Post Day 4 Assignment Here

[Mary Chamberlin]

Mary and Rich Character Interviews

What I learned doing this assignment is that the interview was a great way to channel the characters from our psyches. We got some amazing surprises from each, including a secondary antagonist character that is begging for more attention. Also it exposes the voices of the characters, so we can discover that they are truly unique. Loved doing this exercise. It was fun besides enlightening. This can be used in any form of writing to discover your characters.

UPDATED INFO SHEET

Genre: “Morty and Jax” is a comedy/buddy movie. Tentatively Named “Morty and Jax” OR “World War Gen-XZ”

A few sentences on these characters (both Underdogs):

MORTY – is a Gen X’er victim of life. He has just been surplused from his job. His wife is dead. He is alone and lonely. He is older and feels the prejudice of ageism against him. He is desperate to fulfill a lifelong dream of writing a movie. Morty has been loved, and has matured accordingly. Morty is a little bit of a Dreamer and a little bit of a Victim. He is confident, but underneath his gruffness, he is compassionate and sad. He is looking for new opportunities.

JAX – is a Gen Z’er victim of uncaring wealthy parents. He tries to escape by failing in his classes as he garners no interest nor attention from his folks. They only throw money at him. He wants to be loved and to love. He is smart though his silence makes others think otherwise.

MORTY:

Role in the story: Protagonist/Antagonist

Age range and Description: He is a 60 year old man with thick curly grey-black hair. He has a few pounds to lose from desk jockeying. He wears new jeans with no mark on them, athletic shoes, and polyester collared golf shirts.

Internal Journey: To go from loneliness, desperation and depression to active empowerment and secure in himself.

External Journey: To go from poor, alone, and useless to secure financially, in a relationship, and useful with new projects and challenges ahead.

Motivation: I’m not dead, yet. Has no choice but to work with Jax.

Wound: His wife’s and son’s death in an auto crash. Being surplussed from his job.

Mission/Agenda: To find purpose and to chill and have a dream fulfilled with fun along the way.

Secret: In the past, he always put his love of writing second. Tells jokes so he doesn’t cry. Hot for teacher.

What makes them special? A prime example of a victim of ageism in our society. Classic Gen-X er, knows PCs but hates phone apps, TikTok, and any social media.

What draws us to this character? He’s a modern Don Quixote – outrageous dreamer who learned modern technology but rejects the latest wacked out version of it.

Traits: Honest, dignified, proud, and idealistic (also secondary friendly, loud, strong-willed)

Subtext: Current victim of Ageism who ignores it and acts uncool anyway, wishes he still had a 100% woman (like teacher) and son (like Jax), as his Wife Mabel and son were killed in auto accident

Flaw: He doesn’t listen to Jax (at first), thinks technology of the 90’s is all he needs.

Values: Honesty, Integrity, Pride, Idealism

Irony: He thinks he’s a great writer, but his ideas are out of date. Understands technology but not social media, which he says is for losers.

What makes this the right character for this role? Fish partially out of water. Wants to move forward.

JAX:

Role in the story: Protagonist/Antagonist

Age range and Description: In his 20’s. Jax is purple-haired renegade loser-clone. He is disinterested in studies, often wears leather gear or surfer dude flip flops.

Internal Journey: From insecure and disinterested to secure and confident and engaged.

External Journey: From loser and loner to competent and one who can give love.

Motivation: Has no choice but to work with Morty. Hates Morty’s old beater car, Mabel, and wants him to get the prize money to fix it up.

Wound: His parents withhold love from him.

Mission/Agenda: To find purpose and be able to express his love for his ex-co-worker and her kid.

Secret: He is really smart and caring. He has a Dad-crush on Melanie’s little boy.

What makes them special? He doesn’t realize that he is dismissive of someone who is equally caring.

What draws us to this character? He’s a not-spoiled rich boy, spurned by his father and lost his mother. Now he’s a calm but disinterested dropout. He wants some love from his dad.

Traits: geeky, invisible, underachiever, self-possessed, unconventionally intelligent (says “2+2 = 12” “What? You crazy?” “In base 2 it is. Ha-ha.”

Subtext: He does care, but is angry at his father all the time and takes it out on people.

Flaw: Hates his family money, no confidence in himself

Values: Honesty. Integrity, Independence, Generous

Irony: He’d like to be a good father to a kid he didn’t father, He sees his father in Morty at first but realizes he’s nothing like him.

What makes this the right character for this role? Secretly, Jax would like to change, as well. But he wants to wound his dad as payback for his dad hurting him. He also does not have a good role model to help him move forward.

These two characters, Morty and Jax, fit together despite their diffferences, and are more alike than one might think.

Morty and Jax are each other’s Change Agent: – They are each other’s antagonist. They will cause each other to change.

Other Characters:

Supporting characters:

The Teacher of the Class: She, in a sub-sense, is kind of an antagonist, too. She is attractive, empowered, and tough as nails having been an Army Ranger. Her name, Bella Bustamante, is bastardized by her class as Mz. Ball Buster. She teaches Screenwriting, Extreme Abs Training, and Belly Dancing.

Melanie and her young son, Kyle. —This is Jax’s friend and ex-coworker in the coffee shop.

The waitress at the diner.

Also, Morty’s jalopy-Mabel, his old beater car is a character in the movie, too.

Minor roles:

Background characters: Other students in the class. Jax’s parents.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by  Mary Chamberlin.

[Tyberius Asante]

Tyberius Asante Character Interviews

What I learned doing this assignment is the ability to go deep inside the mind of the characters and understand what motivates them to do what they do and how they see the world. Even people that make the same decisions can do so for very different reasons. In some ways, both characters are fighting for their lives. The life being thrust upon them creates the conflict that puts them at odds.

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST

Hello Margot, thank you for speaking with me today…

Tell me about yourself.

a) Not much to tell really. I’m just a girl from a small town out west. I love my husband and want to make him the happiest man alive. You get out of a marriage what you put into it, right?

Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?

a) I mean life is a journey for everyone, right? Isn’t all life a journey?

You are up against <the antagonist=””>your husbands’ transformation from a man you loved dearly to something unrecognizable.
What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?</the>

a) Yes, my husband’s accident has turned my life upside down. We had so many hopes and dreams. We would spend nights after… well, um… making love talking about all the things we wanted to do… Places we wanted to travel and all the children we wanted to have…all of that is … just gone.

In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box.
What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?

a) I don’t really know how to answer that. How could anyone know what they would need to do to survive… they just fight to live. When my husband went through the accident and subsequent change it was like a part of me died. All of our hopes and dreams died when that happened. Sometimes you hear of tragic accidents that change people’s lives, but you never hear “how” they managed to pick up the pieces and try to put them back together. I think it is different for everyone. What was hardest for me was finding a REASON to live when all I wanted to do was die.

What habits or ways of thinking
do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?

a) My reason for living and being was my husband and what we could accomplish together. That’s all gone now. It’s hard letting go of the dreams and hopes we both shared.

What fears, insecurities and
wounds have held you back?

a) I didn’t grow up in a good household. My father drank a lot and I used to blame my mother for that. This situation has shown me that sometimes bad things can happen to people and all they can do is try to get through it until they learn a way to live again. I don’t blame my mother for my father’s poor choices and I learned to forgive my dad. He just couldn’t deal with the situation and turn to alcohol. I learned to forgive them both.

What skills, background or
expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?

a) A year ago, I would have said nothing! What skills do I need to survive a nightmare? NOTHING! I did what I had to do and that’s it! I’m still just surviving.

What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

a) I lost the love I had for my husband. I believe he hurt me worse than I ever thought I could be hurt. I didn’t want to ever believe that was possible. I was stubborn in my love, but even more so stubborn to relinquish the dreams I had for making a life with him. I couldn’t admit that to anyone… not Tiffany… she was so steadfast in loyalty to her brother, but she has no idea the hell of what I’ve endured. I envy her loyalty. I couldn’t afford loyalty when my sanity was slipping away from me.

What do you think of <the antagonist=””>Dante
now?</the>

a) I realize he was more like my father than I ever realized. A victim of the choices he made, while unwittingly disintegrating the lives of those around him.

Tell me your side of this whole
conflict / story.

a) What’s to tell? I found myself in an impossible situation where I had to fight to survive. It was not a day-to-day survival… it was minute to minute.

What does it do for your life if
you succeed here?

a) It gives me a sense of purpose. A renewed sense of purpose and reason for living. I’m still piecing things together, but I hope to have a positive outlook on the future again. I hope…

<div>
Ask any other questions about their character profile that will help you.
</div><div>

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR
ANTAGONIST

</div>

Hello Dante, thank you for coming in to speak with me today…

Tell me about yourself.

a) I am Dante Aramis Vicoli, the greatest motorcyclist in the history of the sport! No one has set the records that I have… check for yourself! You’re looking at the world record holder for fastest speed on a conventional motorcycle, boy… AND the Vicoli SC 1000, holds the world speed record for production supercharged motorcycles under 1000cc. They said the previous record-holder Bill Warner’s record of 300m/ph. “couldn’t be beaten in our lifetime,” but I knew it could be done and I PROVED it could be done! No one should ever say what can’t be done. Whenever I heard that it just pisses me off! It makes me want to FIND a way… and when I do, I want to see the look on their faces when I do what they thought couldn’t be done! No one better not ever tell me what can’t be done. I’ll be the first to make you look like an idiot when I do it!

Having to do with this journey,
what are your strengths and weaknesses?

a) Weaknesses? All I have are strengths boy! I have a superior mind and superior attitude and that all I need to accomplish anything I put my mind to. No one can stop me! Life is a journey all right… I agree with that! Life is a mountain that we climb! And you want to know what we climb it? No, no, no… not because it’s there! Because we can!

Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed
to making them change?

a) This is a hard question for me. It breaks my heart that my sweet Margot had to deal with all of this. It’s not how I planned things…not what we planned for our lives. I didn’t want things to go like this. I wanted the best for her. This just kind of happened, you know? It wasn’t my fault!

What do you get out of winning
this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?

a) I don’t see it like that. What’s the matter with you asking me a question like that??? This isn’t about winning. She’s trying to survive and… in many ways, I’m fighting to survive. The accident did something to me. I don’t see things the way I used to. I don’t think so clearly. My body is reacting to the stuff coming in and out of my head, you understand? You get what I’m saying? It’s NOT about winning… it’s just about SURVIVAL. She is trying to survive and I’m trying to survive this thing. My head just doesn’t work so good anymore. My thoughts create a drive in me that I have to do this or that… no matter what this or that is, you know? I can’t stop myself… I have to do it… I have to succeed.

What drives you toward your mission/agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?

a) What is death? What is life? Life is death and death is just the way we succeed at life! Don’t you get it??? If you do something and are afraid of dying in the process, you’ll never succeed at anything! My mission is to succeed and if that means death, so be it! Life is nothing unless you achieve your purpose, and you don’t succeed by being a pussy! If something gets in your way, you go through it… a straight line beats a curve any day of the week and twice on Sunday, man! Go through… GO STRAIGHT THROUGH!!!!

What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear/insecurity?

a) Well, sure everyone has secrets… yeah, I know everyone has them. Only my sister Tiffany knows about mine. That all happened a long time ago. It made me strong though. It made me very strong. And it made me want to make something of myself. I had to channel all that anger and hate into something positive. But where could all that hate and anger go after my accident? I cant ride again… my coordination is off, you see? I couldn’t even hold my bike up let alone ride it. I still have a lot of anger though… where can it go? It has to go someplace. My head feels like it’s going to explode.

Compared to other people like
you, what makes you special?

a) I was born special, Jack! Wasn’t you listening to me??? I told you all that before! I’m Dante Aramis Vicoli… a legendary motorcyclist… the best in the world… the holder of not ONE, but TWO world records. And I was set to do third… when all of this happened. It’s not fair. Me and Margo had plans, man! Now what?

What do you think of <the protagonist=””>Margot?</the>

a) That’s my girl… we were made for each other. We had big dreams and the means to make it all happen. Why didn’t I wear my helmet that day? I blew it, man! I let her down. I killed our future!

Tell me your side of this whole
conflict / story.

a) I’m done with this, man… this is bullshit! You just keep asking me these textbook questions. This isn’t a textbook… this is my life! My side… her side… what difference does it make, huh? Tell me that… what the hell difference does it make! I screwed up! Tiffany wasn’t there to save me this time. She couldn’t… nobody could.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by  Tyberius Asante. Reason: spelling error

[Kim Michael]

Subject line: Kim Michael McCarthy Character Interviews

5. Answer the question “What I learned doing this assignment is…?” and put it at the top of your work.

I learned I can type out “stuff” about my characters. Good, bad or indifferent. Hopefully, these exercises will make a great difference in achieving my end goal (have a professionally written, edited, and marketable screenplay) in 30 days’ time. 😊

June 10 2021 Assignment 4

Questions for my PROTAGONIST – WILLIAM

1. Tell me about
yourself.

I’m a young mountain goat born on a sacred mountain filled with gold. My neighbors are other mountain wildlife and a Native American tribe who have shared this sacred mountain in New Mexico for centuries.

I live with my mom & Dad high up on the snowcapped mountain summit. My Dad is the leader of our herd. He is strong and smart. My Mom is so loving to me that I can almost not leave her side. I guess, I’m a Momma’s boy.

I was born with a special gift my Mom tells me. I believe her, but sometimes I wish I did not have it because my so-called friends make fun and tease me about it. I have a forward-facing head horn that makes trumpet sounds. I’m still young but I’m very strong like my Dad and much faster than any one on the mountain. When I grow up, I want to be like my Dad, leader of the herd.

2. Why do you
think you were called to this journey?

I’m really not sure but I do love this place and everything about it, as much as I love my Mom.

2.A Why you?

Not sure; but I think I would do almost anything to protect my perfect home. I have a deep respect and loyalty to this sacred home of ours.

3. You are up
against.

Well you see, this gold mining company moved in and started to blast for gold and began destroying our sacred mountain for their greed and power. They dynamited the mountain side and one of the blasts killed my Mom, who was out looking for me late one night. I sort of ran away from home for a while. She was worried that I did not come home before dark. She sent me on a chore earlier that day to gather hay for our meals. Things went sideways from there.

3.A What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?

They are people. I’m a young goat. They have bad intentions and dynamite and guns and there are a lot of them all working to steal the gold from our sacred mountain. What chance do I have of stopping them?

4. To survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?

I’ll have to be real smart but also strong. Being shy and an introvert happier when I’m alone, I’ll have to break free of that and I have to ask others for help. Asking for others to help me will be most difficult, as a goat we are by nature solitary beings.

5. What habits
or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?

Being unsure of myself, that my special gift is a power for me to use, for my good and the good of all that I love.

6. What fears,
insecurities and wounds have held you back?

My fear of failure and not being loved. My forward-facing head horn is very visible and make my feel that I’m different and NOT special. After my Mom was killed by the gold mining company and I lost the love of my life and that really hurt deep inside. I didn’t know if I could go on without her.

7. What skills,
background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or
antagonist?

I know this mountain better than they do. I can climb higher quicker that they can. I’m nimble on these dangerous mountainsides and rocks so I have the advantage of surprise to attack them where they least expect it.

8. What are you
hiding from the other characters?

My insecurities.

9. What don’t you want them to know?

That I get sacred at times without my Mom. I really miss her. Some already make fun of my appearance so I don’t want them to have more stuff to make fun of me.

10. What do you think of?

My Mom

11. Tell me your side of this whole conflict/story.

My side is that the mining company has no right to steal the gold and destroy our sacred home and they need to go away. They killed my Mon and I want them to pay dearly for that… Revenge!

12. What does it do for your life if you succeed here?

It’s not just my life but the lives of all that call this sacred mountain home. We can all go back to living in harmony with each other in joy and peace. Live happily ever after.

Ask any other questions about their character profile
that will help you.

I have no more questions currently.

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIS

Mr. Burnish Sisrow Metalbaum – Gold mining company owner/boss

1. Tell me about
yourself.

I’m a mean Mr. Grinch. I love gold and the power that comes with having it. Lots of it. I lie, cheat and con to get what I want, no matter the cost. I own a gold mining company that I won by cheating in a card game. My crew are helpless with out me. They need me; I don’t need them. I was raised poor and that why I love being rich. No one can or nothing can stop me in getting what I want.

2. Having to do
with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

Strengths: I’m a con man. I have the power to manipulate circumstances and people by having lots of gold that I steal through my enterprise… a gold mining company.

Weaknesses: I’m lonely and afraid to love anyone or thing. I don’t like loud noises they scare me. I need to impress to feel valued. I’m hard noised toward everything to gain an advantage. I’m impatient and want what I want asap.

3. Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail?

If anyone gets in my way of getting what I want (THE GOLD) I’ll destroy them.

4. What do you
get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your
competition?

Power of gold. prestige, fame, fortune.

5. What drives
you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or
death?

Power is my way of feeling secure and happy.

6. What secrets
must you keep succeeding?

Not sure what this Question means?

6.A What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?

Without my gold I am nothing but a lonely unloved man.

7. Compared to
other people like you, what makes you special?

No Guilt for what I do and how I do it. I con, steal, and cheat without a guilty feeling whatsoever.

8. What do you
think of?

The amazing power of gold and how it makes me feel wanted and loved.

9. Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.

I conned the US Calvary to grant me permission to dynamite for gold on this sacred mountain, they were thinking that they would get all the gold, to further their war chest in taming the wild west for white settlers and US government land expansion. I was told by the Calvary that the natural habitant should not be destroyed and the Native American undisturbed since they were a peaceful tribe and had a treaty with the US Cavalry.

That plan is too expensive for my mining company to do and would leave little to no profit for me.

Destruction of the sacred mountain and all who lived there was the only way to get all the gold for me.

Destroy all of it, to get the most gold possible and give only a small fraction of the gold to the US Calvary saying that the sacred mountain was dry. When along comes this goat from the snowcapped summit who has amazing powers and ability to stop from destroying the sacred mountain stealing all the gold, in our tracks. We did capture him and were going to cook him but some how he escaped and with the help of his all his scared mountain friends destroying our entire operation saving gold mountain forcing us to abandon our operation and losing my entire business. I was dead flat broke again.

[Byrne]

[Byrne]

[Byrne]

Bernadette Wilson Lesson 4 Character Interviews
What did I learn:
I’m learning the beginning of dialogue coming out of the characters. They’re becoming clearer and more out of the box.
Protagonist
Brinda Cage
1. Tell me about yourself.
“Well I don’t know you terribly well so I’m a little reluctant to open up to you. I guess that means I’m a little shy. But I’m a PHD psychology candidate at NYU. My thesis is in extending the work of Dr. Evelyn Hooker about the normalcy of the homosexual male. Both my parents are dead. My Dad was a cop who was killed in the line of duty a few years ago. My Mom, abandoned us when I was 6 or 7, I don’t really remember. I got into a lot of trouble when I was a teenager. Probably acting out from my Mom leaving me. I don’t know why she left and I don’t think I will ever know. My Dad did not know what to do with me, so, he put me in a place for mental patients. People that he worked with suggested that I get lobotomized to get me to behave a certain way. When I met Dr. Sonya, she understood me. She saved me from the lobotomy and my fiancée Jesse too. She recognized that I was smart and that I could help people which is why I followed her to NYU and matriculated this far. She’s like a mother to me.
2. Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?
I want to find out who killed Jesse. He did not have an enemy in the world. But I did not know where he would go on certain nights. I worked with him in his studio sometimes. We were engaged because Jesse was gay and did not want everyone to know. It was easier. His parents left him alone. I met him at the mental institution. We got along really well. He had the money from his parents to have a photography studio on Bond Street and do cover art. And I could stay at my place and do my work. But I was shocked when I went to the police station and answered questions and saw the pictures of his death. He was doing fine. We were doing fine together. We protected each other.
3. You are up against. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
That I don’t have Jesse looking out for me any longer. How could I have made this happen. I protected him and now he’s brutally murdered. And the cops are just going to toss the case in the wind because he was gay. I don’t believe Jesse went to the pier every night for a trick. He moved in high circles on the upper east side where his parents live. He had a legitimate job. He was stable. He was not a freak or a crazy person. He loved both women and men. He was an artist and did beautiful cover art for novels and other things for publishing houses/pulp magazines. I just don’t know where he was sometimes because that was a thing between us. He wanted his freedom and I gave him that. We were not intimate. I have to find a way other than the police of finding the killer.
4. In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?
Convincing the police that I did not kill him. That I loved him. That I have to come out of my shell and work with the police although I really dread it. Not crazy about any kind of authority. I’m going to have to go undercover. They’re going to have to train me how to use a gun (even though I already know how to) My dad taught me. Dress up – shit – I hate getting coifed up. Pain in the ass. Convincing them that it was not a jealous drag queen but a real woman that killed him.
5. What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?
I’ll have to find someone on the police force who I can trust.
6. What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
Afraid that I’ll never understand the killer, I will feel really unsafe living without Jesse, as an orphan, that I will never find the killer and that all my theories about it have been wrong.
7. What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist? The police are going to train me and my drag queen friends are going to teach me about make-up, dressing, underwear, etc. I learn how to truly shoot a gun.

8. What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
That I’m terrified of men in general. Any kind of authority and arrogance scares the shit out of me.
9. What do you think of Detective Cal Pratner?
Well he was the one assigned to the case. I don’t really know him but he knew my father.
10. Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
Is there a way to get to know the killer in a different way? I don’t know who to trust and then by the end of the story, I still don’t know who to trust. The people I thought I trusted turned out to be untrustworthy.
11. What does it do for your life is you succeed here?
Keeps me safe. Afraid of the challenge and my privacy
12. Ask any other questions about their character profile that will help you.
What do you remember about your mother?
I remember that she was beautiful and sad. She was very alone during the war. But it was just her and me. I loved her. She brushed my hair and I brushed hers. She became someone else when my father came home from the war. I did not even know him.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST
Mimi
1. Tell me about yourself.
I was a foster child like Marilyn. My mother was ill, so I went to live with many families growing up. When I met Jack I was 16. And learned about the ways of men before that. I married him to get out of the house. And I got pregnant.
2. Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
I love my baby daughter and I don’t want anyone touching her.
3. Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change? I want her to know that I’m here, that I’m not dead and that I love her. I did not abandon her. I was stolen away from her.
4. What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?
To tell Brinda who she’s dealing with and to get away from those bad people who messed with me.
5. What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death? My daughter
6. What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?
That I’m not dead. Everyone thinks I am.
7. Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?
I know how to play in a man’s world and I know how to not play in it.
8. What do you think of Dr. Sonya?
Monster. She saved me from the lobotomy but not from the asylum. And now she’s taking over my role as a mother. She’s next.
9. Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
I escaped the asylum. Could not go back to jack because he was the one who put me in there. He should have been put in there. He was violent and crazy when he came home from the war. He was a changed man. God only knows what he did to Brinda. My flower. My love. I’ve been trying to get back to her to explain myself, so that she is saved. Want her to come help me so that I can be a mother to her again. After Jack was killed, I came back. Who was protecting my child?

[Gregory Fitzgerald]

Gregory’s Character Interviews

What I learned doing this assignment is… this exercise really helped me begin to find the voice for each of these characters.

Interview with Spud Bickman

Tell me about yourself. Ok…. What do you want to know?

Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you? Wow, not even an easy one to warm up first, huh? Just right out of the gate… ok. Ummm, I think this is the moment I was born to face. I’ve always wanted to be an investigative reporter, really dig into a story and get to the details. Of course, having this opportunity to prove myself is like a present handed down by God, or a god… you know, whatever you believe.

You are up against the News Director. What is it about her that makes this journey even more difficult for you? She’s the only one that can give me my dream. She has the power to say yes to putting me on the I-team. Granted, she won’t even give me the opportunity to show that I’m capable of such a position. I don’t think she believes in me enough to do what I want to do in this business. She just wants me on pothole patrol.

In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult? I have to find it deep with myself, the confidence to see it through. To get the story… and maybe get the girl… woman actually. She works at the DOT. I sort of “like” her. You know like, “like like” her. But I don’t know. She’s probably not interested anyway.

What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of? I’ve been told most of my life that I’m not good enough, or smart enough, or just lacking in some way that I’ve grown to pretty much believe it myself. I want to do great things, but a voice deep inside me says I’m not worthy nor capable of such things. I’ll have to learn to drown out that voice and develop positive thinking.

What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back? I hold pretty much everything inside. I’m not good with feelings… sharing them, I mean. I figure most people don’t care and the rest will just find a way to use it against me. I’m afraid I’ll prove my boss right. If that happens, I’m stuck for life.

What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist? I’m an experienced journalist. I may not have a lot to show for it at this point, but I believe I possess the skills to get this story to air. Granted, I have to do so without the permission of my boss, but perhaps that’s the only way.

What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know? As I said before, I haven’t told the DOT press rep how I feel about her. I want her to know, but I’m afraid to find out how she feels.

What do you think of the News Director? She’s an ok boss. I just wish she would have the insight to see my talents. But who knows, maybe she’s right. She has been doing this a while and she runs a really great newsroom.

Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. I know it isn’t cool to use company resources for something that I’m not sanctioned to do, but if you were in my shoes, wouldn’t you go for it? Besides, somebody has to expose those corrupt bastards in the governor’s office and the DOT.

What does it do for your life is you succeed here? I have the confidence to do anything. My dreams come true, both professionally and personally.

Interview with News Director

Tell me about yourself. I’m a professional with over 3 decades in the TV news industry, the last 12 years right here as news director. I’ve been married twice, divorced twice. No kids, no pets… who has time for that? I have expensive tastes and I need to keep my job in order to pay for it.

Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses? I’m a great boss and very encouraging of my staff, including Spud. I like to think that I have a good eye for talent, but I have missed the mark a time or two.

Why are you committed to making Spud fail? I’m not committed to making him fail. If anything I’m protecting him from failing. And protecting my job at the same time.

What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition? I keep my newsroom intact and running like the well oiled machine that it already is.

What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death? My job is to get ratings. And to get ratings you have to put out the best newscast every day. Day after day after day. That’s what drives me.

What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity? You can’t tell anyone this. I’m serious, if people found out… it could destroy me. When I was a young segment producer at CBS, I had a little fun at the Christmas party one year and… I may have slept with a certain anchorman. No! not Walter Cronkite! Good God, I wasn’t THAT drunk. No it was… Dan Rather. You ever repeat that to anyone, I’ll destroy you.

Compared to other people like you, what makes you special? Most women bosses are typically considered bitches. And I suppose I’m no different in that way, but I’m a nice bitch. I don’t overcompensate to try to get respect from my people. I’m like their mother. I’m firm, but I’m fair.

What do you think of Spud? He’s a decent reporter. Really like what he’s done with those pothole stories. He really connects with the people out there.

Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. Look, I know Spud really wants to be an investigative reporter, but right now I need him where he shines. Every person in that newsroom is placed where they can best shine and deliver the best ratings for our station. Which allows me to keep my job. The ratings slip… and I’m out. That’s why I can’t take a chance on Spud like that.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Character Interviews

What I learned doing this assignment is, so much about both characters. They started speaking to me like they needed to vent. And they have really strong opinions of each other and their worlds. I don’t know if all of what they shared will stay in the story down the road, or how much will change, but for now, I just let them flow and listened. I learned that this is a really interesting and effective tool for shaping the characters’ inner and outer lives. I come to understand who they are, where they come from, and I understand why they behave the way they do. It has helped me to find more that I care about and respect in my protagonist and it has helped me find depth and layers in my antagonist. Plus it’s been a super fun exercise!!! Really enjoyed it!

PS. I am aware that I’m switched from present to past tense and then back again in the interviews, so it’s far from grammatically correct, but I just let it flow and that’s how it came out. I won’t write like that in the actual script.

Protagonist Interview.

1. Tell me about yourself.

My name is George. I’m in my early 40s.., well, 45…, well…. 46 in a month. Sorry. I am a personal development expert and public speaker. And I have written a bestselling, well, soon to be a bestselling book on the topic of how we can solve and overcome the prevalent problem of loneliness in modern society. I wish more people would come to listen to my seminars. I wish Brad Brighton – another (famous) self-help speaker – hadn’t scheduled his seminar series to conflict with mine. I think people are generally misunderstanding me. I just want them to goddamn listen to what I have to say. I dream of fame, recognition, and my name on the New York bestseller list. Brad Brighton got a book deal with Hay House, but I know you can get on the bestseller list from self-publishing, too – if you work hard enough. You can, right? And that’s one thing I have going for me, I am willing to work harder than anyone. Didn’t Will Smith say that? Nobody will ever out-work me? Gosh, I hate people sometimes. They don’t know what’s best for them that’s why they are lonely. I really wish I had a friend. I had no siblings. My parents were jet-setters. I think, no I know, that they were hoping for something other than me when they got a child. Something better. Probably a cute dog. Sometimes I think I’m pretty good-looking. Actually, I don’t, but you’re supposed to fake it till you make it. I’m balding. It’s not fair. Nothing is fair. It’s not my fault. I just want to be rich and recognized. And of course, make a difference in this world. I miss…. somebody…. Sometimes I cry at night. I’m so alone.

2. Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?

I think it’s because I have something to say. And I think I’m relatable in some weird way. I mean I’d like to say it’s because I’m perfect, but just between you and me, deep down I think it’s the opposite – it’s because I’m not. Because, who is, really? Well, maybe Brad Brighton. But he is boring. Not as a public speaker, as that he’s charismatic and mesmerizing, but as a lead character in this story he’d be boring. I’m probably boring too, as a dinner guest. But that’s kind of funny in a scene. And I have a long and winding road and journey to travel. I have places to go, things to learn, and many things to trip over. And if I was perfect it wouldn’t be a journey, would it? And if I didn’t trip and fall over it wouldn’t be funny, would it? And if I didn’t trip how would I learn? And you know what, I might do a lot of things wrong, but I’m not going to stop until I get them right. I hate that I’m not perfect and I’ll try to convince you until I hit rock bottom that I am. But once I do hit rock bottom, well, then I’ll try a different approach until I find a way out of it. Yeah, yeah, I whine and say I’ll quit, but I actually won’t. Because then what…? And maybe I’m also put on this journey to inspire someone else to keep going and to learn to be ok with who they are. Flaws and all. And maybe, just maybe to find a friend.

3. You are up against Geena the Genie. And people in general. And Brad Brighton What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?

Well, people have always been against me. What makes it difficult is that people don’t know what best for them. I do, but they won’t listen. It’s sooo frustrating! And when I met Geena I saw the solution in her, I mean I can ask for anything I want, right? But if I do she will leave and she’s good to keep around. As a backup plan, you know. Actually, between you and me I like her company, but please don’t let her know that. She’s loud and obnoxious and if I had a difficult time getting noticed and heard before it’s near impossible now – she steals all the limelight. As if she was some kind of guru. Gosh, a guy can’t have one occasion of a bad stomach, before she steals the show. She makes me feel inferior and she irritates me and yet I can’t make myself get rid of her. I need her. That’s irritating. But she makes me look popular – I have an assistant and a tennis partner. That looks good. Brad Brighton makes everything difficult for me because for some unimaginable reason people flock to him like flies to honey. I can’t even blame him for being an asshole because he doesn’t know who I am and didn’t intentionally try to sabotage me. But I assume he’s an asshole. And I blame him anyway. But most of all Geena has made this journey complicated. She brings things up that I really don’t want to hear. Or see. Damn her.

4. In order to survive or accomplish this you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?

I expect to avoid and resist any changes for as long as I possibly can. But, yeah, I expect that I in the end will have to make a few. Like being honest about myself, to myself, and to others. I will have to admit that I am lonelier than most of the people I attempt to teach, guide, and criticize for living in ways that cause loneliness. I will have to start speaking differently to my audience. Act less superior, be more real. Admit that I don’t have all the answers all the time. I have to admit that I too, am lonely. I have to stop blaming everyone else and take responsibility for myself. I have to change my behavior towards Geena. I have a habit of bossing her around, which I enjoy, because I’ve never had anyone I could boss around before, but I realize I have to stop doing that. I know it’s not right. That will be hard, though. It makes me feel so powerful to have the upper hand.

I should probably tell her that I do enjoy her company and that I’m afraid I’ll never hear from her after she’s granted me three wishes. That I actually root for her and hope she will have a great retirement in Florida.

I have to change the things I value most. Like needing to have a New York Bestseller in order to feel worthy as a human being. I have to change the reason why I do things. I always say it’s because I want to help people, which actually is why I started on this path in the first place, but then that mission kind of got lost on the way, and to be honest my desire to become super successful rich, and famous – to be the no 1 self-help speaker on Youtube has sort of overshadowed everything else. I will have to be able to shed this and get back to my core inspiration – to help others, to serve, to make people feel better the way I want to feel better, in order to succeed on this journey. And that will be the hardest thing of all. To focus on what I can give instead of what I want to get.

5. What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?

Well, I mentioned most of them above, but to say it once again, I think it will be really hard to focus on what I can give and contribute with just for the benefit of doing something good, rather than on what I can get and how I can be recognized. Because we’ve all learned that if you’re not seen you don’t exist, right? It’ll be really hard for me to stop the habit of blaming unlucky circumstances and other people for what I feel are my failures, as well. Because, if it’s nobody else’s fault then I will feel like a failure as a person for where I am. I guess I have to let go of the thinking that I am a failure as a human being if I don’t get on the New York Times Bestseller list. That will be really hard. It will also be very hard and scary to break the habit of bossing Geena around and to have the courage to ask her for the last wishes and risk her disappearing forever.

6. What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?

I feel like a failure most of the time. I know I’m not a great speaker. I’m scared that I will be found out. That I’m more lonely than anyone I speak to about loneliness, but I don’t want anyone to know that or find me out. For some reason, I sense I am invisible and insignificant. I know I’m not attractive and charming like Brad Brighton. My parents forgot that I existed. If they forgot me, if I was invisible to my own parents, why would anyone else appreciate or notice me? I fear failure because it’ll confirm that I am and my whole life is a failure. I fear that my audience won’t respect me if I don’t show them a perfect image of me.

7. What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?

I have myself, fallen victim to all the traps I speak of. (Even if I don’t admit it) I know from experience the pain of what I speak about, so I can truly relate to others feeling this way. I have to overcome all my shortcomings in order to reach my goal, which makes me an expert in how to do it – and from there on to guide and encourage others on their journeys to do the same. I have resilience and endurance. I might complain a lot and threaten to quit, but I never will. I will keep going until I get there. I do have a good heart when it truly matters.

8. What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

Every flaw I mentioned above. The fact that I am so lonely I could die. That I am sad and feel like a failure. That I am scared. Of everything and everyone and most of all of who I am. That I care too much about what they think of me. That I fear that my whole life is a mistake. I don’t want them to know anything about my background. I don’t want them to know that it hurts when nobody buys my book, or wants to listen when I speak. I definitely don’t want them to know that I don’t have any friends.

9. What do you think of Geena, the genie?

She’s obnoxious, lazy, loud, and irritating. Life was better before I met her!! Well, there are some benefits to her. I like that she has to fulfill my wishes. But I wish she’d just do what I say, nicely and quietly and stop asking annoying questions and commenting on my behaviors and on what I say. She drives me crazy with her “in your face” attitude. But, well, I guess she can be kind of fun. I mean I love that I beat her in tennis. I enjoy seeing her huff and puff and sweat…. She does have a good side to her but don’t tell her that I admitted that. She is actually very intelligent and wise. But it sure doesn’t come out very often. It’s annoying but also kind of nice to see someone so in awe of little things, like a toaster. But mostly she’s irritating. She makes me feel uncomfortable and put on the spot all the time. I don’t like how she makes me look at myself and see my shortcomings just by being there. It’s super annoying. But I hope she would want to be my friend even if she wasn’t tied to me through an obligation to fulfill my wishes. I’m going to miss her when she’s gone.

10. Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.

You know, the conflict in the story is that I should be successful, but it feels like everyone and everything is stacked up against me. I mean, I am a self-help public speaker and writer and I have something important to say. And even more important to prove. To people, to all the bullies, and most of all to my parents – and to myself. That I am not a failure. And the best way to prove that is to become wildly successful and recognized! That would show that I’m valuable. A New York Times bestseller and a huge audience will assure it. But it’s been one struggle after another. It’s not my fault. People don’t get it. The odds are stacked against me. What odds, you ask? Well, I’m not 6ft2 and I’m from a small town. Anyway, stop asking uncomfortable questions. So, then I meet this genie, Geena, who’s supposed to be my golden ticket because she is obliged to grant me three wishes, but she just complicates things even more. And then I find myself in this messy situation where I’m finally starting to see some success, but I’m tied to and dependent on Geena, not the other way around. How could she get all the power? And then if I don’t want to completely fail on my mission I’m forced to do all these hugely embarrassing things, like telling people the truth about myself. It’s all really uncomfortable and to be honest, I’ve been annoyed and scared-as-hell most of the story, but in hindsight, I guess it was all worth it. Because who saved the day in the end? Well, maybe I didn’t quite save the day, but I did help a few people to feel better, which feels really good and I definitely saved myself in the process. And guess what, Geena is still my friend after all this. She’s more annoying than ever.

11. What does it do for your life if you succeed here?

I wanted to say that if I’m successful and get huge approval from my audience and book buyers, it will prove that I’m worthy. But towards the end of my journey, I redefine success, so I think that will be the actual determination of what succeeding means. It will mean that I have the courage to honest with my readers and audience and that I will be at peace with myself and my life. That I feel ok about things. It will mean that I’m more real and that I will find friends and be less lonely. That I’ll find my way. And it’s ok. And that Geena will keep being my friend even when she doesn’t have to be.

Antagonist Interview:

1. Tell me about yourself.

My pleasure. I’m Geena the genie. Well it’s not really my name, but the fool who found me couldn’t pronounce my real name so he insisted on calling me Geena for the sake of ease, or I think he thought it was clever, the poor sucker. I’m beautiful, curvy, vibrant, and filled with wisdom. Some say I’m lazy, but I call it laid back. I like who I am. And I am a true genie, 14th generation born and raised in the Arab desert, back when genies were as common as garden gnomes are now. Well, long story short I was well on my way to be finished with my genie duties and be free to retire. We retired earlier back then, mind you most people didn’t even live for as long as I’m old now. Anyway, I only had one person left to grant wishes, before I could retire, throw that lamp away forever and be free. I was so looking forward to it!!! But don’t you know it, I was dropped in the desert during a storm and I lay there buried in the sand for 3000 years until an American tourist found me and brought me, or I should say my lamp to the US. They never cared to clean, therefore rub, my lamp, so they never officially called on me, but after George bought my lamp at that yard sale, he took to polish it like there was no tomorrow. And all that rubbing propelled me out of the lamp despite 3000 years of sedentary weight gain. Gosh knows my joints were stiff, but what a feeling to be outside in the world again!! I just couldn’t wait to finally be free, retire and do what I wanted. I couldn’t wait to grant those wishes just as fast as could be done. Because I really dream of freedom!! But as you know from this story George wasn’t going to make it that easy. He was the client from hell.

2. Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and your weaknesses?

One of my strengths is that I see it and tell it like it is. 3000 years of life and time to observe it means that I have gathered a fair amount of wisdom that is really beneficial for this story and journey. I can’t help but point out flaws in George’s thinking when prodded or voice obvious things that people are blind to. Another strength is that I don’t care what anyone thinks of me, I certainly have no need to be liked so I don’t need to lie. Well, actually this is not necessarily a strength and it does change eventually, because I realize towards the end that it’s not all bad to have and to be a friend after all. But unlike George, I’m not dependent on everyone’s approval to be ok with who I am. A weakness of mine is that I’m lazy. I think I got that way from hanging out in a small lamp watching prisms go by for 3000 years. That tennis-playing thing is not for me. Another weakness is that I don’t really trust people. After all, it was a person who failed me/dropped me 3000 years ago, and look how that screwed up my plans. I’m kind of jaded about people. But to end on a good note, a strength of mine is that I see the world with fresh eyes after being away from it and trapped for so long. I see the wonder in everything new and in life itself.

3. Why are you committed to making the protagonist fail and change?

I am committed to both of the above. I am committed to making him fail at refusing to ask me for his last two wishes, in order to hold on to me. The obvious reason for this is that the sooner he asks me for the wishes to be fulfilled to sooner I can be free and retire. And I am going to do anything in my power to make that happen as quickly as possible, from begging, coaxing, pushing, and even tricking him into it if necessary.

I want him to change because it annoys him that I try to nudge him to change. And I like to challenge him. We have this kind of power struggle and darn if I’m going to be the one to give in. He doesn’t even realize this but I do. It’s fun to annoy him. I get under his skin and if I do that enough I think he’ll eventually get so irritated that he releases me just to get rid of my. Though, that would actually be a bit sad. As pathetic as he is I’ve grown to appreciate his company.

And deep down, as a last resort I kind of sense that if I trigger him to change and grow as a person, he might just feel safe enough to be alone and therefore dare to ask for the last wish(es) and release me. So I will try to make that happen. I’ll probably stay friends with him after I’m free, but he doesn’t know that yet. He’ll get the upper hand if I admit that.

4. What do you get out of winning this fight and succeeding in your plan?

I get my freedom, finally!!! Retirement. I get to play golf in Florida for the rest of eternity if I want. Green grass, blue skies, and fresh air and someone to do the heavy carrying for me. That’s life. I also get to be right. That feels quite good, too.

5. What drives you toward your mission and agenda even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?

Freedom!!! And to be honest also to challenge George, because it annoys me when he’s fake and cowardly and I just have to call him on it.

6. What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?

Well, I don’t actually keep many secrets, but once I realize that just being nice and asking George to ask me for his wishes is not going to work, there is one thing I have to keep secret from him. And that is that everything I say and do is to make him ask for his wishes, so I can be free. And there is another thing I keep secret, just because, well, I feel vulnerable to admit it – and that’s that I actually enjoy his company.

I’ve even come to like playing tennis, just like he said I would. I’ll never over my dead body give him the satisfaction of knowing that one!

7. Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?

I’m a genie. There are very few “people” like me around these days. I’m also a female genie. That wasn’t very unusual back in my days, but people here seem to think I should be some dude. Anyway, what makes me special on this journey, aside from being a genie is that I am really honest with both myself and others – yes even George, when it comes down to it. And that I see the world and everything in it with both with ancient wisdom and the eyes of a newborn. I see the truth because I accept everything as it is. And none of it is a big deal. I can see that people, in general, make way too much of a deal of everything. Those are the things you learn and come to terms with after 3000 years trapped in a lamp.

8. What do you think of George?

Honestly, George is a fuck-up. I feel bad for him, even though he annoys the heck out of me. He is so sad and lonely. I was in solitary confinement for 3000 years and I’m still less lonely than he is. He is confused. He tries to help and change everyone else just to avoid looking at himself. And everything he does is to get admiration from others. He is happy if he gets praise and devastated if he doesn’t. He is more of a slave than I am even though I’m chained to stay around until I grant him wishes. But at least my mind and thoughts are free. His aren’t. He is a slave to what everyone else thinks of him. He is weak and a coward and whiny and annoying. And gosh, does he complain. And he clearly enjoys bossing me around. I get so tired of it. But, if I am to be honest, which I said I am so I should honor that, he does have a few good points as well. He does have a really good message to share actually if people only would read his book. He’s a bit convoluted in communicating it, but at the core, he has tapped into something real and valuable that is worth sharing with the world. He does have a good heart, when it comes down to it and when he can get over himself. And he’s intelligent. You wouldn’t know it because he behaves so goofily, but that’s just his insecurities – he gets nervous and messes up. He’s a terrible speaker, but at least he tries. And he doesn’t give up, I have to give him that. I can’t stand him, but gradually I’ve got to respect his efforts. And dang it at the end of our journey together, I do like him, too. I think I’ll call him from the golf course.

9. Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.

Ok, so there I was trapped in the desert for 3000 years. This American tourist found me, well, found my lamp and brought me back to the US but I guess his wife said my lamp was ugly so it ended up at their yard sale where George found it and bought it for a dollar. Can you believe it, that I, well my lamp, my home, my castle was sold for a dollar!! Anyway, that’s beside the point. So George cleans off the lamp and rubs it in doing so, and what choice do I have then (none) but to squeeze out of the uncomfortably narrow lamp opening and offer him my services. “Your Wish is my Command, Sir!” I thought he’d faint at first, but I’ve got to give him that he has a pretty open mind and he got around to believing in me. That’s one of those deeply hidden traits in him that I had to pull out of him through the course of this journey, for him to dare to believe again. Anyway, you can imagine how excited I was to finally be back in the world and three wishes away from retirement. Eternal freedom. But George just wouldn’t ask for his wishes. Except for that first one when he asked that I play tennis with him whenever he demanded. I’m sure you don’t think it sounds that bad but have you tried to play tennis after not exercising for 3000 years, sitting scrunched up in a small space. There’s not a bone or muscle in my body that didn’t hurt. And I kept losing the games. He loved it. I think tennis is the only thing he’s kind of good at. But most of all I can tell he wanted to show off to everyone else that he had a tennis partner, that he wasn’t alone. So anyway, I kept trying to nudge him to ask for his wishes, but he refused and I know why. He was afraid that he’d be all alone again if he did and I wasn’t around anymore. But he’d never admit that this was the reason. We’ll eventually he did ask for that second wish, for me to help him at his lectures and be around anytime he asked me to. He really annoyed me because all I wanted was to be free and retire and do my own thing. I saw this commercial on the hotel TV for a golf resort in Florida and I instantly knew that this is where I want to be and this is what I want to do for the rest of my life – which might be eternity.

You can’t blame me for doing everything I can to make George ask for all his wishes quickly, right? And he really needs to change his ways if he’s ever to get what he wants. He thinks it’s fame and a bestseller that is going to get him that but its not.

He longs for connection. Oh, Gosh, I think I’m the closest thing he has to a real connection. I want to have contempt for him, but how can I not feel somewhat bad for him and care about him? He’s so helpless. But he drives me crazy and I don’t really want to help him. But then I realize that it costs a gazillion dollars to play golf at a resort for the rest of eternity. That changes the situation completely. Now I need him – no us – to be successful and make money. I say us, because, hey, if I’m assisting at lectures, I should be getting a percentage too, right? I get a lawyer and a bank account and get to work. Of course, George gets even more difficult now. You’d think he’d be happy that I’m on a mission to help him, but he’s just never easy. But, he’s special. And now, looking back I have to say that I’m proud of him. My friend.

[Lora]

Lesson 4: Character Interviews

What I learned doing this assignment is sometimes the answers that come from these questions surprise you. Letting the responses flow without thinking too much about them seems to be the most natural way to discover your characters.

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST

Tell
me about yourself. I’m
a girl from a small town who believes the best in people and am looking
for my soul mate. <div>

Why
do you think you were called to this journey? Why you? I have an interesting journey
ahead of me and I’m not afraid to face challenges head on.

You
are up against <the Antagonist>. What is it about them that makes
this journey even more difficult for you? I love him and want to be on
the same team, but he enjoys making things difficult.

In
order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way
outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them
will be the most difficult?
My biggest challenge is learning to get out of my own head, to see people
and things as who they really are and not who I want them to be.

What
habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let
go of? I need to learn that not
everyone is in your life forever; some are only here to teach you a lesson
or as a temporary placeholder.

What
fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back? I’ve been bullied a lot; it’s
always made me feel as if I’m not good enough. Maybe I’m not worthy of
love or a healthy relationship.

What
skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this
conflict or antagonist?
I have a resilient spirit, I’m honest, trust-worthy and I continue to get
back up no matter how many times I fall.

What
are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to
know? I never want them to know how
badly I’m hurting or how broken I am under the surface.

What
do you think of <the Antagonist>?
I think he could be a great life partner if he’d get his head out of his
ass.

Tell
me your side of this whole conflict / story. We met, we fell in love, but
we’re young – is there more out there to life or is this it?

What
does it do for your life is you succeed here? I can stop looking for my
other half and focus my attention into building my empire with my partner.

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST

Tell
me about yourself.
I’m a young guy who still has a lot of the world left to see and
experience. </div><div>

Having
to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses? I’m a loner – no one knows the
real me. I can shrug off hurt, but I’ve got a quick temper. Sometimes it
gets the best of me.

Why
are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship
movie, why are you committed to making them change? I’m not trying to make anyone
change, or let them change me. Take it or leave it.

What
do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking
down your competition?
Bragging rights. I’m stubborn. No one is going to tell me what to do or
change me.

What
drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin,
or death? I crave
the approval of my friends more than anything.

What
secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of
fear / insecurity?
I over-compensate arrogance to cover my insecurities. I love her, but I don’t
feel worthy of her. It’s easier to sabotage the relationship than
eventually watch her leave.

Compared
to other people like you, what makes you special? My laid-back attitude. I don’t
let things get to me.

What
do you think of <the Protagonist>?
I love her, but I’ve never been in a serious relationship before. I’m not
ready to settle down.

Tell
me your side of this whole conflict / story. We’re dating, but I don’t know
why she picked me. Surely she could do better?

My antagonist is more stubborn than I originally made him out to be. My protagonist is about to get her world turned upside down and she doesn’t even know it.

</div>

[jaye Blohm]

JAYE’S UPDATED PROFILES

What I learned is that this is the first time I start to question the concept of my story. But seeing as this is the first draft and I’m still building the foundation, the best thing is to keep moving forward. This exercise was beneficial in helping me connect with my characters. I will be keeping an open ear for future insights they have to offer, and I will be using this weekend to seek inspiration, breakthroughs, and creativity!

PROTAGONIST Hero/Fighter
Role in the story: The Hero, the good guy
Age range and Description: 30s, Mr. Perfect, a muscle-bound champion, oozes charm and confidence with ease
Internal Journey: He will learn self-awareness and humility, and hard truths
External Journey: He will have to work with his antagonist to help restore what has gone wrong
Want: To rid the world of bad guys
Need: To be loved for who he is as a person, not as a superhero
Wound: Not know love for who he truly is
Mission: To get his superpowers back
Agenda: Has to work with the bad guy; wants to turn him good
Secret: The inciting incident has shown my hero that all his praise has been superficial. He internally toys with the idea of aligning with the villain – but he will not admit this.
What makes him special? He’s a superhero
What draws us to this character? He’s an expert in his field and he has to start all over learning new ropes. His confidence takes a hit, and his world starts to crumble, something he’s not used to.
Traits: Confident, strong-minded, virtuous, respected
Subtext: He wants to make the bad guy good; he sometimes wants to e evil
Flaw: Thinks he has no flaw. Too trusting. Has never experienced real pain
Values: Loyalty, friendship, justice
Irony: He has to go outside of his comfort zone, against his values, against what he believes to make things right
What makes this the right character for this role? He thinks his world is perfect, but he has been sheltered and blessed. Reality shows him he has friends in unlikely places and there’s always room for improvement.

ANTAGONIST Villain/Change Agent/Predator
Role in the story: The Villain, the bad guy
Age range and Description: 30s, fit, smart, arrogant
Internal Journey: He learns empathy… and he hates it
External Journey: He will have to work with HIS antagonist (the Protag) to help restore what has gone wrong
Want: To be respected, wants to be feared
Need: To be loved
Wound: He was born a villain
Mission: To get his superpowers back
Agenda: Has to work with the good guy
Secret: He will never be good. He can never be the good guy.
What makes them special? He’s a supervillain
What draws us to this character? He’s damaged goods, so to speak. He never really got a fair shake in life, and now he has an opportunity
Traits: Vulnerable, unloved, risk taker, determined
Subtext: He’s afraid of change, he doesn’t like to share
Flaw: He likes to hurt people, He doesn’t respect anyone
Values: Isolation, privacy, power,
Irony: Even though he wants no friends, he forms a bond with the most unlikely person, his arch nemesis
What makes this the right character for this role? Friendless and despising change, he has to work together with his worst enemy in order to make things right in his world.

[Deleted User]

Lesson 4 Character Interviews

Judith Abingdon

finding motivations, building background.

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST

TELL ME about yourself. <div>

I would like to feel like any other teenager but my family dynamic makes this impossible. My mother is a European immigrant and speaks with an accent. Other people say this sounds cool, but to me, it is just a flag that says hey look at us we are not from here. She is pretty and maybe once she was strong, to flee her country with a small baby and no husband took some guts I guess, but now she seems meek and under the thumb of her dumb overbearing husband. She does not stand up to him when he yells or hits me and I really hate her for this, it is driving us further and further apart. I feel she does. not care much about me and wishes I would just behave and not rock her boat. She wants me to be the perfect child while forgetting she was practically a teenage bride. Not easy to bury that one. So as I question the status quo life at home gets harder and harder. I see out in the world things are changing and I want to participate in that change.

<div>

WHY DO YOU THINKyou were called to this journey?

It’s just my time. Every young adult has a rite of passage, I am ready for mine

WHY YOU?

Because I have a lot of questions.

Like why does my mother send me to church every Sunday, yet she barely goes herself.

Why, if she believes in religion so much does she say I cannot have my black friends in the house? They are our brothers & sisters are they not?

And why does she try so hard to shield me from a social life and boys. Well, I guess that’s obvious, but she was young once, ok it did not have the best outcome, but you can’t stop the inevitable!

YOU ARE UP AGANIST <the Antagonist>. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?

Well, Inez is my Godmother, so she is like family, better than family and I love and respect her. She is older than me but I think still in touch with her youthful longings. I know she has been through some things and given up a lot.

She knows my mother’s secrets but will not give them up. I feel like she is a door to some of my past, but I’m not sure if I even want to open that door.

I feel bad that her life now is an endless cycle of work, eat, drink, sleep repeat. And her sister treats her like a dog, even tho Inez does all the work. So I try and give her some fun and recruit my older friends that drive to take us up to her cabin in the woods where she happily spends the weekend drinking and staring into the fire.

IN ORDER to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?

I hope to change everything. Become independent, move out on my own, get a job, see the world. Leaving Inez will be the most difficult, she gets me and is my champion.

WHAT HABITS or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?

I am welcoming the changes. I can’t wait to shed that old skin, have my own place, not have to report in, have my own views on life, choose my own friends. Life is a banquet, let the feast begin!

