All About James...
Date this chart was completed: August 5, 2008
Character's full name: James Warner Cunningham III
Reason or meaning of name: James was the third Cunningham in his family. His father was insistent on carrying on the tradition so he gave him his name.
Nickname: None, except when Victor frequently calls him "buddy."
Reason: "Buddy" stems from the fact that he is in fact Victor's best buddy.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:
Age: 35
How old does s/he appear? Late to Mid-thirties.
Eye Color: Green
Glasses or contacts: Uses reading glasses.
Weight: 160 lbs
Height: 5'10" 1/2
Type of body/build: Slender but slightly muscular in the upper part of his body.
Skin tone: Olive
Skin type: Fair
Shape of face: Oval
Distinguishing Marks: Dimpled chin
Predominant feature: Eyes
Looks like: Jude Law
Is s/he healthy? If you don't count the fact that he's got a smoking addiction than yes.
If not, why not: See above.
FAVORITES:
Character's favorite color: Brown
Music: Rolling Stones, David Bowie, The Police
Food: Italian
Literature: Biographical memoirs, anything by Geroge Orwell, crime novels.
Expressions: "Oh, come on!"
Expletives: Bloody ("damn"), Sodding/Sod ("fucking/fuck"), Shit, Fuck.
HABITS:
Smokes: Malboro and L & B. Frequently, about half a pack a day.
Drinks: Jack Daniels. Whenever the need aries, alternates between a bottle or 3-4 glasses a day.
Hobbies: Smoking, drinking, photography, engaging in illegal "missions" for his best mate, Victor, reading.
BACKGROUND:
Hometown: Cambridge, England
Type of childhood: Lonely but fair.
First memory: His father giving him a gold pocket watch with his initials, "JC" engraved on the back of it, a family heirloom that had been passed down for generations from father to son. He gave it to him early one Christmas morning when he was around eight years old.
Most important childhood event that still affects him/her: His father's death. Although James understands that his father had a history of heart disease and heart failure, it still hurts him that the only time he really got to spend with his father was during the last few days before his death. To know that that's the only time he really got to spend with him is why it hurts him to think about it. He sat up at his father's bedside and stayed with him, despite his mother's insistence to let his father rest. He still remembers the last words his father said to him and will carry them with him forever: "Never let anyone, man or woman, rob you of your masculinity or happiness."
Education: High School Diploma, Anesthesia Technologist Associate's Degree, some training as a Photographer.
Religion: Catholic
Finances: Makes half what Victor does working at Bane Entertainment, around 1 million a year, but has no need for the money that Victor pays him for working at the studio because of the fortune from his father's estate and hotel that he inherited when he died. His fiances are unlimited. If he needs money, he can aquire it from back home.
FAMILY:
Mother: Abigail Cunningham
Relationship with her: He has always been treated with love and respect from the woman, and he's always admired her for her strength and loyalty to his absent and hard-working father. He feels that his mother tends to worry about him a little too much, because he's her one and only son. He also thinks the woman spends far too much money, and on ancient-like pieces of statuary. To this day, he doesn't appreciate how nosy his mother has become with what he's doing in his life. She rings him almost every day, consistently reminding him and trying to persuade him to move back to England to help her manage the hotel, but he always turns her down, insisting that he's doing fine for himself where he's at now. Even after all that, he still genuinely loves and cares about her.
Father: James Cunningham II
Relationship with him: Despite the fact that his father wasn't around much, he was much closer to him than his mother. He looked up to him and wanted to be just like him when he grew older, minus the fact that he could never picture himself abadoning his family and working as hard as his father had when he was alive. They had a special bond together, and he had always wished he'd had more time to spend with his father. His father taught him a lot as a child, and taught him how to be a man, but after his death, James became more of a momma's boy and the much more refined well-mannered man. He wasn't that happy, because he greatly missed his father, but he was acting this way because he wanted to please his mother. Plus, growing up in a household of women, he slowly began losing his masculinity. He was quite attached to his father and loved him dearly.
Siblings: Two sisters.
Birth order: Eileen ( oldest ), James ( "middle child" ), Annabel ( youngest ).
Relationship with each:
Eileen - He's never been very fond of Eileen, although he does still love her somwhere deep down inside. Sometimes he thinks she acts more like a child than a grown woman should. Eileen and his mother have always been a bit nosy and like to but into his business when he wishes they would just leave him alone. While she insists that she's not poking fun at him or being judgemental, she does have a tendency to press him about his love life and finding himself a steady woman to settle down with. She thinks she knows everything and makes sure that he knows it. It annoys him, but he usually can get by with either ignoring her or walking away from the conversation.
Annabel - Since she's his baby sister, he has grown protective of Annabel over the years. He looks out for her as only a big brother would and he is supportive of her in whatever she does. He gives her advice when she needs it most and he actually takes the time to listen to what she has to say, as opposed to what Eileen has to say. She also accepts him for who he is and is just as supportive to him as he is her. They get along well, and under the circumstances, he knows she would rather go to him for guidance rather than Eileen. She also sends him things from back home to remind him where he came from, and updates him on the latest happenings around England.
Children of siblings:
Eileen - Benjamin Timothy, ( 3 )
Annabel - None as of yet.
ATTITUDE:
Most at ease when: He's with a woman or when he's talking to Annabel.
Ill at ease when: Victor is cold, hostile or demanding something from him or when his mother or sister, Eileen is butting into his business.
Priorities: Accomplishing every one of Victor's "missions" to the best of his ability, smoking, his photography, opening/closing Bane Entertainment whenever needed, drinking, casting new actresses/talent for the studio.
Philosophy: The words his father gave to him...."Never let anyone, man or woman, rob you of your masculinity or happiness."
How he feels about self: He generally likes himself and considers himself to be a "charming and great looking chap." He's somewhat arrogant, but not overly arrogant like Victor. He doesn't consider himself to be the most attractive man in the world, but he doesn't find himself hideously ugly either. He's satisfied and pleased with himself physically, although mentally, he does have his share of doubts. He's not always proud of the illegal things he does for Victor, and second guesses himself sometimes about whether he should or shouldn't go through with it, and although he knows its bad for him, he's thought seriously about cutting back on how much he smokes and drinks.
Past failure he would be embarassed to have people know about: After his father's death, James started to rebel a tiny bit, not wearing the same clothes, acting less pleasant and even reserved. He almost lost his masculinity by letting his mother give him a style make over and sending him off to finishing school. Fortunetly, he remembered the words of his father, and after only one week of attending the institution, came home, insisting that she let him go to regular school just like everyone else and let him be himself.
If granted one wish, what would it be?: He wishes that his father were still alive so he could spend more time with him, and also, so the man can see the man he's become.
PERSONALITY:
Greatest source of strength in character's personality: He can be a really warm and charming gentlemen when he's with a woman. It comes with being a hopeless romantic. He really tries to make a good first impression when he first meets a girl. He can be very romantic if someone gives him the chance, plus being warm and charming which makes him a likable guy. However, everyone has their weaknesses, and he definitely does.
Greatest source of weakness in character's personality: While he can be a warm and charming hopeless romantic, his greatest weakness is his defensive and sulky nature. This side of his personality especially comes out when he's hanging with Victor and he becomes offended by something he says to him or the manner in which he addresses him. He's mostly defensive and sulky when someone hurts his pride or bruises his ego. When he gets defensive, he also gets moody and becomes reserved for a while.
Character's soft spot: He has a soft spot for animals and children. This soft spot isn't obvious to others unless of course he's around an animal or a child of some sort. If he's out with Victor, there's a big possibility that he'll try to hide it by ignoring the fact that there is an animal or child around, just so Victor doesn't think of him as a weakling. He also has a soft spot for women in terrible pain, physically or mentally.
Biggest vulnerability: His eagerness to please everyone around him.
TRAITS:
Optimist or pessimist: He's a little of both actually, but mostly, he's a pessimist. He always thinks that something is bound to go wrong, especially when he and Victor, or just he, is engaged in illegal activities. When he's out with Victor and they aren't doing illegal things, his optimistic side starts to come out because of his influence on him.
Introvert or extrovert: Extrovert. While he tends to keep to himself when he's in a bad mood, everyone does at some time or another, but when he's not, he's outgoing and likes to meet new people. He likes going to lavish parties and galas with Victor and is a sociable person.
Drives and motivations: He is driven and motivated to please Victor and make him proud of the work he does, despite the fact that he doesn't always get the recognition he deserves. James can naturally be eager to please, but especially when it comes to his best friend, Victor. He is also driven to make his mark upon the world, especially to the female population. Yes, he was big in the UK, for being the son to a wealthy and well known politician, but not too many people know of him in the USA, let alone California, so he's really trying to prove to everyone that he's a person worth knowing, whether it be romantically or sociably.
Talents: He can play the piano, cook almost anything italian, pilot a boat/ship, speak French, ride a horse. He's also a pro at card playing, playing chess, mechanics, photography, pool, investigation, computers and weapons.
Extremely unskilled at: Mathematics, hunting, and sports.
Good characteristics: Charming, articulate, confident, outgoing, romantic, friendly, trustworthy, honest, courageous, helpful, eager to please, generous, ambitious, intelligent, neat.
Character flaws: Stubborn, defensive, egotistical, sulky, potty mouth, smoker, drinker, opinionated, lazy, cocky, slightly promiscuous, hotheaded, hypocritical, lustful, obsessive, overprotective, shrewd.
Mannerisms: Scratching, rubbing his forehead, bringing his finger up to his chin, leaning against things, folding his hands on tabletops.
Peculiarities: Won't go anywhere without a pack of "smokes" on him, almost never walks around barefoot unless swimming, prefers to use guns rather than knives, looks to Victor to be his main source of entertainment and excitement (i.e. "criminal activities/missions" ).
Biggest regret: Letting himself be influenced by Victor to take advantage of an innocent and sweet young girl back in college.
Minor regrets: Letting Victor talk down to him at certain moments, not taking a position as an Anesthesiologist a few years back at a larger and well-respected medical facility, being an accomplice to Victor's frequent crimes, almost marrying a woman who was in love with another man.
Biggest accomplishment: Getting a few of his photographs in print in The Los Angeles Times.
Minor accomplishments: Being named one of England's "Most Elegible Bachelors" in the year 2005, inheriting his father's fortune, getting a degree in medicine.
Character's darkest secret: James raped a soriority girl back in college. When it comes to alcohol, he was a much heavier drinker back then as opposed to today. The influence of Victor and fellow frat buddies didn't help much either. During his junior year at UNY, he started dating an attractive, carefree, and popular young brunette named, Olivia. After a couple of dates, the two seemed to be hitting it off and he really thought they might be leading towards the becoming an item. On their third date, James had been nervous, a little more nervous than usual, especially from all the pressure Victor had been putting on him to finally sleep with her. He wanted to ask her back to the frat house, but he was undecided, so he made the mistake of having one too many drinks and finally decided to invite her back to the frat house. They started making out and seemed to be getting pretty heated, but the moment Victor walked in and caught them, he had taken advantage of James' intoxicated state and urged him into ripping her clothes off and taking her right there and then. Once the girl realized what was happening, she started to fight it, but with Victor rooting him on and his intoxicated state, he ignored her pleas and forced himself upon her. He still looks back on that night and cringes, hating not only himself but Victor too for not doing anything to stop him.
Does anyone else know?: Yes, Victor.
If yes, did character tell them?: No, Victor walked in on them. [ See above ]
SELF-PERCEPTION:
One word CHARACTER would use to describe self: Charming.
One paragraph description of how CHARACTER would describe self: He would describe himself as being a fairly good chap, but not a killer or criminal in any sense of the word. A charming gentlemen with the ability to romance his way into a woman's heart, and make her feel as if she's the center of his world. A "bloke" who is neither good nor evil but looking for excitement, even if it means engaging in some sort of illegal activity to get it. A "bloke" who simply wants to make himself happy and attract the attention and appreciation of those around him in whatever way he can.
What does CHARACTER consider best physical characteristic? His hands.
What does CHARACTER consider worst physical characteristic? His hair.
Are these realistic assessments? Sort of. He does have very masculine hands, not too big, not too small, and his fingers are strong, slender and masculine. Personally, as much as I love his hands, I think his smile would be his best characteristic. It's hard not to smile too when he smiles at you. It's sort of hypnotic, much like Victor. His hair might in fact be his worst characteristic because of his receeding hairline.
How CHARACTER thinks others perceive him: He thinks others perceive him as a handsome and charming gentlemen with good manners and the utmost respect for those around him.
What four things would CHARACTER most like to change about self?:
1. The way he lets Victor walk all over him. ( As tempted as he is to speak his mind most of the time and let Victor know what he really feels about him, he has a tendency to keep it to himself for fear of ruining their friendship or for fear the man might harm or turn against him in some way only to kill him. He's very intimidated by him. Still, he desperately would like to show Victor that he's not a pushover and has the balls to fight back. Sometimes he does, but not always because of his fears. )
2. His receeding hairline. ( He fears that he's going bald and the older he gets, the more worried he is about it all falling out. The worse it gets, the less chance he will have of attracting women and he can't allow that to happen. )
3. His temptation to smoke. ( While he's not about to give up on his drinking habits just yet, he has thought about cutting down on his smoking as he gets older. He doesn't want to develop any respiratory problems and he's getting the impression that less people want to be around him because he stinks, not just because of his breath. If he wants to stop smoking, however, it's going to take some serious discipline on his part. )
4. His inability to keep track of things. ( While he has hired a maid to keep his apartment clean and tidy, he often forgets where he puts things and as he gets older, his memory isn't as sharp as it used to be. It's especially essential to him that he remember where things are if Victor is sending him on a special mission and he needs certain tools to pull it off. )
If change #1 was made, would character be as happy as he thinks?: Maybe. Then again, maybe not. He and Victor would probably not get along and they would get into more fights. Either that or Victor would commend him for having the balls to stand up to him. It would all depend on what they were discussing at the time. James would be somewhat relieved and happy that he had done it, but maybe not happy with the overall outcome of his action.
INTERRELATION WITH OTHERS:
How does character relate to others?: Unlike Victor, James actually likes meeting new people. He doesn't have to be getting something out of them to want to talk to them. He doesn't mind small-talk, unless he happens to be in a bad mood at the time. Sometimes he's just curious to get to know someone.
How is he perceived by...Strangers?: As a charming, friendly and well-mannered gentlemen, and if they actually stop to talk to him, they'll find he's a great conversationalist.
Friends?: Defensive, stubborn, generous, loyal, articulate, sulky, lazy, nosy, outspoken, opinionated.
Wife/Lover?: Romantic, affectionate, charming, sulky, opinionated.
Hero/Heroine?: Pushy, obsessive, hard-headed, rude, possessive, stubborn, inconsiderate, perverted.
How does character view hero/heroine?: Fiesty, stubborn, spunky, dainty, outspoken, opinionated, hostile, quick-tempered.
First impression: That it will be a struggle to get her to change her ways and go back to Victor or "Vic" as he calls him, but he was definitely interested and curious to see how things will unfold.
What happens to change this perception?: He becomes attracted to her and wants to seduce her into being with him as opposed to Victor, especially now that he sees how she's teethering back and forth, struggling to decide if she is or isn't still in love with the other man.
What do family/friends like most about character?: His family likes that he never forgets his roots and where he came from and that he takes the time to listen to what they have to say, even if, in reality, he sometimes doesn't. As for his friends, like Victor, well they like the fact that he's always invested in their lives, wants to hear about their problems, and is willing to handle himself on his own and take care of certain things for them when they cannot.
What do family/friends like least about character?: His family doesn't like the fact that he doesn't keep in touch with them as much as he should. They end up having to be the ones to call him instead of the other way around. His family also doesn't like that he's become more closed-off and refuses to eleborate about what he's doing with his life now and the things he's been doing. Victor doesn't like how moody and defensive James is half the time, and he also doesn't like when he gets pissed drunk at the worst times, especially when he has a job for him to do, both at the studio and as far as criminal activities go.
GOALS:
Immediate goals: To win Amy's trust and affection, to convince Lucy to work her magic on Victor and seduce him into wanting her.
Long range goals: To convince Amy that he's the one she should be with and not Victor and from there, find a way to steal her away from him so they can be together, and to convince Victor that he's better off without her, that Lucy---his assistant---is the woman he should be with because they are "so perfect" for one another.
How does character plan to accomplish these goals?: By seducing her. By being nice, charming, and showing her that there truly is more to him than meets the eye.
How will other characters be affected?: Victor will be pissed off, but by that time, he might be well on his way to courting Lucy as his new woman.
PROBLEMS/CRISIS:
How character reacts in a crisis: He acts accordingly and tries his hardest to do what he thinks would be best for everyone involved. Either that or he just gets wasted drunk and does what Victor does, drowns out his sorrows, maybe finds some random "bird" to screw or just whacks off.
How character faces problems: It depends on the problem. Sometimes he'll walk away from him, but more often than not, he'll face the problem head on and stand his ground until it's resolved, even if it means arguing until he gets his point across. Maybe not use violence like Victor, but if the need calls for it, he might.
Kinds of problems character usually runs into: Getting into minor disagreements with Victor, getting himself wasted drunk at a bar downtown that he either has to call a cab or Victor to drive him home, his sister Eileen or his mother calling and prying into his personal business, being attracted to/wanting to screw the same woman as Victor.
How character reacts to NEW problems: Generally the same way he reacts to other problem. Face them head on until its resolved. Do whatever he can to get out of a jam, but if it's really that bad and he's got more than one problem going on at one time, he'll probably drink and smoke like crazy just to get his mind off of it.
How character reacts to change: It's a little unsettling at first and takes him a while to get used to the change, but eventually, he does and goes with the flow. He does get a little out of his comfort zone and has to surround himself with familiar things immediately, otherwise, he'll light a smoke up again or reach for his bottle of Jack to calm his anxiety.
GENERAL:
Favorite clothing: His navy blue and white pin-striped Armani trenchcoat that Victor gave to him for his 30th birthday. He likes it because it looks perfect on him. Victor had it tailored especially for him and there's no other one like it on the market so it was specially made. He even sprung to get James' name embroidered inside the collar. He also loves his black fedora hat. It reminds him of the 40s and he likes old fashioned stuff.
Least favorite clothing: His green and red striped agora sweater that his mother sent him in 2005 as a Christmas gift. He doesn't like it because it does absolutely nothing for his complexion or his appearance in general, except make him feel like the oddball out in the center of a Christmas pageant, especially with a Christmas wreath over the left breast pocket.
Jewelry: Just as Victor wears a silver ring with his initials, so does James. He also wears it on the ring finger of his right hand. It's sort of a symbol of their friendship that binds them together. They got them made right after they graduated college to comemorate their loyalty to one another from then on.
Other accessories: A rolex watch, a pack of cigarettes in his coat/suit jacket, a silver Motorola razor cell phone, and a silver flask with Jack Daniels.
Drives: A metallic blue 2006 Mercedes CLK-Class CLK350 Coupe.
Where does character live?: The Hillcreste, in a two bedroom, two bath luxury apartment home in Century City, California.
Where does character want to live?: He's always wanted to live in Hawaii, but is perfectly happy where he is now, just like Victor is.
Spending habits (frugal, spendthrift, etc): James is generally a spendthrift, but he doesn't spend his money every chance he gets. The only thing he squanders his money wastefully is on Jack Daniels and cigarettes.
What does s/he do too much of?: Smoking and drinking, sulk.
Too little of?: Keep in touch with his family back home, neglect to call a girl after a date.
Most prized possession: The pocket watch his father gave to him when he was younger, before his death. It's the only thing he has left of the man, other than photographs and such. The rest of his stuff is back in England.
UNCATAGORIZED:
Person character secretly admires: Despite the numerous times they don't seem to get along, James secretly admires Victor. He's told him a few times, but ever since he met the man, he looks up to him like the older brother he never had, and in turn, Victor thinks of him as the younger brother he never had. There are things that the man does that James would never have the courage to do. He doesn't admire him for killing people, but he admires him for being able to pull off certain things that to anyone else, especially him would be impossible. He likes the way he thinks, he admires his mind and his drive to get things done and the manner in which he so cleverly pulls off impossible feats.
Person character was most influenced by: Victor. If he hadn't of come along and turned him into a real man, he'd probably still be stuck in England and because of his mother's and sister's influence, wind up either gay or married by now. He's thankful for finding a friend like Victor, even if their friendship sometimes takes work to keep going. He keeps his life interesting, especially with the criminal adventures he often sends him on.
Most important person in character's life before story starts: While Victor may be one of the most important people in James' life, he can't forget about his sister, Annabel. He feels slightly bad about not keeping in touch with her and letting her be the one who ends up calling him so he gives her a ring and finds out what's been going on in England, along with how things are going with her new husband, Henry.
How does character spend the week before the story starts?: He spends the week much like he always does, helping Victor manage Bane Entertainment, photographing beautiful and naked women, chatting with Annabel every day, and going out to have a few drinks with Victor a few nights to chat about how things are going with Amy, and how their "experimental" sex is going.
Character's full name: James Warner Cunningham III
Reason or meaning of name: James was the third Cunningham in his family. His father was insistent on carrying on the tradition so he gave him his name.
Nickname: None, except when Victor frequently calls him "buddy."
Reason: "Buddy" stems from the fact that he is in fact Victor's best buddy.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:
Age: 35
How old does s/he appear? Late to Mid-thirties.
Eye Color: Green
Glasses or contacts: Uses reading glasses.
Weight: 160 lbs
Height: 5'10" 1/2
Type of body/build: Slender but slightly muscular in the upper part of his body.
Skin tone: Olive
Skin type: Fair
Shape of face: Oval
Distinguishing Marks: Dimpled chin
Predominant feature: Eyes
Looks like: Jude Law
Is s/he healthy? If you don't count the fact that he's got a smoking addiction than yes.
If not, why not: See above.
FAVORITES:
Character's favorite color: Brown
Music: Rolling Stones, David Bowie, The Police
Food: Italian
Literature: Biographical memoirs, anything by Geroge Orwell, crime novels.
Expressions: "Oh, come on!"
Expletives: Bloody ("damn"), Sodding/Sod ("fucking/fuck"), Shit, Fuck.
HABITS:
Smokes: Malboro and L & B. Frequently, about half a pack a day.
Drinks: Jack Daniels. Whenever the need aries, alternates between a bottle or 3-4 glasses a day.
Hobbies: Smoking, drinking, photography, engaging in illegal "missions" for his best mate, Victor, reading.
BACKGROUND:
Hometown: Cambridge, England
Type of childhood: Lonely but fair.
First memory: His father giving him a gold pocket watch with his initials, "JC" engraved on the back of it, a family heirloom that had been passed down for generations from father to son. He gave it to him early one Christmas morning when he was around eight years old.
Most important childhood event that still affects him/her: His father's death. Although James understands that his father had a history of heart disease and heart failure, it still hurts him that the only time he really got to spend with his father was during the last few days before his death. To know that that's the only time he really got to spend with him is why it hurts him to think about it. He sat up at his father's bedside and stayed with him, despite his mother's insistence to let his father rest. He still remembers the last words his father said to him and will carry them with him forever: "Never let anyone, man or woman, rob you of your masculinity or happiness."
Education: High School Diploma, Anesthesia Technologist Associate's Degree, some training as a Photographer.
Religion: Catholic
Finances: Makes half what Victor does working at Bane Entertainment, around 1 million a year, but has no need for the money that Victor pays him for working at the studio because of the fortune from his father's estate and hotel that he inherited when he died. His fiances are unlimited. If he needs money, he can aquire it from back home.
FAMILY:
Mother: Abigail Cunningham
Relationship with her: He has always been treated with love and respect from the woman, and he's always admired her for her strength and loyalty to his absent and hard-working father. He feels that his mother tends to worry about him a little too much, because he's her one and only son. He also thinks the woman spends far too much money, and on ancient-like pieces of statuary. To this day, he doesn't appreciate how nosy his mother has become with what he's doing in his life. She rings him almost every day, consistently reminding him and trying to persuade him to move back to England to help her manage the hotel, but he always turns her down, insisting that he's doing fine for himself where he's at now. Even after all that, he still genuinely loves and cares about her.
Father: James Cunningham II
Relationship with him: Despite the fact that his father wasn't around much, he was much closer to him than his mother. He looked up to him and wanted to be just like him when he grew older, minus the fact that he could never picture himself abadoning his family and working as hard as his father had when he was alive. They had a special bond together, and he had always wished he'd had more time to spend with his father. His father taught him a lot as a child, and taught him how to be a man, but after his death, James became more of a momma's boy and the much more refined well-mannered man. He wasn't that happy, because he greatly missed his father, but he was acting this way because he wanted to please his mother. Plus, growing up in a household of women, he slowly began losing his masculinity. He was quite attached to his father and loved him dearly.
Siblings: Two sisters.
Birth order: Eileen ( oldest ), James ( "middle child" ), Annabel ( youngest ).
Relationship with each:
Eileen - He's never been very fond of Eileen, although he does still love her somwhere deep down inside. Sometimes he thinks she acts more like a child than a grown woman should. Eileen and his mother have always been a bit nosy and like to but into his business when he wishes they would just leave him alone. While she insists that she's not poking fun at him or being judgemental, she does have a tendency to press him about his love life and finding himself a steady woman to settle down with. She thinks she knows everything and makes sure that he knows it. It annoys him, but he usually can get by with either ignoring her or walking away from the conversation.
Annabel - Since she's his baby sister, he has grown protective of Annabel over the years. He looks out for her as only a big brother would and he is supportive of her in whatever she does. He gives her advice when she needs it most and he actually takes the time to listen to what she has to say, as opposed to what Eileen has to say. She also accepts him for who he is and is just as supportive to him as he is her. They get along well, and under the circumstances, he knows she would rather go to him for guidance rather than Eileen. She also sends him things from back home to remind him where he came from, and updates him on the latest happenings around England.
Children of siblings:
Eileen - Benjamin Timothy, ( 3 )
Annabel - None as of yet.
ATTITUDE:
Most at ease when: He's with a woman or when he's talking to Annabel.
Ill at ease when: Victor is cold, hostile or demanding something from him or when his mother or sister, Eileen is butting into his business.
Priorities: Accomplishing every one of Victor's "missions" to the best of his ability, smoking, his photography, opening/closing Bane Entertainment whenever needed, drinking, casting new actresses/talent for the studio.
Philosophy: The words his father gave to him...."Never let anyone, man or woman, rob you of your masculinity or happiness."
How he feels about self: He generally likes himself and considers himself to be a "charming and great looking chap." He's somewhat arrogant, but not overly arrogant like Victor. He doesn't consider himself to be the most attractive man in the world, but he doesn't find himself hideously ugly either. He's satisfied and pleased with himself physically, although mentally, he does have his share of doubts. He's not always proud of the illegal things he does for Victor, and second guesses himself sometimes about whether he should or shouldn't go through with it, and although he knows its bad for him, he's thought seriously about cutting back on how much he smokes and drinks.
Past failure he would be embarassed to have people know about: After his father's death, James started to rebel a tiny bit, not wearing the same clothes, acting less pleasant and even reserved. He almost lost his masculinity by letting his mother give him a style make over and sending him off to finishing school. Fortunetly, he remembered the words of his father, and after only one week of attending the institution, came home, insisting that she let him go to regular school just like everyone else and let him be himself.
If granted one wish, what would it be?: He wishes that his father were still alive so he could spend more time with him, and also, so the man can see the man he's become.
PERSONALITY:
Greatest source of strength in character's personality: He can be a really warm and charming gentlemen when he's with a woman. It comes with being a hopeless romantic. He really tries to make a good first impression when he first meets a girl. He can be very romantic if someone gives him the chance, plus being warm and charming which makes him a likable guy. However, everyone has their weaknesses, and he definitely does.
Greatest source of weakness in character's personality: While he can be a warm and charming hopeless romantic, his greatest weakness is his defensive and sulky nature. This side of his personality especially comes out when he's hanging with Victor and he becomes offended by something he says to him or the manner in which he addresses him. He's mostly defensive and sulky when someone hurts his pride or bruises his ego. When he gets defensive, he also gets moody and becomes reserved for a while.
Character's soft spot: He has a soft spot for animals and children. This soft spot isn't obvious to others unless of course he's around an animal or a child of some sort. If he's out with Victor, there's a big possibility that he'll try to hide it by ignoring the fact that there is an animal or child around, just so Victor doesn't think of him as a weakling. He also has a soft spot for women in terrible pain, physically or mentally.
Biggest vulnerability: His eagerness to please everyone around him.
TRAITS:
Optimist or pessimist: He's a little of both actually, but mostly, he's a pessimist. He always thinks that something is bound to go wrong, especially when he and Victor, or just he, is engaged in illegal activities. When he's out with Victor and they aren't doing illegal things, his optimistic side starts to come out because of his influence on him.
Introvert or extrovert: Extrovert. While he tends to keep to himself when he's in a bad mood, everyone does at some time or another, but when he's not, he's outgoing and likes to meet new people. He likes going to lavish parties and galas with Victor and is a sociable person.
Drives and motivations: He is driven and motivated to please Victor and make him proud of the work he does, despite the fact that he doesn't always get the recognition he deserves. James can naturally be eager to please, but especially when it comes to his best friend, Victor. He is also driven to make his mark upon the world, especially to the female population. