they be on the other side. Thinking about the owner of the car I’m working on helps. The young man is a regular, because his old Volkswagen is his treasure and the only way he can get to his job on the other end of the city. Knowing that he depends on my skill to keep his machine going is reassuring - it’s not just a car, but also his means of supporting his family. I concentrate on the feeling that I’m actually making a difference by doing my best at work. The anger slowly dissipates.
I
Physical/biologicalLance is a tall, slender man with dark hair and pale skin. His face is angular, rather long, with a steep forehead, deeply set eyes, sharp cheekbones, long, straight nose, shapely lips and narrow chin. He keeps his face shaven clean. He moves gracefully, gestures sparsely and keeps his composure at all times.
Psychological
Lance is a solitary creature, considers himself to have a superior intellect and typically perceives everything around him with a large dose of cynicism. He tends to be neurotic, is almost pathologically introverted, but can easily put on a mask of amity. He’s confident and quick-witted, however reserved. He tends to judge people and situations quickly and he’s rarely wrong in his judgement. He’s manipulative and egoistic, but doesn't aim to do harm unless he holds a grudge against someone. He has a propensity for subtle practical jokes, because playing the unseen puppeteer amuses him.
Interpersonal/cultural
Lance comes from the system - he was put up for adoption at an early age and being dragged through many families taught him to depend on himself only. Outwardly, he appears harmless and responds kindly enough when approached, but is easily irritated and doesn't put up with anything he considers below his intellect. Despite his harsh disposition, he knows the value of having good relationships with some of the people around him, and picks out his acquaintances carefully. He’s curious and always hungry for knowledge about the world around him and longs for company that would be an intellectual match for him. Although he appreciates solitude, he often feels lonely and wishes for a companion who would match him word for word in discussion.
History
Since early age, Lance was passed on from family to family. His mother was a teenager and was too afraid to raise him herself. Lance had a hard time adjusting, and by the time he was of age, he had several scars from suicide attempts and a list of drugs for depression and various disorders. Despite trouble in school, he had no problem with learning, and got his PhD in history a year ahead of schedule. After that, he drifted from job to job, ranging from teaching to car repairs to serving coffee.
***
Serving people coffee is stupefying. I knew full well that my chances of having a decent job outside of academia after completing my history degree were slight, to say the least. Still, I cannot help but wish I went for astrophysics or engineering, or at least psychology - perhaps it would give me a better understanding of the bizarre things people do. Like considering drinking overpriced coffee and browsing the Web on their MacBooks in my workplace is a sign of sophistication and intellect. Every now and then I indulge in engaging them in discussion, but very few of them are able to hold their own against me. Thankfully, my boss hasn't noticed that I cost him at least three regulars in the six months I've been working here.
Quite surprisingly, I seem to enjoy the most the visits of the oafish blond man who works in a garage down the block from here. He may have the attitude of a dog, which I never really appreciated, but his bickering is quite amusing rather than noisome. He may not be capable of a meaningful discourse, but his company is by far the most agreeable out of all the people I’m meeting on any sort of regular basis these days.
II
Physical/biologicalSamuel is the embodiment of the Aryan ideal: he’s a strong, healthy, fair-skinned, blue-eyed blond. He can look intimidating, but his friendly manners soften the image of a biker or street fighter that his posture can suggest. He keeps his hair fairly long and sports a golden beard that he’s very proud of.
Psychological
Sam is often compared to a Golden Retriever puppy - energetic, cheerful and friendly. It’s hard to dampen his mood. He is optimistic and kind and makes friends effortlessly. He’s a quick thinker, sometimes jumps to conclusions and doesn't easily acknowledge his errors. Still, he takes up responsibility eagerly and is good at problem solving. However, he can seem overbearing and doesn't always realize when he is unwanted. When confronted, he can get aggressive, and has been known to seriously harm people who crossed him. His temper is quick.
Interpersonal
Samuel keeps a large circle of friends. He’s amiable, caring and kind, and his positivity is contagious. Sometimes he lacks tact and offends people involuntarily. He is loyal and inspires loyalty, has natural leadership abilities. He feels obliged towards those he considers his friends. Still, when upset or angered, he tries to separate himself from any company for fear of hurting someone.
History
Sam is an ambitious young man who left his family to study abroad and make his own living without the support of wealthy parents. However, after coming to England, he dropped out of college after just one semester, preferring to pursue his passion as a car mechanic. He works in a garage by day and goes out partying with his band of friends most nights. Three days of the week, he volunteers at a homeless shelter, since having been its patron once taught him compassion.
***
One of these days I will snap and break a customer’s neck, but it is not this day. At least I hope so. Rourke saw my expression when I walked into the garage in the morning and immediately knew not to cross me today, and set me to work on several cars we had in shop for maintenance rather than put me where the customers were.
It’s not that I’d hulk out on anyone, but last night was horrible. Some guy started beef with my friend, and I couldn't just stand there and listen to his moronic insults. He called the cops after I dragged him out of the club, and since both I and my friend were tipsy, we ended up in the drunk tank. Henry’s still there, and I couldn't do anything - although it was me who got aggressive, they’re holding him, because he’s black. It’s maddening to think about this injustice. I’m a law abiding citizen, but it’s hard to respect the law when the law doesn't respect those it’s supposed to protect.
I have to stand up for a moment and calm myself, otherwise I’d hurl the heavy wrench I’m holding through the window, possibly killing somebody, should they be on the other side. Thinking about the owner of the car I’m working on helps. The young man is a regular, because his old Volkswagen is his treasure and the only way he can get to his job on the other end of the city. Knowing that he depends on my skill to keep his machine going is reassuring - it’s not just a car, but also his means of supporting his family. I concentrate on the feeling that I’m actually making a difference by doing my best at work. The anger slowly dissipates.
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