WHAT FEARS, insecurities and wounds have held you back?

Yeah, it sounds all rosy, doesn’t it! Of course, I have fears, but I’m not letting on to anyone. Put up a strong front. How will I do all these things? I don’t know, but hey I’m not the first. It would have been nice to have two parents that loved me, but my father doesn’t even have a name, but that doesn’t trouble me, does it? Will being an immigrant hold me back, will people think I’m not as smart?

WHAT SKILLS, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?

WOW! skills, I’m not sure man. I don’t think I’m expert at anything, well I am getting pretty good at lying, I have to do something to get out of that house. I think I just want it more. I want to swallow life whole. I think my mother has given up and I don’t want to follow her.

WHAT ARE YOU HIDING from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

I don’t want my mother to have a wiff of these thoughts. And she doesn’t know yet that her husband tried to come on to me while she was at work late one night. That’s not going to go down very well.

WHAT DO YOU think of <the Antagonist>?

I think Inez has the right idea. She came to this country to have a better life, it may not sound like it, but it is for her. She realizes her dreams are a thing of the past but she is her own person now, and she wants the best for me. She knows youth is the time to make your move, and she may not understand what exactly is going on with the youth culture, but she realizes that change is a good thing.

TELL ME your side of this whole conflict / story.What does it do for your life is you succeed here?Ask any other questions about their character profile that will help you.

I feel like I am of two worlds, but the exciting times of the 70’s in America is my world now and I have to find my place in it. Maybe I am naive, maybe I will make some wrong choices but they will be my mistakes and I will be a new person at the end of the journey.

</div></div><div>

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST

TELL ME about yourself.

I am a mature woman in my 40’s. I am strong and self reliant. I came to America as my home country Hungary was under terrible political changes. I fled with my cousin who had a small child out of wedlock. We are a tight family unit. I have relatives and sisters in America, so they sponsored us, but it was a long hard journey getting here. Now I feel I can breath a breath of relief, tho no place is perfect I think we will have opportunities here, and most importantly our personal freedom. I am Godmother to my cousin’s child and I take the responsibility seriously. I feel. my cousin is a bit fragile and holds a lot of guilt because she had a child before being married. This causes friction between mother and daughter especially now that Juliet is in her teen years. Juliet has flourished in America and wants to explore life. I want to give her every opportunity to become her best self.

HAVING TO DO with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

I have experienced a lot of life in my 40 + years, been a nurse, a nun, a daughter a sister and I know the blush of youth is the time to catch your dreams. I know the older people get they beat themselves up for making mistakes or doing the wrong thing, I don’t want that for Juliet. I see Juliet’s mother still suffering from a wrong ( not bad ) choice she made decades ago now and it is affecting everyone.

I will try to be a champion for Juliet

Sometimes I may not seem like the ideal person to be giving advice, I know how it looks, my drinking, swearing, fighting with my sisters, but I have compassion for people, hey life does not come with a manual, and if you make a mistake people should be there for you, not try and tear you down. Sometimes I think people get too carried away with being perfect. Live and learn, I say.

I also say if you got it to flaunt it, cos you won’t have it forever. I’m not sure Juliet’s mother agrees, I know she wishes I didn’t buy her those hot pants! Oh well!

WHY ARE YOU committed to making them change?

Because I see Juliet’s mother (Zania) losing her spark. She was once happy and lively and she keeps getting smaller because she keeps doing what she thinks she should do not what she wants to do. This will be a disaster. I do. not want this for Juliet.

WHAT DO YOU GET out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / ?

Hey it was hard getting here and making a life for ourselves, I just want people to be happy and have a life they enjoy

WHAT DRIVES YOU toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?

I made a promise to keep Juliet safe and guide her through life and see her happy . That to me does not mean controlling her, she needs to be a little wild, find herself, have her own opinions. I feel that is my job and if other people think I am doing it wrong, so be it.

WHAT SECRETS must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?

Well, I don’t discuss my past, I have no use for the past. And the details surrounding Juliet’s father, I must keep secret, I don’t think it’s the right thing, but I promised her mother long ago and I don’t feel it’s my place to discuss it. I am always true to my word.

Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?What do you think of <the Protagonist>?Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.

</div>

[Donna Rankin]

What did I learn doing this assignment.
I found a bunch a new thing about my character by doing this assignment.

Protagonist Questions: Kendra profile 4

Tell me about yourself.

I do not talk about myself. It boring and not productive.

Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you.

I had a very unusual childhood. I am an unknown element no one knows what I can do.

You are up against. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?

The enemy we fight is from another planet. We do not know anything about them. All we know is that they are a danger to our existence.

In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?

Not everyone is going to survive this. It is important that we realize that many people ae going to die. I worry that I might have to choose what members of my family will live or die. I do not know if I can do that.

What fears, insecurities and wounds have you held back.

I have never told anyone that I love them.

What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?

My father was a navy seal. He trained me well. So, I hope the skills I have will keep me alive.

What are you hiding from other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

I do not like to show my vulnerable side. I think it makes we weak.

What do you Think of?

I think the world might end if we lose.

Tell me your side of this whole conflict.

I spent half of my life running from the government. They locked me up for two years for no reason except they feared what I might do. So now the world is on the brink of an attack, and they want my help.

What does it do for your life if you succeed here?

I might get the chance to have a child.

[Daisy Khalifa]

Subject line: Daisy Ridgway’s Character Interviews

What I learned doing this assignment: This was a fantastic exercise and the following two interviews sound completely crazy, and disorganized, because I realize I don’t have the beats and the narrative figured out yet! This exercise, furthermore, allowed me to hear my characters “speak” for the first time, which is to say I saw, up to a point, who they are in large, and also very subtle, ways. And it taught me about how much more work I need to invest in understanding them, creating their personalities and solidifying their motives. To that end, this exercise will help me be consistent and keep my characters “in character” whereby I will be more aware of making sure, via dialog, that these characters’ voices stay true to who they are.

MIA PAULEY

Tell me about yourself. The seven-year-old me? Or, the adult Mia? Both of us, but mostly the adult Mia, will have a point of view. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you? <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>I am very strong, and probably have extrasensory perception, a psychic gift, and I always knew that I met Mr. Laughton as a seven-year-old in the garden of the house in which we both lived but at different times, inexplicable as it may be. I’ve also had other encounters with so-called ghosts, which they aren’t.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>You are up against <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>C.L. and FATE.<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”> What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you? <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>The difficult part is proving to myself and my friend, Ian Gardner, that this happened. I wouldn’t even believe me. But, Laughton’s decisions are critical. Anything he does will effect, pretty much, my whole life. If he stays in Pinecliff, the house we both lived in, my family’s fate will change.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult? <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Keeping my composure and sanity upon facing an entirely new life because of Charles’ decisions. Read: living a whole new life while being perfectly aware of the previous life.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of? <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>I judge myself, my family and everything associated with me. Sometimes I am on top of the world and see myself as intensely smart, aware and in touch. Other times, to put it bluntly, I hate myself, and think I am worthless, frivolous and searching. I am a dreamer in the most positive way, and, likewise, the most useless way, or so I tell myself in a fit of pique.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back? <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>My parents’ absenteeism, and their own struggles. My “unsupervised” childhood. The loss of Tina, my housekeeper and best friend, who lived with us, and who was more of a true, nurturing mother to me. I also feel like I have never been able to love someone, or, put another way, to be in love—without losing that love and having my heartbroken. I never get what I want when it comes to love. I am never chosen by the ones I want to choose me. Charles and I are kind-of alike this way.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist? <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>My imagination and creativity, my sense of adventure and my flexibility about the impossible (to me nothing is impossible) coupled with a lot of knowledge of Charles Laughton’s life. I have to handle Charles with care. That part is easier than even remotely understanding what goes on in his mind.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know? <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Most see me as strong, attractive, privileged and a person with “flair”, which I like to think is valid, but I am an anxious mess, and have been since I was about seven, when my parents divorced, when I lost Tina…when I met Charles!
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What do you think of Charles? <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>He confuses me. He is in another world and is so good at acting that I feel like an outsider, and that I have to reel him in to get him to really understand the situation. To that end, he does’t believe in me, or that I exist as “someone from the future’”. He deals in facts—when he is not creating his characters for another film or play—so my only leverage is on the topic of earthquakes, since that is what got us into this in the first place.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Tell me your side of this whole conflic<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>t. TK
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What does it do for your life is you succeed here? <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>It gives me peace of mind and allows me to love someone with all of my heart.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Ask any other questions about their character profile that will help you.<div>

CHARLES LAUGHTON

Tell me about yourself. I am an actor. It is all I know and what I adore. I went to RADA- the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts at 19. I have an Oscar—for Henry VIII that I couldn’t be there to accept. I was famous at a young age. I have demons. Among them, William Shakespeare, which I try to avoid—the iambic pentameter. No! My last role at the Old Vic was a humiliation that haunts me. Shakespeare, my beta noire. I am an Englishman from “tradesman” stock. My parents were hoteliers. I was in the War. I am injured, and I am ugly as it is. I don’t care to look at myself. I only feel free in my roles, never in my own skin.
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses? It is absolutely absurd to think I met a child one Sunday afternoon in my garden at Pinecliff. My students were on their way over to the house for acting class. I can’t believe in something as otherworldly as a child meeting me from the future, yet she spoke with such conviction about the house, calling it “her house”, and when she said she had lived though an earthquake, I was dumbfounded. I see this child a is see God and faith—it might be beneficial to believe. But I am too busy to think about it.*
Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change? I see it a as stroke of luck- the fates- that she came along at the very moment Elsa and I have been told to move from my beloved home here in Pacific Palisades. Whether she is a figment of my wishful imagination, or if indeed, I am part of a great otherworldly conspiracy, I am to understand that I do not have to move. As I piece to gather the puzzle of the little blonde creature roaming in my orchard, I take it to be a message, nothing more, that I can live in this beautiful home for the rest of my life! We are being forced to move, in my opinion, because of something that hasn’t happened- an earthquake. We had a mudslide, and I lost some sculptures. Now, I can’t get insured because of the potential damage to my art-my beautiful paintings. I don’t want to harm the child, or upset her, but were I to stay in the house, we would never know. As for the grown woman I met, who tells me —it’s lunacy I, I say—that she is the same little girl, and that nothing brought down the house until nearly the year 2000. The future! Whatever is going on, I am intent upon staying in my home, and not moving to the Beverly Hills house Elsa found for us, though it has a swimming pool, which I would enjoy.
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition? I get to live in the home that has so much meaning to me, and where I have done wonderful things. Paul (Gregory, my manager) got me started on my “touring”, which has been a splendid success, and kept me away from wasting my energy on lackluster achievements at the Playhouse. I read to groups all over the country—alas, they like me, these war veterans, and patients, and students in college- excerpts from the Bible and great poems, and my favorite literature.
What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death? Sometimes I already feel dead, I am so miserable. If I can do what I love, and if Pinecliff has anything to do with it, I may stop thinking about death, or my fear of death, or my unworthiness as a living mortal. These are moments in my mind. Forgive me. I only wish to act well, and work.
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity? I love my wife dearly, but I yearn for others, for the boys and men. I need that companionship too, which makes me angry with myself. When I fail in a role, I am morose, sometimes hellbent on disappearing forever.*
Compared to other people like you, what makes you special? I understand the art of acting. I love beauty. I do admit there are moments —usually soaring in role- when I believe I am a force.
What do you think of Mia Pauley? I think she is lost, and yet I don’t think I need to help her. She is also rather lovely, the child, and, so too, the other woman, who claims to be the child after 25 years.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. I’ve explained as much as I can for now. Very little will make me change my mind about leaving this house. When the child first appeared, it was a wonderful day. My at-home acting classes were in full swing, and I was making a bit of money staying off the stage and preparing to tour around the country. What irony! When the woman appeared and explained all there was to explain about the history of earthquakes along the Southern California coast line, I decided to believe her. Another secret. Who could possibly identify accept this tale in my life? No one. Well, perhaps Bertolt (Brecht). And Norman (Corwin).

</div>

[Kay HUNDLEY]

What I learned in this assignment is to give my character’s their own voice and to see things through different lenses. Sometimes they know more about the story than I do. They help fill in the gaps and make decisions.

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST

Tell me about yourself.

I’m a dragonet born of Hgielyak and Lekim of the Sheltered Forest, last of the tree dragon clans and keepers of Hoard of Gorgon. We’re pretty impressive, but we keep to the forest to protect and grow our clan.

Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?

Well, I was at the spirit tree the other day and – like this morning, there was a rustling in the bushes. I thought it was a message from the spirits and there was this strange creature. A notdragon. Not a dragon pet either. It looked up at me with these big bright eyes. I turned to the spirit tree to see if it was a message from her and then the notdragon held my wing and wrapped itself in it. I think it was more frightened then me. Anyway – that was Violet. I tried to move her away but she was so timid. Notdragons don’t belong here. I don’t know how she got around the forest guards, but there she was. So now she is back and I have to make sure she goes safely. She’s not a danger I don’t think, but she seems kinda sneeky to have gotten in twice.

Because I think it’s my fault she is here now, I’ve taken it on as my duty as a dragon and protector to make sure she goes safely and the clan is safe.

You are up against this raptor and the whole clan is counting on you to remove it. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?

I – We must abide by the dragon code. As you said, the clan is counting on me and I don’t want to let them down. I promised mother. Poor Violet seems attached to me and I have to make her go. I’m kind of torn. (pauses and nods) but we must abide by dragon code. It’s what keeps us safe. Notdragons aren’t welcome. I just feel kinda sad for Violet.

In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?

Well, I like everyone to be happy and I think she’s going to be sad when she has to say goodbye. I don’t know what to do. I … never hurt anyone before. But to not hurt her, I’ll have to go against my mother’s orders. I’ve not ever done that either. these are both difficult thoughts for a young dragonet. What would the elders say? I know what the elders would say. Mother is the smartest elder. One day I will be the smartest elder like Mother. Mother is very wise.

What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?

I have to? I guess being the peacemaker. I don’t know how to mend this now. I didn’t think it would be hard to just walk her out of the forest. Now my hearts feel bad. I… I must learn to be wise like Mother and do what is right. A dragon must do what is right.

For now she is my subject and under my protection. Once we get to the edge of the forest, she is no longer my subject and will be free to go and make her own way. A dragon should not go beyond the gaping green. Not unless they are a member of the Hoard Guild. The Hoard Guild is no place for a dragonet, especially not a dragonel.

What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?

I’m afraid of hurting this creature. I’m afraid of letting down the clan. I still have much to prove to be on the elder council. I know it’s a long ways away before I am of age to even be considered, but will have to be accepted by the whole clan by then. It’s a lot. I don’t want to be remembered as the dragonel who let a raptor loose in the forest!

What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?

I’m a good peacemaker. Usually. I have some time along this journey to figure out what I will say or do to keep the peace with Violet. I’ve learned much from Mother to be able to know what is right for a dragon. I hope I make them proud of me.

When other young dragons start being notdragon-like, I get them to see the good in the dragon ways and they usually behave better.

What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

That I don’t think the raptor is bad. She’s kind of sweet. But dragon code is dragon code.

What do you think of the clan? Violet?

For the clan, I wish they weren’t so angry about her. Yes she has gotten into some trouble, but not that bad. No one was hurt (yet), no real damage. Maybe they just don’t trust me to do what is right. They always tell me I’m too young for this or too young for that. Well I’m not. I’m a good dragon! They’ll see!

Violet is a little wacky (laughs). She’s kinda funny. Very curious. She talks a lot and hides a lot. I don’t know how she got in here cause she is so afraid of other dragons, but not of me. I can be fierce and scary too. (shows teeth) I don’t yet have my fire, but I keep practicing. Want to see? I’ll be a great protector one day, like the elders.

Anyway – yeah. I wish she would just follow me so this wouldn’t be so bad in the end and would be a quicker task, so I could get back. Brother has a challenges today and I can’t miss that. He will do great. I saw him practicing around the activity tree. Oh, yes, Violet. She is OK, but sadly, she is a notdragon. Notdragons aren’t allowed.

Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.

Well I did. I met this raptor. Now, I will tell you, I don’t really like notdragons, as they are very disruptive. This notdragon as you might learn is very disruptive. We don’t much like disruptions (unless it is we who are doing the disrupting). So I offered to take it away from the forest once the clan discovered her.

Mother was not happy, but agreed it would teach me a valuable lesson to be her escort and she would be my subject, so I’m taking her and she is not really following me – not until she gets scared of something, so it’s a slower task, than I thought. I wish raptors had wings.

What does it do for your life is you succeed here?

They will think I’m a hero. I rid the clan of an outsider. I might get a legend song. That would be cool. Does that make me succeed? Is hurting her a ‘success’? It doesn’t feel like it.

What will you do if do not succeed and the raptor doesn’t go?

(stares) I… Maybe I’ll think of something. I… Have you ever had to hide a raptor? This is a lot for a young dragonet. Mother will help, I’m sure. I… *shrugs her wings*

***

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST

Tell me about yourself.

I iz a just a lonely little raptorz. All the creatures are afraid of me cos some of my kind are hunters. I don’t hunt. I don’t like hunting or hurting peoplez. I iz a nice raptorz.

Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

Iz a scared raptorz. Sometimes I mess fings up, but I don’t mean to. Sometimes I am a bad raptor and make the nice dragon mad. I don’t mean to. (points to tail) Iz a pretty tail but a little heavy. I fink it is pretty special.

Why are you committed to making making them change?

Raptorz wuv the tree dragon. She is strong and protects raptorz. Wants to stay with my friend.

What do you get out of succeeding in your plan?

I can haz family! Friends are family too. E iz sister. Raptorz wants sister.

What drives you toward your mission, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?

D-death? (hides) Where? No missionz, just trying to spend more time with my tree dragon. Raptorz is pretty clever. I knows a good sister. E iz good sister. She iz protectorz.

What secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?

I don’t haz anywhere else to go. I didn’t mean to stumble into the forest. I was chased by other hunters and hid in the bushes. I heard what E was saying to that big tree, a spirits tree she called it. I was just listening to her kind words, but she found me. I just knew she was safe. Like home. Like home was.

Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?

I’m not like other people like me. My kind hunt, many of them. Not all raptorz are hunters, but we are clever and work well together. I can work well but to help, for goodz. I was too kind for others like me. Most raptorz are fearless but I am afraid of a lot of things.

What do you think of Entrysk? The clan?

My sisterz. I hope she be my sister. She is pretty and smart and a good flier. She’s very nice. I keepz her. I hope. She sometimes seems she is not happy with the Raptorz, but I try to do good. I be a good sister too. Maybe she listen to the mean tree dragons who don’t like the Raptorz. I hope not. I like E.

Some dragonz are scary. They not nice to me. They don’t know me and maybe they are scared of me like I’m scared of them. Her brothers not scared – or scary.

Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.

I came to see my friend again. She said I would be in trouble if caught in the forest. But I got hungry and followed her to the feasting table. I stayed behind the big tree. I forgetz what she called it. E went to sneak us some food. I tried to stay hidden. There are lotz of tree dragons. LOTZ. One came flying by and stopped, mid air, hovered and make loud screechy noises. other dragons came by, also screeching. There are a lotz of tree dragons. She came back and I ran right into her wing. I couldn’t really see much but there was lotz of commuh…commotionz. Loud dragon screeching.

Then we were going for a walk. I likes walkz with my tree dragon. I like learning about the dragonz and the forest. I feel safer with my tree dragon, until other dragons and creatures come along. I don’t think they want me here. E sayz we will be OKz. I iz ‘subject’ and dragons always protect their subject. See? She is good sisterz.

***

[mickey Gonzo]

Mickey Gonzalez Character Interviews

What I learned doing this assignment is…? Hey, working with the characters. Knowingly, interviews for characters.

Tell me about yourself:

Protagonist Mark Fox: Hey Am a remarkable young writer. I’ be writing drafts and manifested a manuscript. Am twenty years old. I have girls and a girlfriend. I lived in an apartment in a roman catholic solid white neighborhood. I have everything a neighborhood can feed me with. Duck Island.

Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you.

Is Mark’s calling. By his earlier teachers that make him so skilled. If he didn’t write. He does something else. He goes to high school, won’t drive, and wouldn’t be involved with writing attracting so many. Mark was “it” in this neighborhood. The time the writer’s gods pick on him. From the beginning of his time Mark is involved with extraordinary events.

What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?

Mark endures that somebody is watching him. He is doing what a remarkable young writer does. He is being sought out.

In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?

Mark’s Vast collection of writings are stolen. He needs to retrieve the V.C. Mark comes out the box. He is not alone anymore. There is somebody after him. There is no way Mark is going to let go. He pursues every avenue to get to the whereabout of the V.C.

What habits or ways of thinking you think will be the most difficult to let go of?

Mark seeks out universities and high schools. To get his work published and read. The V.C is worth a lot of money. He can’t stop writing. He can’t let it go. His travels b4 the theft. He gets up to get his V.C back. Now he has to seek out vengeance.

What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?

What will he do without her? What happens if he is without her love? What is love without her? A missing V.C of writings is gone needs to retrieve it. He can’t move forward. He is forced to compromise his goals.

What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?

Mark is a young remarkable writer in a solid white neighborhood. His skills are taught by teachers of his earlier years. A neighborhood hosted by a lone mobster, a dirty commander, and those who are in seeking a way out. A wave of police people involved, T.V people,. Mark gets a few telephone calls. One to see If “he is writing any new ideas, second a meeting place is set up, third is being escorted by motorcycle cops, to retrieve, fourth is to come to building for a pay out, with the antagonist, tons, how much does a ton weigh?, Ect.

Wht are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

Mark is with other girls some which he just meets and do what they do. She leaves. With Raquel is a writing romantic affair. He speaks to her in ways of his writing. He writes. She does not know it. He doses off. He does not want her to know about the missing manuscript he had manifested.

What do you think of?

Mark thinks of everything. This is a thriller like most of his drafts and manuscript are. He thinks of success. He does not know it yet. No one else does what he has written. Mark needs to get his life back. He wants this V.C and other collections back. There is a cover up from those who are in seeking a way out. A wave of police people involved, and local T.V people.

Tell me your side of this whole conflict/story.

This what Mark thinks is happening. After a telephone call from an unknown woman. His apartment is broken into. His V.C of writings are stolen. There is no answer to any of his efforts. The police, deputies, lawyer, T.V station producer, He can’t find a way to get a story on air. No, doors are slammed, and no one wants to hear him. Somebody took it. He has a massive number of writings stolen. The girls are gone. The only one sticking with him is Raquel. She determines to be part of his efforts to get something back. At the end and endless grueling efforts to get his work, is at no avail.

What does it do for your life is you succeed here?

Mark deals with ideas. Ideas that can be accomplished if he succeeds. If he can get his Vast Collection back and/or a lot of money. Several ideas come in his young mind. Built a giant Chandelier, an innerbelt bridge, an opportunity corridor, and rebuilt his intersection in front of his apartment. Mark’s work is stolen. He turns to vengeance. If Mark finds his V.C of writings, he will be writing forever with an enormous number of drafts and manuscript as a writer will exist.

Ask any other questions about their character profile that will help you.

Can get my story logically consistent?

Antagonist Seymour Heller

Tell me about your self.

Seymour is a strong man for a mobster that hosts the neighborhood. Hangs in the flats, bars and diamond clubs. Mark can’t get close to him.

Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

Seymour’s tough, boxing champ. But creates a group to get to Mark’s V.C . When he finds out, he wants everything. He turns on his group for greed.

Why are you committed to making Protagonist fail?

Seymour wants to make it hard for Mark. So hard that he will never find the whereabout of the V.C. Is Seymour’s goal after he finds out about the “gold”. No other place will Seymour find anything like Mark’s work. He can’t even come up with anything.

What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your / taking down your competition?

Seymour wants to do what Mark is wanting to accomplish. He wants to do that. For power, monetary monies, fame, and get rid of Mark. Seymour sends people to warn Mark that they are going to do it without him. Like is supposed to be okay with Mark. Not for Raquel. She not going.

What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?

There’s no one else around. This city is too small. There’s no other vast collection of writings like Marks’. This sets Seymour off. He thinks he can succeed at. That he will do that. Even at the cost from acts of vengeance from Mark.

What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?

Seymour secrets keep Mark away. He sends a warning message to Mark through others. Seymour’s Dirty cop tries to intervene. Goes after mark in excess to place him in a jail. There are telephone call “you don’t understand nothing” “you don’t know nothing” Second call from a dirty cop, “Korvavic”. Seymour knows this. Fears and insecurity be dealing with mobster. But with a dirty cop is okay. Too many for Mark.

Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?

Seymour has “Duck Island” in his power. There are many who come and get overwhelmed with this neighborhood. Seymour will have everything. It is small. But is just big enough for Mark.

What do think of?

Seymour is trenched with the idea. He knows his warning message reached mark. He sends thugs to beat on Mark. To get what he wants. No other way will he succeed. Not with that kind of wealth. Mark is writing “gold”.

Tell me your side of the conflict / story?

Seymour knows Mark is after him. But Mark does not know who he is yet. He continues to go after and keep Mark’s Vast collection. Keeping him away. Seymour figures that more people to attack Mark. The better it is for anyone involved.

[Stafford Echols]

Stafford’s Character Interviews

What I learned from this assignment was how to get real acquainted with my characters. It is my job as the creator to establish their wants, needs, motivations, fears, etc. Getting to know my lead characters better, will help the story flow smoothly.

Mateo’s Interview

Me: Hi, Mateo. My name’s Stafford, I’ll be interviewing you for the story you’re a potential lead in.

Mateo: Hey, man. Thanks for having me. Happy to be of service.

Me: My pleasure. So, tell me a little about yourself.

Mateo: Uh… Where do I start? Ha. I work for one of the largest tech companies in the country. Computers have been apart of my life since I was in high school. I graduated with a B.A. in software engineering. First in my family to go to college. Hard work is no stranger to me. I love participating in various outings with friends, and I’m engaged to be married to my beautiful fiancé, Marisol. We’ve been together 4 years.

Me: Nice! Impressive… very impressive. Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?

Mateo: Well, maybe because you want to show that even the simplest person — can cause a whirlwind in their life by making the most common, stupid mistake most men tend to make. From a different perspective, of course.

Me: You’re absolutely right. I can respect that answer. Next question: You are up against Glorivette Gomez. You’ve seen her, know her plans, and what she’s capable of. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?

Mateo: Phew — man, I have my work cut out for me, huh? I mean… For starters, she’s drop-dead gorgeous. I can see why any man could fall prey to her manipulation. I know dealing with her won’t be an easy task. But there’s a reason you’re scouting me to take her own. I may enter a web of deception with her, but I’ll find a way to prevail.

Me: Not a doubt you won’t. And in order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?

Mateo: I’ll have to resist like no man has before. Fight like hell to keep Glorivette the hell out of my “everyday.” If things get ugly, I’ll have to become in touch with my inner-demon. Fight fire with fire. My life and Marisol’s depend on it. I can live with those odds.

Me: What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?

Mateo: Not gonna lie to you… Glorivette and I had some wild, spontaneous, mind-blowing sex. Although, it was addicting, I’m willing to let it go to save what’s left of my relationship.

Me: What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?

Mateo: I honestly got involved with Glorivette for the thrill. It gave me a rush. I felt different hanging out with her. I was tired of my same day-to-day routine with my life. I needed some type of validation. It made me lose sight of who I was and what really mattered to me.

Me: What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?

Mateo: I can out-smart her. I-I-I know it. She’ll slip up eventually. And when she does, the police will take her ass to prison for all of her wrong-doings.

Me: What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

Mateo: The fact I cheated on Marisol. My superiors and and colleagues — if they knew about my affair with Glorivette… It could detrimental to my career. But I need to come clean with Marisol. I can’t keep living with this guilt. She deserves the truth.

Me: What do you think of Glorivette?

Mateo: She started off sweet, but there’s a dark side — no one should encounter. I regret crossing that bridge with her. Changed my life for the worse.

Me: Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.

Mateo: How many times you want me to say it? I made a stupid decision, and it’s the reason I have to delete Glorivette out of my existence.

Me: Last question — What does it do for your life is you succeed here?

Mateo: I have to survive this woman. Everyone will die if she wins.

Glorivette’s Interview

Me: Glorivette, heard so much about you! Thanks for taking the time to meet me.

Glorivette: Not a problem.

Me: Mind telling me about yourself?

Glorivette: Sure. You want the truth? Or what I lead everyone on with? I’d rather keep that bit of info to myself. You all will find out in due time.

Me: I think I have an idea of who you really are, Glorivette. Still putting my finger on it. Which brings me to my next question: Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

Glorivette: My weaknesses: I always fall for shitty men. My strengths: I’m resourceful. “No” is not acceptable in my world. I control everything around me.

Me: Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?

Glorivette: His soon-to-be marriage has to end. That bitch has nothing on me! She doesn’t deserve a man like him. And he’s gonna leave her for me or else…

Me: What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?

Glorivette: The love I so rightfully deserve.

Me: What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?

Glorivette: I will and always be a woman who gets what she wants. Nothing and no one will stop me.

Me: What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?

Glorivette: My true identity. No one can know who I am. The police will take me away.

Me: Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?

Glorivette: There’s only one me, baby. No one can do what I do like me.

Me: What do you think of Mateo?

Glorivette: Nothing to say. He’s not who he– I’ll rather not discuss him. Next question, please.

<font face=”inherit”>Me: We’re </font>actually<font face=”inherit”> at the end. Can you t</font>ell me your side of this whole conflict / story?

Glorivette: I was stupid enough to believe this man loved me. He toyed with my emotions, and now the bastard must pay for breaking my heart.

[Christopher Sequeira]

Christopher Sequeira’s Character Interviews

What I learned doing this assignment is……that when they use their own words to describe themselves characters talk min extremes, which is great for drama. And they illustrate their misconceptions as well as the things they are knowledgeable about.

LESSON 4: PROTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 1. Tell me about yourself. I’m Ned Kelly, 25-year-old fugitive from the police and soldiers; a man unjustly persecuted by the rotten state, all his life. I’ve seen the state terrorise me mother, sister, friends and brother, and friends. We are just poor, worthless slaves to them all. I won’t rest ’til I’ve made people understand I’ve had no choice becoming an outlaw. I’ll hurt no one who doesn’t threaten me or mine, but I’ll defend myself against those that do threaten my life or my family’s or that of me friends. Australia, my country, needs to change, there needs to be an uprising, I think that day is coming…

LESSON 4: PROTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 2. Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you? I was forced into it, by corrupt authorities and police. So, by God, I fight back.

LESSON 4: PROTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 3. You are up against <the Antagonist>. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you? The Major is the new head of a local force trying to bring me down, just another cruel and evil man, but he’s allied himself with an inhuman monster in the Comte. That creature is pure supernatural evil; sent from Hell. He must be stopped, I can’t stay in hiding and strike out, he’s forcing me to take more terrible actions. I may end up as big a monster as he is in finishing, him, though.

LESSON 4: PROTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 4. In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult? Secrecy and the ability to disappear have driven police mad in trying to deal with me over many months, and the support of townspeople has kept me well supplied. But now, the game is changed. A black plague of magical evil sweeps forth, and if I don’t find a new way to fight then all those I love – all those who are just like me at heart, common men and women who just want fair treatment – they’ll all be doomed. I’ve never been scared for meself, but I don’t know how to fight this horror, and if I just charge at it and die in battle that won’t be good enough, because those that love me will all be slaughtered in the wake of my death. I’m going to have to get help from somewhere I never have before, fight in ways I never have before…

LESSON 4: PROTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 5. What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of? I have been the master of the lightning strike, the secret attack, leading a closely-knit gang of do-or-die fellow outlaws with zero to lose who chose this life. But this new war the Comte forces me into, both with its horrible weapons of dark magic and his evil, monstrous assistants, these are new things I must now fight. But I’ve always believed God is on my aide even if the law was not, so…

LESSON 4: PROTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 6. What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back? Fear of my family being hurt. Fear of my friends being brutalised. Care I am not captured so that they cannot torture me.

LESSON 4: PROTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 7. What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist? Riding, fighting, planning, deceiving, hiding, living rough in the bush, bank-robbing, using a secret network, shooting, roping, swimming, leading men.

LESSON 4: PROTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 8. What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know? That I’m scared and I never wanted to be this sort of leader; I really only want my fate at risk, now I’ve doomed my family and friends – especially the woman I love and my younger brother – and maybe all humanity if the Comte’s monsters overrun my town, for, what if they can’t be stopped?

LESSON 4: PROTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 9. What do you think of <the Antagonist>? At first that he’s an inhuman minster, but there’s something more terrifying I’m learning; that he was once just like me…perhaps he still is…

LESSON 4: PROTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 10. Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. Men like me are almost born to the whims of the police trying to persecute us, and so I became a thief and outlaw. It is in some ways wrong to steal and terrify, so I pick my victims well; those that deserve it.

LESSON 4: PROTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 11. What does it do for your life if you succeed here? It will change my family’s view of me and their own fates and it will send a message to people that cruel oppression will not keep honest men down.

LESSON 4: PROTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 12. Ask any other questions about their character profile that will help you. Why do you love Mei? Because she is even a greater victim of injustice than I am. She is, in her own way, even a greater outcast and fugitive than I am. And she is a greater warrior and strategist. She has one skill I don’t have; control of her white-hot passions and temper.

LESSON 4: ANTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 1. Tell me about yourself. I am of an old family of rulers and warlords, but from a culture extinct. I made a terrible choice and God Himself betrayed me and it’s his fault I am cursed with eternal life, satanic hungers and dark powers – and he shall pay!

LESSON 4: ANTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 2. Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses? Natural forces and elements weaken me; but I laugh at man-made weapons. Selflessness is a way to hold me at bay, but men do not understand that, greed and rage motivates most of them in battle. Men are but cattle to me.

LESSON 4: ANTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 3. Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change? Kelly’s defeat will return me the sacred object that will enable me to kill God, and have my revenge.

LESSON 4: ANTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 4. What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition? The means to kill God and end my existence.

LESSON 4: ANTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 5. What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death? I have naught to live for, and my savage, inhuman hungers for death bring me pain if not slated.

LESSON 4: ANTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 6. What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity? Kelly reminds me of…me. His relationship with his younger brother so mirrors that of mine, centuries ago with my own lost brother.

LESSON 4: ANTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 7. Compared to other people like you, what makes you special? There is no one like you. I will end God.

LESSON 4: ANTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 8. What do you think of <the Protagonist>? Kelly is a wily, courageous leader of men. But he’s young and doesn’t realise his greatest vulnerability; those he loves. He will be a great test, but he will fall on the mountain of my enemies’ corpses.

LESSON 4: ANTAGONIST INTERVIEW: 9. Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. I am the victim of my ancient pride and God’s hubris. But I will win, because God is a cruel and capricious creature, who should serve man, not torture him. I will extinguish him!

[Charles Modlin]

Charles Modlin, MD, MBA June 12, 2021

Protagonists and Antagonists Character Interviews

Protagonist Dr. Phillip Morgan Interview

Tell me about yourself.

I am a 33-year-old African American physician and surgeon, the first doctor in the family. I completed a residency in emergency medicine and also a general surgical residency. I grew up in the inner city of the southside of the Chicago and my family struggled to make ends meet. I am the only male and the oldest of 5 children in the family. Of my four sisters, only one is pursuing a college education and I am helping financially put her through State College. I witnessed a lot of pain and suffering growing up and that includes the fact that many black people from my neighborhood were impoverished and lacked health insurance and often went without proper health care. I am very dedicated to using my education and the opportunities I have received in life in becoming a doctor to give back to the community and to do whatever I can to ensure that everyone is provided dignity and fairness in the quality of care they receive.

Why do you think you were
called to this journey? Why you?

I believe I am on this journey because I was brought up by my parents to respect all lives and to understand that health care is a human right that everyone deserves. One poignant reason also as to why I have now assumed the role of patient advocate and protector of hospitalized patients is because my own beloved father, at the age of 65, who was hospitalized for an elective surgical procedure, never came out of the hospital alive and his doctors did not adequately explain to us, his family, what happened and why he suddenly and unexpectedly died. Following his untimely death, the doctors came to us and told us that my father had signed up to be an organ donor and that time was of the essence that they rush his body to the operating room so that they could harvest his organs. We had never heard my father mention anything about being a registered organ donor. Knowing now what I do know that is going on in these competing hospitals makes me suspicious as to why my father, a poor black man whom his doctors had said was a registered organ donor, died so suddenly and unexpectedly in the hospital.

You are up against the
Antagonists, Drs. Frank Shanis and Dr. Johnathan Skipper. What is it about
them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?

The antagonists are both CEOs of their respective hospitals, Dr. Shanis being the CEO of General Hospital where I work. Both men are very powerful in their CEO positions and rule using fear and intimidation tactics. Both are laser focused on elevating the reputations of their respective hospitals and both are enemies of one another and extremely competitive with one another to achieve a both a local and national hospital ranking higher than the other’s hospital. In my opinion, but are void of ethics and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals, which makes it very difficult for me to always be able to prevent them from intentionally harming patients. Both men garner the respect of law enforcement authorities and elected officials and from powerful influential people from the community and both men have very deep connections and networks of people who are eager to do their dirty work to please them. I despise beasts like this. At times, the stress and pressures I have placed upon my shoulders to function in the role as the physician hero in my hospital is sometimes too much for me to handle and I sometimes therefore do self-medicate with alcohol and/or cocaine, both back addictive habits that I picked up while in medical school attempting to hang out with the cool crowd of wealthy medical school classmates. I should have never started these bad habits which now at times overtake my life, further complicating what it is I need to do.

In order to survive or
accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box.
What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most
difficult?

In order to be the hero and thwart the actions of the antagonists, I am going to have to step out of my introvert personality in order to be more assertive and to develop the reputation of being a great doctor and a leader that my physician colleagues and other health providers will respect. I will have to develop a network of trustworthy physicians and health providers and hospital employees whom I can call upon to assist me in my efforts to prevent the antagonists from harming patients in our hospital as well as those recently discharged from the hospital. Being a black man who has been the recipient of racial discrimination growing up and even now as a physician, sometimes by my own patients who look at me and through their body language and reactions when they first see that me, their doctor is black, and who, at times, even verbalize that they don’t want to be treated by a black doctor, it is sometimes difficult for me to force myself the remember that I need to also work to serve as their physician protector again the evil actions of the antagonists.

What habits or ways of thinking
do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?

The habits or ways of thinking that I believe may be the most difficult for me to let go are the feelings that I still, albeit now rarely, have regarding my capabilities in always providing the best of care to my patients, the fear of making mistakes in treating patients. Also, as I stated, my disdain and disgust of racist people and patients, makes it difficult for me to also function in the role as protector of them from the ravages of the hospital CEOs.

What fears, insecurities and
wounds have held you back?

As mentioned, my father, I believe, died under suspicious circumstances in General Hospital, and no explanation was really ever given to us. This though has served as a major wound to my very soul and spirit and has angered me immensely. I sometimes am therefore fearful that due to my disdain of these people that I might not give it my all to prevent harm from racist patients.

What skills, background or
expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?

Growing up black in American from the southside of Chicago and being raised the way I was, I am a survivor. I have developed a strong characteristic of resiliency that allows me the ability to move forward toward my goals for the most part. The antagonists do not precisely know the identity of me or Dr. McAllister, the Protagonists, who are working to interrupt and thwart their evil deeds. If they knew our identities, they would fire both of us for no reason at all. Our protagonist heroism is enhanced because the antagonists don’t know of our identities, but they also are not truly even aware that we are on to and are aware of their malicious activities.

What are you hiding from the
other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

I don’t want others to become aware of my drug and alcohol substance abuse or that at times I am not at peace with myself and unsure of myself as a physician.

What do you think of <the
Antagonist>?

I believe that both antagonists are the scum of the earth and that they should be arrested or worse and have to pay for their malicious actions.

Tell me your side of this whole
conflict / story.

The conflict at hand exists because two hospital CEOs from competing hospitals have resorted to intentionally and purposely inflecting harm onto patients as a means of lowering their competitors hospital rankings by causing worse patient outcomes when measured.

What does it do for your life
is you succeed here?

To succeed for me means that I have upheld the Hippocratic Oath which I have taken and that I have done everything in my power to help prevent harm to patients at the hands or direction of these corrupt CEOs.

Ask any other questions about
their character profile that will help you.

Protagonist, Dr. Quinn McAllister Interview

Tell me about yourself.

I am a young physician fresh out of my ICU subspecialty fellowship. My residency was in internal medicine. I have initially aspired to have a career as a surgeon but I did not have the drive to undergo the rigors of a general surgery residency. As a new staff physician, I do have some insecurities in my responsibilities to now be in charge of providing care of my patients and have the lives of patients in my hands. I am obedient and subservient to my physician superiors and follow the chain of command. I consider myself to be a highly ethical person, but I admit that as a new physician staff, I have not yet developed my voice and courage to speak up and question the care of some of the patients that I have observed under the direction of other physicians. I often fear it is not my place to question their care of patients.

I grew up in an upper middle-class family and I am the youngest of four siblings in the field of medicine. Both of my parents are physicians who practice in a different state from where I practice medicine. I am an agnostic.

I am ambitious to succeed as a physician and provide the best in care to my patients. I am aware that I need to get out of my comfort zone of timidity and passivity to becoming strong and staunch patient advocates who will stop at nothing to save the lives of patients by thwarting the malicious actions of the CEOs of my hospital, HOPE Hospital and General Hospital. My colleague and friend whom I attended medical school with, Dr. Philip Morgan and I have become aware of the nefarious activities in which both CEOs are engaged, but neither one of the CEOs are aware that we are aware of their nefarious actions that result in the harm and even death of patients. Our own careers and lives are in jeopardy if they ever find out that we are on to them. We have reported to the authorities of suspicious activities at our respective hospitals to no avail, so much of what we must do is in our own hands and also in the hands of loyal associates we have at our respective hospitals. We operate in the shadows unknown to the hospital CEOs that we are physician protagonists in this story and the CEOs are also unaware of the fact that we are their antagonists in this story. We are in a very difficult, precarious and dangerous situation.

Why do you think you were
called to this journey? Why you?

Dr. Morgan and I are both dedicated to helping people, our patients and serving the community, as we took an oath, the Hippocratic Oath, to do so. I personally, also, was called to this journey as a way to live up to the expectations of my parents, both of whom are successful physicians.

You are up against <the
Antagonist>. What is it about them that makes this journey even more
difficult for you?

Both antagonists I consider disgraceful and despicable for what they are doing and have done to harm and even kill patients to achieve their own greedy goals.

My other antagonist is the mother to my illegitimate child who harasses me for financial and paternal support and who makes life difficult for me.

In order to survive or
accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box.
What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most
difficult?

I will take steps to improve my courage and resolve to step out of my comfort zone and become more assertive as a physician and leader. Most difficult for me in surviving and accomplishing my goal to thwart the actions of both of these CEOs is to do so in the shadows without having the ability to confront them openly; for, as I said, if either or both CEOs were aware I and Dr. Morgan were on to them, out of their retaliation, our careers and even our very lives (and our families) would be in jeopardy.

What habits or ways of thinking
do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?

I have to let go of many of the insecurities and uncertainties in my abilities as a physician.

What fears, insecurities and
wounds have held you back?

Insecurities and uncertainties of my abilities as a physician have held me back, and in general growing up, my fears of not being able to live up to my parents expectations have held me back.

What skills, background or
expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?

My strong ethics and resolve to protect patients and communities will ultimately allow me to be well-suited to face this conflict with the CEOs who are my antagonists and the love for my illegitimate daughter will also serve to further motivate me to achieve my goals.

Another motivating fact that keeps me resolved to be the protector of patients is the fact that when I was a young intern, I believe that my inexperience as a physician actually resulted in the death of a patient, who was a young child. This realization is a lasting memory that has been seared into my daily consciousness that haunts me.

What are you hiding from the
other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

I am hiding from others that I do doubt my own abilities and I hide from others the personal struggles of what I am going through. I also am hiding the fact that when I was a young intern that I believe I was responsible for the death of one of my patients, who was a young child. This is a lasting memory that has been seared into my daily consciousness that haunts me.

.

What do you think of <the
Antagonist>?

The antagonists are despicable and deplorable. Both antagonists I consider disgraceful and despicable for what they are doing and have done to harm and even kill patients to achieve their own greedy goals.

My other antagonist, the mother to my illegitimate child, who harasses me for financial and paternal support and who makes life difficult for me, I have a great deal of disdain for and hatred.

Tell me your side of this whole
conflict / story.

I have detailed my responses to this question in my answers above.

What does it do for your life
is you succeed here?

To succeed in my mission will provide me a certain piece of mind, (I am afraid nothing will completely provide me piece of mind) for being responsible for the death of that young child when I was an intern, as well as help me live up to the expectations of my physician parents. Becoming a successful well-respected physician will also best position me financially to be able to be the father to my child that I wish to become.

Ask any other questions about
their character profile that will help you.

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Antagonist: CEO, Dr. Frank Shanis Interview

1. Tell me about yourself.

I am an extremely hard-working CEO of a major U.S. Hospital, General Hospital, here in Chicago, that has over the past 5 years been ranking the number 2 hospital in the nation. I have been CEO of this hospital for the past 10 years. Before I was CEO of General Hospital, the hospital was not even ranked in the top 20. I am an excellent leader of people. I attended one of the top colleges and medical schools in the nation and I come from a family of generations of physicians and other professionals and leaders, including elected officials. My grandfather was a U.S. senator and my great grandfather was mayor of Chicago.

2. Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

In my journey to maintain my hospital as a top ranked hospital and ultimately to move up into the number 1 spot, my strengths are my steadfast resolve to achieve this goal, my leadership skills, my abilities to identify individuals dedicated to serving under my leadership and who follow my guidance explicitly, individuals who share my passions to achieve the number 1 status of our hospital. I am exceedingly ambitious. My strength is also my family lineage and the connections I have from the successes and wealth generation of many generations of my family.

3. Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change.

The protagonists, as I see it, are both HOPE Hospital, which is our major competitor here in Chicago and which is nationally ranked number 5, and HOPE Hospital’s CEO, Dr. Johnathan Skipper. Dr. Skipper has been CEO of HOPE Hospital for the past 7 years, and prior to him becoming CEO, HOPE Hospital was ranked #2 in the nation, higher that my hospital. With him at the helm, his hospital ranking and reputation is rapidly falling and his board of directors are not happy about that and as I hear it, they are starting to question if he is the right leader of HOPE Hospital. Dr. Skipper and I have met many times and I personally don’t like him very much but I let on to him that he can turn to me for advice, guidance and mentorship if he so desires. He has approached me on several occasions to provide him such mentorship, guidance and advice regarding his leadership. I personally don’t consider him much competition with me and I am not impressed with his professional look, educational background or his charisma. I personally believe that he has a weak personality and I have picked up on the fact that Dr. Skipper has a low-self-esteem and that he is very uncertain of his leadership capabilities. Since Dr. Skipper is the CEO of HOPE Hospital, which is my hospital’s major competitor in our city and also a nationally ranked hospital, it is in my best interest and that my hospital, General Hospital, that Dr. Skipper fail in leading his hospital. However, I do not wish Dr. Skipper to be fired from his CEO position, because I worry that the HOPE Hospital board of directors would replace him with a more competent CEO who would then position HOPE Hospital to become more competitive with General Hospital. I, therefore, have to be very measured, calculated and strategic and both assist, to a certain extent, Dr. Skipper in his leadership, while at the same time take steps to undermine his abilities to lead HOPE Hospital’s ability to rise in its national rankings and to prevent it from becoming more competitive with General Hospital. I have to do enough to help Dr. Skipper maintain his job, which means I have to assist him in preventing his hospital’s ranking from falling further in the national ranking, while at the same time undermine him and his hospital’s ability to rise and rank higher than General Hospital’s ranking. At the same time, concurrently, I have to work to maintain the competitive edge of my hospital and my leadership and I have to strive to achieve the number 1 national ranking for my hospital. Thus, I have a tough job on my hands.

4. What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?

I explained this above, but reiterate here.

Since Dr. Skipper is the CEO of HOPE Hospital, which is my hospital’s major competitor in our city and also a nationally ranked hospital, it is in my best interest and that my hospital, General Hospital, that Dr. Skipper fail in leading his hospital. However, I do not wish Dr. Skipper to be fired from his CEO position, because I worry that the HOPE Hospital board of directors would replace him with a more competent CEO who would then position HOPE Hospital to become more competitive with General Hospital. I, therefore, have to be very measured, calculated and strategic and both assist, to a certain extent, Dr. Skipper in his leadership, while at the same time take steps to undermine his abilities to lead HOPE Hospital’s ability to rise in its national rankings and to prevent it from becoming more competitive with General Hospital. One major way in which I have the ability to undermine Dr. Skipper and his hospital is in the fact that I have convinced Dr. Skipper to have 100% trust and confidence in my sincerity to help him and to mentor him. This has allowed me to have Dr. Skipper provide me with inside information pertaining to his hospitals sensitive and confidential strategic goals and to have become aware of what are some of the weaknesses of his hospital. Given also my family connections and my connections, I do personally know several of the board of directors of his hospital and several leaders on his executive team and other employees of his hospital. I must note also that I have explicitly made Dr. Skipper understand that the mentorship relation I have with him must be kept strictly confidential because I explained to him that his board and others would find it a conflict of interests for me to provide such mentorship to him. Yes, I am very persuasive and convincing and charismatic.

I have to do enough to help Dr. Skipper maintain his job, which means I have to assist him in preventing his hospital’s ranking from falling further in the national ranking, while at the same time undermine him and his hospital’s ability to rise and rank higher than General Hospital’s ranking. At the same time, concurrently, I have to work to maintain the competitive edge of my hospital and my leadership and I have to strive to achieve the number 1 national ranking for my hospital. Thus, I have a tough job on my hands.

5. What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?

I am primarily driven toward my mission because I have responsibilities to live up to the expectations of my illustrious family history. I do have aspirations of perhaps someday, maybe five years from now, of running for mayor of the City of Chicago, or even perhaps becoming a US Senator, and who knows, maybe I will even run to become the president of the United States. As I said, I am exceedingly ambitious and I will stop at nothing to achieve my goals in life and to uphold the generations of successes and wealth in my family lineage. I do also savor the adrenaline rush that comes with being a very powerful man, and I enjoy the many fringe benefits that I derive from being in this position of power.

I have to do enough to help Dr. Skipper maintain his job, which means I have to assist him in preventing his hospital’s ranking from falling further in the national ranking, while at the same time undermine him and his hospital’s ability to rise and rank higher than General Hospital’s ranking. At the same time, concurrently, I have to work to maintain the competitive edge of my hospital and my leadership and I have to strive to achieve the number 1 national ranking for my hospital. Thus, I have a tough job on my hands.

6. What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?

As I cited above, I told my competitor CEO Dr. Skipper that he must maintain strict confidentiality about my serving as his mentor, advisor and coach. This secret is essential in order for me to succeed in my abilities to undermine his leadership and his hospital’s competitiveness with my hospital. I have several other secrets that I keep out of the public eye, secrets that if disclosed would destroy the other aspirations I have for additional power, fame and fortune but also would result in my being fired from my current hospital CEO position.

7. Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?

I am a strong and ambitious person and an excellent communicator, smooth talker, very charismatic and I possess the abilities to garner the trust of those whom I wish, for the most part. This allows me to get others to open up, let down their guard and therefore provide me details of their inner most secrets and their ambitions. This allows me to then use this information to my own advantage. Even though I am a very intelligent, competent and successful leader who was educated at one of the nation’s top universities, which is right here in Chicago, I do realize, internally to myself, that I have benefited from the successes and wealth amassed by generations of my family, and there is nothing wrong with this. What also makes me special, in my eyes, is that “the end justifies the means.” To me, this is justification that if I have to hurt or harm others in order to achieve my goals, it is justified, and my conscience will remain free and not guilty. I see people who let their emotions get in the way of achieving their goals as weak individuals. Given the trust that Dr. Skipper has placed in my, he has confided in me what are some of his weaknesses, one being his substance abuse, of which most people are unaware. I am able to use this insider information that I have about Dr. Skipper’s personal life struggles and secrets to my advantage.

I have some people whom I see as antagonists to me. Some are people whom I know covet my CEO position and some are enemies of my families aristocracy, some are individuals within my personal life.

8. What do you think of <the Protagonist>?

As I indicated above, I personally feel that my main protagonist is CEO Dr. Johnathan Skipper, as well as his HOPE Hospital as a whole, which is my hospital’s major competitor locally in Chicago. I actually do internally have a great deal of respect for the doctors, health providers and employees of HOPE Hospital as a whole as well as HOPE Hospital’s overall mission and history. HOPE Hospital has a track record, a much longer history, of being more attentive to communities of color and I do find this laudable. As far as CEO Dr. Skipper, as I have enumerated above, I think very little of Dr. Skipper as both a man and also as a CEO leader. I believe him to be a very weak individual with a rather unimpressive background. I really do not know how he rose to the level of being CEO in the first place. He must have some hidden connections that I am not aware of that helped him ascend to his current CEO position. One of my objectives is to find out who is behind the scenes helping prop him up.

9. Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.

Please read the answers to the above questions, as I have provided detailed explanations as to what drives me, what is my motivation and my personal aspirations, all of which explain my side of this entire conflict/story. To be CEO of the nation’s #2 nationally ranking hospital is very stressful and to maintain this position takes strategy and injecting hurt, harm or pain upon others to maintain my position, to me, is inbounds.

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Antagonist: CEO, Dr. Johnathan Skipper Interview

1. Tell me about yourself.

My name is CEO, Dr. Johnathan Skipper. I am CEO of HOPE Hospital, which is currently the number 5 ranked hospital in the entire nation. I have been CEO for 7-years. I have overcome several obstacles in my life, one being that I come from a long lineage of physicians in the family and I have had big shoe to fill, in that both my parents are physicians and they have both excelled in their medical careers. I sometimes struggled in school and at times my parents doubted that I would be a success in life. Also, while in residency, I fathered an illegitimate male child with a woman I did not really know. I did initially deny that the child was mine but paternity testing did confirm the child to be my own and I have grown to love the child but I have not always had the time necessary to spend with him. His mother is very manipulative of my personal financial resources and is often undermining me and putting negative things in to my son’s head about me.

As far as my job as a CEO and physician, I pivoted positions from being a practicing internal medicine physician to becoming a full-time administrative CEO. To be honest, I was not really comfortable taking care of patients or practicing medicine. I did not feel I related to the patients and I wasn’t the greatest communicator with my patients and I wasn’t really interested in keeping up with the medical literature and continuing medical education. I therefore enrolled in an executive MBA program to gain insight into the business side of health care and it was in business school that I met a very special professor who herself had aspirations of becoming a physician but was not able to get into medical school. She took me under her wing and has seen provided me a certain amount of mentorship, but given that her knowledge of medicine is limited to the financial business aspects for medicine, hospital economics, and based upon the fact that she has been in academic her entire career and not worked in a hospital or dealt with a hospital board of directors, her ability to mentor me is not comprehensive. I nevertheless value her mentorship and advice for me because I confess, privately here, that often I often myself lack self-confidence in my abilities to lead and I often let my personal limitations and vices interfere with my decision making and my forward progress. Not many people are aware that I am a binge alcoholic as I resort to alcohol when the stress of work and my person life interferes with my ability to cope. I do sometimes attend a very confidential group of Alcoholics Anonymous which consists of people all of whom confidentiality of their participation is of the utmost importance.

Speaking on the subject of mentorship, I feel very fortunate to have found a friend and important mentor, Dr. Frank Santis, who is the CEO of General Hospital, which is a very competitive hospital located here in Chicago, and is ranked #2 in the nation. My hospital is currently ranked #5 in the nation. The fact that CEO Dr. Santis would be willing to mentor me, the CEO of a competitor hospital, is sometime puzzling to me but as Dr. Santis explained, our mentor-mentee relationship must be keep strictly confidential because we both understand that the boards of directors, and others, from each of our hospital might consider this a conflict of interests to both of our institutions.

I am ambitious, more so than many may appreciate, and what troubles me is that since I became CEO our hospital’s national ranking has gone down from #2 to #7 and many of my board of directors are starting to be concerned regarding my leadership capabilities and I have heard chatter that my job as CEO may be in jeopardy. I therefore have, in my eyes, been forced to resort to what I know is unethical activity in order to maintain my job as CEO and to prevent the national ranking of my hospital from falling any further.

2. Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

As I mentioned above, my strengths are that I am ambitious and that I both my parents are successful physicians. My strengths are, as I see them, that I have two important mentors, one being my business college health economics professor and the other being CEO of General Hospital, Dr. Frank Santis.

My weaknesses are that I often doubt my own abilities and have insecurities and that in my personal life there is turmoil in that I have a young child with a woman whom I hardly know who makes life difficult for me financially as well as emotionally. I also, as I discussed above, am an alcoholic and that I have associated with people with criminal backgrounds as a way to earn extra money to help provide financially for my child and to live the lifestyle I wish to live and to pay off certain individuals to participate in my strategy to better compete with the higher ranked General Hospital.

3. Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?

In my viewpoint, the Protagonist in this story are the doctors, health providers and employees of my competitor hospital, General Hospital, as well as my mentor, General Hospital’s CEO Dr. Frank Santis. Ironically, both General Hospital and Dr. Santis I also consider to be at the same time my protagonists, because, again, they are the reasons as to why my leadership as CEO of HOPE Hospital is being taken into question, as General Hospital’s local and national rankings have surpassed those of my own since I have been CEO at HOPE Hospital. So, yes, ironically, my major antagonist is one of the very people who has gone the extra mile, out of his way, to mentor me, General Hospital CEO Dr. Frank Santis. I am conflicted internally that I would backstab Dr. Santis in the ways I have, since he is taking the time to mentor me when it is really not in his best interests (we are CEOs at competing hospitals), and because I trust him completely. Again, General Hospital itself I consider to be the protagonist in this story as well as my antagonist.

I am committed to make both Dr. Santis as well as General Hospital fail so that my leadership as CEO of HOPE Hospital will be more well-respected and so HOPE Hospital’s local and national ranking will rise above General Hospital’s national ranking and reputation. I am also committed to achieve my goals for financial purposes, to make my parents proud of me. Also, one of my goals is to also ultimately assume complete guardianship of my son from his birthmother, whom is addicted to alcohol and drugs and is engaged in prostitution and blackmail against me.

4. What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?

I have answered this in my narratives above.

I am driven to maintain my job as CEO and perhaps ultimately even becoming CEO of General Hospital, which is a larger, better funded hospital with a better mix of paying clients.

5. What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?

I have answered this in my narratives above. I am driven to maintain my job as CEO and perhaps ultimately even becoming CEO of General Hospital, which is a larger, better funded hospital with a better mix of paying clients.

6. What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?

I must keep many secrets. One being that while I am being mentored by CEO Dr. Frank Shanis, I am also at the same time serving to attempt to undermine him and the reputation of his hospital. Another secret I must keep is that I am an alcoholic and I must keep secret the dynamics of my relationship with the mother of my illegitimate child. I must keep secret of the illegal activities in which I have engaged and the partnerships with criminals with whom I have developed associations.

7. Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?

I am not entirely certain that I am special, except for the fact that I consider the successes I have achieved in becoming a physician and CEO far exceed my true talents and skillsets compared to many other more deserving individuals. I do suffer from what is called imposter syndrome.

8. What do you think of <the Protagonist>?

As I said, to me CEO Dr. Frank Shanis is both the protagonist as well as my antagonist, as is success of General Hospital itself and those working there.

I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Dr. Shanis, who in my eyes walks on water and is very ethical and moral and a well-respected community leaders. I also have a great respect for the doctors, nurses, health providers and employees of General Hospital, for they really do provide the best in care for the patients they serve.

9. Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.

I have explained this in detail in the answers I have provided above in this interview.

[James Clark]

INTERVIEWING MY PROTAGONIST

James E. Clark Character Interviews

What I learned from the assignment: Using stream of consciousness allows my brain to freely root out information about my character that I was unaware of previously. A very freeing experience.

1. Tell me about yourself.

a. I’m the most fortunate gal in the world. Enlisted in the Navy at 17. Never knew my parents and I grew up in a horrible orphanage. Navy has given me stability, education, opportunities galore. Twenty three years later, I’m a Sr. Chief over 200 Sailors in a SeaBee unit. I know! Me construction? Five foot nothin’ and 100#. But I’m darned good at what I do! With the exception of Jesus Christ, the Navy has been my life, my love and my home for 23 years. Yeah, I’m a Bible believing Christian. In Boot Camp my Sr. NCO gave me two books to read – The Late Great Planet Earth and Mere Christianity. When I returned them to her she asked me what I thought. I had written down about 20 questions. So I hit her up and she answered each and every one. She led me to Christ and I was baptized by the Chaplain. I’ve lived, up ‘til now, a very wonderful life.

2. Until Now?

a. I want to stay in the Navy, make Master Chief and complete 30 years. However, I’m dying. It’s time for me to enter a new chapter in my life. So I’m really looking forward to the time I have left to enjoy God and the life He has given me.

3. Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?

a. Our days on Earth are numbered by God. He has a plan for us from birth to death. In my life he has given me the opportunity to develop construction skills that I can use to help others. Now I’m going to have the time to do that – help others. The Navy taught me that “service” is an example of love and loving my country is honorable. Christ taught me to love others as I love myself. So, I want to somehow use my training to help others and I want to see as much of America that I can until I no longer can.

4. In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?

a. Navy life is highly structured. I apply that structure to my faith life as well. The benefit to that is that I know what to expect of myself daily. If I’m going to transition to civilian life and travel on my own, I’m going to have to learn to trust my planning and leadership training in a new environment. I’ll be on my own. I know I’ll be safe because I’m a 3^rd degree Black Belt in Tai Kwon Do and I’m skilled with firearms. But, the thing that scares me the most is meeting new people and having to develop new relationships. I’ve worked with the same people for over twenty years.

5. What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go?

a. Navy life is very structured. I have always know what I was going to do, where I was going to do it, why I was going to do it, when I was going to do it and how I was going to do it. Now I’m going to have the freedom to go when I want, be where I want, do what I want and how I want. That’s going to take some getting used to.

6. What fears, insecurities and wounds have you held back?

a. As an orphan, I have felt abandoned causing me to not want to have a family. There was a guy in my life for awhile. Great Christian and one tough Sailor – SEAL. But I chased him off because I was afraid of not being able to live up to the concept of the ideal wife.

7. What skills, background or expertise makes you well suited to face this conflict or antagonist?

a. My Antagonist is – time. My conflict is that I’m going to die much sooner than I have anticipated. Military leadership skills have taught me to face tough situations with calmness, thoughtfulness and rapid decision making. So, I think I can transition into this new season with dignity. That doesn’t mean I won’t grieve for what I am losing – I will. But it means I will handle it in a dignified manner. As to my skills, I can do anything regarding construction; from operating large heavy equipment to finish carpentry, plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, HVAC, landscaping and maintenance. Those are what I hope to use to help others as I travel down this new road.

8. What are you hiding from other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

a. My fear of being on my own. My fear of meeting new people. My internal grief.

9. What do you think of your Antagonist – Time?

a. There is a season for everything; a time to plant – a time to reap; a time to live – a time to die. My season for living is coming to an end. I cannot stop it and from a Christian perspective I don’t want to stop it. God’s timing for my life is His prerogative. Yet, even though I know what my end result will be, I sometimes have questions about my transition between earth and heaven.

10. Tell me your side of this conflict/story.

a. I’m going to travel. I’m going to see the 35 states I’ve never been to. On my journey I’m going to help out where and when I can, using my skills and training.

11. What does it do for your life if you succeed here?

a. I will have been in all fifty states and I will have a legacy of helping others and honoring God.

12. Other Questions

[Robert Smith]

ure. I think of it as reaching within me. If I thought about it, I’d fail. Don’t think just go with your instinct. Q: What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of? A:” Well, my friend, Boots Barton pointed out to me that when you get me on a tennis court or at a Chess board, my killer instinct kicks in. The baggage goes away. Q: What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?

A: I have always had a lack of confidence in myself. Except for when I am on the Tennis Court and at the Chess Board.

Ql What skills,
background or expertise makes you well-suited to face the Toreph?

A: The Chess Board and the Tennis Court.

Q: What are you
hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

A: I don’t want them to know that the gold platelet with the name of “Azazel” on it is the key to animating the skull, because Kendrick told me to keep it secret so as not to spook the others on the expedition.

What do you think of the Toreph?

A: I never thought much of the Biblical and Arabic mythology about such supernatural beings as Azazel. I grew an instant respect when I came in touch with the ‘otherness’ of the Toreph who is possessed by Azazel. He is a monster but if you show him fear he smells blood. As for the body of the man he possesses, the evil, Cushan the Doubly-Evil. There is a piece of me that sympathizes that he is possessed but I have to suppress that in order to save my friends.

Q: Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.

A: Well, I did what I had to do to save lives. When we removed the platelet and Azazel exited the skull, I felt relief because I thought we were in the clear before I realized that placing the skull in the sarcophagus would reunite Cushan’s body with his skull and possessed again by Azazel who reanimated Cushan and had his arms and legs for the movement he did not have when he possessed the skull alone.

Q: What does it do for your life if you succeed here?

A; The success of the expedition plus I marry Kaitlyn.

Q: Is there a chance that Azazel may return.

A: It’s why we are keeping the gold platelet away from the skull’s mouth. If it is reinserted into his mouth, it will be possessed by Azazel.

QUESTIONS FOR THE ANTAGONIST – THE TOREPH (AZAZEL)

Q: Tell me about yourself.

A: I am Azazel. My mission was to come to earth and spread deception and knowledge of weaponry.

Q: It looks like ‘mission accomplished.’ The world has gotten more violent and people more prone to deception.

A: Yes, so far, so good. When people created Teraphim, they thought spirits would speak through skulls but it was all deception that was spoken.

Q; In regard to the journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

A: My strength is the violence and destruction I can wreak and my weakness is still that once the gold platelet is removed from under the tongue of the mummified skull, my power ends and I must go someplace else to find a human dwelling I can possess for my purposes.

Q: Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail?

A; Because he knows how to pull the platelet from under the tongue of the mummified skull and that would neutralize me. So does Dr. Kendrick, who is a person of great knowledge.

Q: What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?

A: I retain my power and can wreak further violence and deception.

Q: What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?

A: If I don’t use my powers I lose them.

Q: What secrets must you keep to succeed?

A: The secret of the power of the gold platelet to secure my survival. What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity? AND That when the skull is re-united to its body I can possess the entire corpse and reanimate it and now have movement.

Q: Compared to other entities like you, what makes you special?

A: I refused to bow to humanity as my superior and so I am condemned to this terrible

existence between two world of death and life. It makes me special because human

beings do not have the knowledge I possess.

Q: What do you think of Ned?

A: I admire his boldness but I know his weakness is his self-deprecation.

Q: Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.

A: I must retain the power base of possessing the mummified skull. Naturally, I would fight for it. They thought they had defeated me but I possessed the whole body of Cushan Rishathaim. I could have survived by humans, i..e., Ned got advantage over me and killed the risen Cushan. But it still means that I am not destroyed.

[Christi Falk]

Christi’s Character Interviews

This was very helpful as I was able to decide on a killer. I see now how important that was to get straight from the outset. I also see that I haven’t gotten a reply about interaction/feedback on our posts so I’m guessing there won’t be any.

That’s okay, it’s still an incredibly valuable course. I’ll just continue to plod along on my own in a journal and post my insights here.

On deck is Day 5- I know it only has a protagonist/antagonist project but I’ve discovered I have two- mirror protagonists. I’m just going to make a timeline for both as I’m not sure what to do. I’m creating one for the detective-whom everyone agrees is the main character – as well as Bryce- the obviously innocent prime suspect. Still working on how that goes. I guess theoretically I could make timelines for all of them. Well, stay tuned!

[Leo Sopicki]

Leo’s Character Interviews

What I learned doing this assignment is that I really hadn’t completely developed the personalities of either my protagonist or antagonist. It was fun to do the interview, especially with the antagonist.

Martin Helfer – Protagonist

Tell me about yourself.

I’m just a guy trying to get bye. I love helping people. I guess that’s why I’m a handyman. I also like telling jokes and watching movies. I have been accused of being a pun-master. Could be.

Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?

Well, Nunu is a great lady. Funny and kind. I can’t imagine a better boss to work for. So, if she needs my help with something, I’m there.

You are up against Francis Mider. What is it about him that makes this journey even more difficult for you?

He is Nunu’s stepson, so I sometimes feel like I am caught in the middle. Also, he is a successful businessman. I see him doing commercials on TV for his car dealership. That’s something I can’t imagine me ever doing. He seems to dislike me, but I’m not sure. He seems to dislike everybody. He does kind of scare me.

In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?

I guess I need to overcome my feeling sorry for myself. I mean, it wasn’t my fault that my Mom abandoned me. You just can’t call up a Hollywood star and say, “I’m your long lost son, who you didn’t want to begin with.” But, if you mean helping out around Mider Manor and my Dad’s shop, hey, I’m pretty good at that already. Maybe I’ll have to learn to do taxes or something. I am good at following instructions.

What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?

So, you’re like a counselor, huh. Do you mind if I call you Nurse Ratchet? Just kidding. Did I mention that I like movies? I will let go of my homesickness for the planet Krypton. Ha! No, wait. I will travel to the orient and learn martial arts because “I’m Handyman”. Get it?

What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?

Wow, you just stay so serious, Dude. Lighten up. It’s my mom, alright? Don’t you get it. Who gets rejected by their mother and doesn’t feel hurt for the rest of their life? I’m not being held back. I like what I’m doing, and people like me. Except for Francis, of course.

What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?

I build stuff. That’s why Nunu likes me. I make her life, with things from my Dad’s shop and from out of my head, much easier. Imagine being a fashion model, then being pushed down a flight of stairs and getting hurt so bad that you can hardly walk. I help her.

What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

Well, I really like Nunu’s maid, Peaches. She’s so cute and efficient. When I wake up and don’t feel like going into work, I think about seeing Peaches and that gets me going.

What do you think of Rolf?

The butler? He’s like a character from an old horror movie. Quiet. Mysterious. Some kind of accent. He worked for Nunu’s husband for years and seems to know stuff he’s not sharing. “I vant to tell you ver di botties are buried.”

Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.

I am here to help, and I will resist and fight anything that could harm Nunu. She’s like my pretend mom.

What does it do for your life is you succeed here?

Life is having a job to do. I like working here and I can’t imagine only taking care of my Dad’s shop. Success is fixing things and having a big screen TV.

Francis Mider – Antagonist

Tell me about yourself.

I am the owner/founder of Mider Motors. I restore cars that have been damaged in accidents and make them like new again. I am the rightful heir to the Mider Cigarette Company fortune. I get things done.

Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?

Justice needs to be served. My sister and I should be living in Mider Manor, not Nunu. I am going to find a way back in and create the world that my sister and I deserve.

You are up against Martin. What is it about him that makes this journey even more difficult for you?

Martin? Oh, you mean the handyman. He’s always around. Really annoying with his stupid puns and “funny” voices. Nunu seems to like him, so that’s a problem. When I get in charge, it’s unemployment for that worthless sack of shit.

In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?

I tend to be honest and direct and ask people to do what I want. You think selling used cars is easy? That’s not going to work with Nunu. I’ll need to tell her how much I miss her and how I want the family to be together again. (Rolls his eyes). I will have to learn to say what ever it takes to get this done.

What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?

I’m not letting go of anything. Why would I want to change? I’m awesome.

What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?

Duh. Being cheated out of a fortune kind of ruins your afternoon. I still don’t believe Dad wrote me out of his will. It must have been some kind of mistake or something Nunu did behind his back. If I’d been in charge, none of this smoking is bad for you stuff would have caught on. But, just in case, I’d have a line of Mider vaping pipes and tools.

What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?

Did you miss the part where I told you who I was? Get real.

What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

If Nunu dies in some kind of accident, I will be soooo sad. Boo-hoo, boo-hoo.

What do you think of Nunu?

She’s a whore. Twenty-year-old super model marries 60-year-old millionaire. True love, my ass.

Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.

Well, how fricking stupid are you. I want what is mine, that that bitch cheated me out of, and I will do anything to get it, dumb ass. I’m out of here.

[Marcus Armstrong]

Marc Armstrong’s Character Interviews

What I learned doing this assignment is the process of engaging in a conversation helps the information to flow organically. I am not sure if I am nearly deep enough yet, but this series of questions and their answers helps this feel like more of a story.

Protagonist: Brock Creed

Tell me about yourself, Brock.

I’m 42 and was born in Lodi, California. Before they were killed in a car accident when I was only 8 years old, my dad drove for Coca-Cola and my mom stayed home with my brother, sister and me, and sold Avon for some spending money. I am the oldest of the three kids. My sister Jayne is 39 and my brother Anthony is 35. He was just a baby when my parents died. We all three went to a foster home, but fortunately they kept us together. In Junior High, I had a sleepover at a friend’s house and we watched Top Gun. From that moment, I was hooked and knew I wanted to become a Naval Aviator. After graduating from OCS, however, I learned that my stigmatism was going to keep me out of a fighter jet and I didn’t want to fly anything else. So that is when I changed my goal to become a SEAL.

Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?

I am tenacious, like a bulldog, and don’t ever give up. To combat an entire institution such as the Communist Party of California requires unequaled fortitude. I have always been patriotic and believe, with my entire being, in the American dream of freedom.

In order to survive to accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?

I am going to have to learn to trust, and even depend on, others. I have always flown solo, partly because I am fiercely independent, but also to protect myself from getting hurt.

What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?

I have to learn how to treat others with respect and learn how to connect. Sometimes I come across too impatiently and direct. I have always been mission-focused instead of focusing on the people I am helping or who assist me. This is all I have known for most of my life.

What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?

My fears have never been about getting hurt or killed. My biggest fear is that I will fail in my mission to rescue as many Californians as I can.

What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?

I am deadly with my hands and even deadlier with a firearm. As a former SEAL, I am trained in covert operations, in operating stealthily, moving undetected. Fortunately, and unfortunately, I know the Communist leader, Gerard Keizer, as he and I went to the same boys’ school. We were friends and I even saved him from a potentially lethal bullying. But I do know how he thinks.

What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

I don’t want them to know what I just told you…that I know Gerard Keizer. I am afraid that should this get out, my credibility as a win-at-all-costs leader might be questioned. I also don’t want my personal tragedies to be known, such as the death of my parents at such a young age, being raised in a foster home and boys’ school, and my wife’s affair. I don’t want any sympathy. I just want to focus on the mission at hand.

What do you think of Gerard Keizer?

Gerard was a tall, lanky kid, who I met back at the boys’ school in Stockton. He was a bit of a free spirit, but for some reason, he must have shown weakness because he was frequently bullied, and maybe worse than that. I always felt like I needed to protect him. Fast-forward 25 years and I almost don’t recognize him. He is so liberal and arrogant, almost as if it is a coping mechanism for his childhood abuse. I get that people like that might have the need for control, but I personally think his attempt to control the entire state is a personal vendetta. And he sure is a good manipulator and smooth talker so he almost sneaks up on you and captures you.

Tell me your side of this whole conflict.

I am a freedom fighter. A patriot. A lover of America. Our country was founded to be a Republic, not subject to Communist rule. I can’t believe what has happened to California in a very short period of time. I just refuse to accept this as our final fate. When I was in the military, I was prepared to die to defend our freedoms, and this is no different.

What does it do for your life if you succeed here?

I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about the repercussions should we prevail. I suppose I would again have my freedom to live my life according to my terms. Of course, if everything was to be perfect, then I might not know what to do with myself. I was born to fight.

Other than personal gratification, is there anyone else important to you for whom you would be leading this fight?

Although I haven’t seen him for five years as he lives with his mother, my 17-year old son Tyson is my biggest motivation. I think his mother has affected him, because he refuses to talk to me when I call. I want nothing more than to give him a future that involves something other than a life of bondage.

Antagonist: Gerard Keizer

Tell me about yourself.

I was born in Seattle, but my parents moved to Fremont, California when I was 8. I’m 41 now. My parents had a very turbulent marriage and fought all the time. In fact, because of the constant yelling, I developed a nervous tic. When I was 14, I began to act out and my parents didn’t know how to handle it so they sent me over to Stockton to an all-boys’ school. I guess my nervous habits made me a target for ridicule and bullying, including one horrifying night where I was molested by one of the older students. I developed a thick skin and a calloused heart and resolved to never let anyone else control me again. In fact, I intend to not only control my life, but I aspire to control the entire state of California.

Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

Some say I am overly confident, perhaps even arrogant. I am not sure about that or if that is even a strength or a weakness, to be honest. I am also very smart, technically classified as a genius, but I never really spoke of that before. I have developed the ability to talk to anyone, to uplift them until they trust me and then to encourage them to do things for me. Some people say that I am manipulative. I like to call it resourceful. I believe that I am above reproach sometimes, but perhaps that is my biggest weakness, to not know where I might be vulnerable.

Why are you committed to making Brock Creed fail?

This is difficult for me. Brock came to my rescue back in high school when I was being abused by a group of boys. He saved me from them. If it wasn’t Brock, it would make it so much easier. I am committed to the cause. I have seen so many bad things done in the name of freedom, that I totally supported this large and swift movement to control the state of California. We have been called Communists, but I believe we are just saving the people from themselves. I truly believe this is the best course of action for the state and its citizens.

What do you get out of winning this fight?

Once the renegade faction is conquered, we can look forward to decades of state protection for Californians, where we won’t get hung up on social or economic classes, but where everyone contributes and shares in the resources. Most people don’t want the reckless feeling of being free. They want to be taken care of.

What drives you toward your mission, even in the face of danger, ruin or death?

I feel like I already died given all of the trauma from my childhood. So I am not afraid to die an earthly death and really feel as if I have nothing to lose. I believe wholeheartedly in this mission, that we are saving Californians from themselves.

What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear or insecurity?

I cannot afford for people to learn of my past relationship with Brock Creed. My credibility as the leader of the state would be in jeopardy. I also don’t want people to know how I was bullied, and even molested, as a child for the same reason.

Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?

As I said, I am very intelligent. I have this gift of retaining nearly everything I have learned over the years. I am also charismatic and people are naturally drawn to me.

What do you think of Brock Creed?

Brock is a very brave man, someone who fights for others. I respect the heck out of Brock, especially how he befriended me and came to my rescue back in high school. On the other hand, he is delusional when he thinks this country is better off as a Republic.

Tell me your side of this whole conflict.

Brock started this conflict. His choice in attempting to help Californians flee the state is really the impetus behind it. Things were going pretty great before that. We will contain Brock and his team and prevent him from succeeding, even if he must die in the process. I love Brock, but I am willing to kill him to keep the state under control.

[K-onna Mason]

K-onna’s Character Interviews

What I learned doing this assignment is…

I gained some ideas about my antagonist that will make him more believable and real.

I realized that my protagonist’s motivation is weak and needs to be adjusted somehow.

Updates to John

INTERNAL JOURNEY – deals with the guilt from a mistake he made;

WOUND – possibly he made a mistake at his work that got someone killed.

[Mary MacNeith]

What I learned doing this assignment is I found amazing tidbits of information that my characters told me. It was illuminating! I love this exercise, even though it took me a long time to get it done.

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST James

1. Tell me about yourself — I’m a musician, composer, and now a high school teacher, of which I’m scared to death to be in front of a bunch of teenagers wanting to learn, instead of them in an audience. I like order, cleanliness and being fashionable.

What type of music do you like and play? I’m trained in classical music. So what happened? Well, I quit Juilliard and toured with a band around the country. Then I went back and finished Juilliard.

Did your parents want you to stay in classical music? Yes, they were both in symphony’s where they met. I loved listening to them play, and wanted to do it too. But… I realized I didn’t want to be just like them.

2. Why do you think you were called to this journey? Wow, that’s a good question. Well, the basic reason is because I needed a job. A friend from my high school days told me of an opening to be a teacher. I got my credentials and here I am. Then, on the first day of school, I see this other new teacher, Marion. Now, I admit that I’m awkward around women. I stumble for words, and act stupid. I don’t know why. Yet when I saw Marion, it was like… the stars aligned. But I know I’m not good enough for her.

<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Why You? Why am I on this journey? Well, life takes us places we least expect. Maybe it’s because life is trying to teach me something. To do something that I’m totally afraid of doing, so I can learn that I’m capable of more than I think. And even more than that.

3. You are up against a fearless women. What is it about Marion that makes this journey even more difficult for you? When I first laid eyes on Marion after she came out of the faculty women’s restroom, it was like lightening struck. She had a piece of toilet paper on her shoe, but she just looks like Venus incarnate. A women like that, she’s out of my league.

<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What’s your league? Um, I guess those ladies are the ones who want to be with me because I’m a musician, and not because they care about who I am. And that’s been okay for me all these years, but, I don’t want that. I don’t want to have failed relationships. I’d like something genuine like my parents. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”> <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>How can I hook Marion into believing that I’m interested in her, when I’m terrified of her?

4. In order to survive or accomplish your goal of proposing to Marion, you are going to have to step way outside of your comfort zone/box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult? In order for me to propose marriage to Marion, wow, that’s going to be a huge no Box, out of the ballpark action plan. I’m going to need a new attitude about myself, a new way of dressing, behaving, and showing up. Being subtle and letting her know that I’m interested in her for life, and not scare the hell out of her either.

5. What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of? I think the most difficult habits or ways of thinking that I need to let go of is, 1) staying up late and sleeping in, 2) tell myself that I am worthy of being in a relationship, 3) my mom is not with me anymore, but she’s always in my heart and soul. <div>

<div>

6. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back? I don’t have much confidence when it comes to women. I tend to compare them to my mom, which might be a bad idea. I had a crush as a kid, and she let me down hard. Then at 13, my mom died from cancer. I’m afraid of falling in love, because I don’t want to have to loose someone I want to be with the rest of my life. So it’s easier not to want to try. S<i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>o, I’m really a guy who lacks confidence in a relationship, a perfectionist in music, and prefers peach to conflict.

<i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>7. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist? I’m a perfectionist when it comes to music, and some say that music is the language of the soul, right? Maybe music can tame the soul of Marion. The challenge is knowing what kind music she loves, and is passionate about.

8. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What are you hiding from the other characters? I’m hiding that I’m fearful of having a relationship with a woman. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What don’t you want them to know? I don’t want anyone to know that I lack confidence when it comes to women.

9. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What do you think of Marion? Marion reminds me of my mom. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”> My mom was filled with happiness, and fun. I’d say she was fearless. She would dress up as Wonder Woman every Halloween, and take me out trick-or-treating. Some of the other parents would stare at her awkwardly. But she didn’t care, she was having fun. We had fun. I can see that fun in Marion’s eyes, but it scares me because my mother died so young, and I’m afraid of connecting with Marion because I don’t want to — well, I don’t want her to have the same fate—, what I’m saying is. If I had a relationship with Marion, I would be in fear that something bad would happen to her like it did my mother.

10. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Tell me your side of this whole conflict/story. When I saw Marion, I felt that she was “the one”. It scared the crap out of me. She wasn’t watching where she was going, coming out of the ladies room with the TP stuck on her shoe, and she ran right into me, not looking where she was going and she said it was my fault. So my heart says I need to try and connect with her, but my head says stay away, Marion thinks you’re an idiot.

11. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What does it do for your life, if you succeed here? If I succeed in having a relationship with Marion, it wold be like the world turned upside down and there was a new version of ourselves in a life that matters, together.

</div></div>

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST James

1. Tell me about yourself. I’m a classical musician from Juilliard I like everything to be perfect. I hate when things aren’t inline just right.

2. Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses? My strengths are organizing, being fashionable and thrifty. I value family and music. My weaknesses are fear of relationships, not being worthy of a lady’s love, depression and being excessive.

3. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Why are you committed to making Marion change? I’m committed to making Marion change her thoughts of who I am at my core, because I know that she is “the one” for me.

4. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition? I would say that I’m not exactly taking Marion down. Instead I’m going to pick her up and propose marriage.

5. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin or death? What drives me to my mission is that even though Marion doesn’t think I’m the guy for her, I will do all that I can to show her that she is the one for me, even if it potentially kills me.

6. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What secrets must you keep to succeed? I’m taking her dad out on a date before her. Learning the bagpipes, because she likes them.

<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity? I’m terrified that she will say yes when I ask her out and when I propose.

7. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Compared to other people like you, what makes you special? I’m an only kid, from talented musical parents who loved each other very much. When I saw Marion, I knew that I might be able to have a similar loving relationship that my parents had.

8. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What do you think of Marion? She is reckless, fearless, spontaneous, has a big family, and I think she’s “the one”.

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”> Marion

1. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>T<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>ell me about yourself — I’m Marion MacDougall, and I was born in this town, where I teach drama. I competed at the Highland games when I was young. Then at nine years old, my dad got a job at a theatre in Scotland, so we had to move there. That was a culture shock, but an amazing place to be. I love the theatre and cinema, and I love sharing the skills of singing and acting. I still do Highland dancing and I also have my mother’s sixth sense.

2. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Why do you think you were called to this journey? I believe I was called on this journey, because of coming back to the U.S., I’m getting re-adjusted with the culture, and my family. Being in Scotland for so long, and coming back here is a huge shift physically and mentally. I’m also struggling to let go of a relationship that fell apart in Scotland. I didn’t realize how painful it is to have someone tell you they figured out they don’t love you, rather me, anymore. I have a huge scar that is still open there.

Why You? Why me? I need to “find myself” again. Moving back to America with a broken heart, I need to figure out what my life is supposed to be. Each step is progress, and I hope it’s a good journey to be on.

3. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>You are up against a fearless man. What is it about James that makes this journey even more difficult for you? The first time I saw James, I quickly glanced his way when I was coming out of the faculty ladies room. He was just staring at me. I didn’t know him, and I thought he looked like a deer in headlights. When I got to know him and how passionate he is about music, I told him I wanted to do the musical Brigadoon, with bagpipes. He was suggesting other productions that did not include bagpipes, as he doesn’t like that instrument. Well, of course that’s why my drama class is doing Brigadoon! There’s no reason why he can’t learn and appreciate that amazing and ancient instrument.

4.
In order to survive or accomplish your goal of getting James to wear a kilt, you are going to have to step way outside of your comfort zone/box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult? I’m going to need some backup, some support to get James to wear a kilt AND to play the bagpipes. I’m going to recruit my family, my students, and the wrestling coach, to get James into shape. Maybe even the hole school without James knowing. That would be crazy cool! <div>

5. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of? The habits and ways of thinking that I need to let go of, are knowing that one bad relationship doesn’t mean there won’t be a positive and long lasting one in my future. I can let go of being excessive with my needs of getting things done— going on extreme hikes, and needing to be fearless so I can feel alive.

6. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back? I’ve held back of letting go of the past, avoiding romantic relationships. Also being cynical and pretentious

7. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist? My expertise for the stage with visual storytelling with amazing music will work very well to face the creative and human challenges that James and I will encounter.

8. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know? I’m hiding from family and friends, the fact that I’m scared to engage in a romantic relationship. I don’t want to be burned again. It sucks. I hide my inner longing to have a loving relationship, because I don’t want any help in this arena. That happened before, never again.

Why? I push the idea of I’m too busy with work and don’t the time to date.

9. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What do you think of James? James is a fashionable guy, and thrifty and very contentious about doing Brigadoon for the school musical. I can tell he’s carrying around a deep pain inside. And, how can he hate the bagpipes? As a musician, he needs to understand how important the bagpipes are as an instrument, and how important they are to me.

10. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Tell me your side of this whole conflict/story. It started when we officially met for the first time at a staff meeting, and we were discussing the productions for the year; a play in the fall, and a musical in the spring. I said I wanted to do Brigadoon for the musical. James said no way. No bagpipes. That started it. <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What does he have against kilts bagpipes? Answer: James wore a Gunn tartan kilt to his mom’s funeral, and doesn’t want to ever wear one again.

11. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What does it do for your life, if you succeed here? If I can succeed in getting James to wear a kilt, then I can believe that I’m more than just a scared woman hoping for the right guy to come around. James doesn’t need to wear a kilt, but I believe he’ll be empowered if he does, and that empowerment will rub off on me too.

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST Marion

1. Tell me about yourself. I’m a lover of the theatre and of Highland Games too. I’m serious about drama, and comedy, music too. I’m the theatre teacher at the high school I should have attended, but didn’t. My family had to move to Scotland when I was 9, and I just moved back recently to be home with my parents and relatives. This new music teacher we have though, he’s so stiff and reserved. I need him to be on board with my productions. </div><div>

2. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses? <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>My weaknesses are dealing with people who don’t share my ideas. Another weakness is I’m afraid to commit to any romantic relationship because of the bad breakup I had in Scotland. It’s very challenging for me to have strong friendships, because most of the time they easily fall apart. <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”> My strengths are motivated by teaching theatre and dance. I also love to do Highland and Scottish Country Dancing.

3. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Why are you committed to making James change? I need James to change because 1) I will do Brigadoon with his students in the orchestra, and 2) I’ve come to realize that we are more similar than we are different.

4. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition? Wining the battle against James means that he won a freedom he has found again, and I won because I got him to wear a kilt while playing the bagpipes!

5. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin or death? Deep down, my passion has always been to help others, even on a level they might night agree with or understand. And so my agenda is not only to get what I want accomplished, but to help those gain understanding of what they are wanting.

6. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What secrets must you keep to succeed? Fear of another failed relationship.

What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity? Still upset with her parents for moving to Scotland.

7. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Compared to other people like you, what makes you special? I’m dedicated to what I love. That being the theatre, music, dancing and having a loving family

8. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What do you think of James? I think he’s a tough nut to crack, but when he does, he’ll have more strength and courage that he forgot he had.

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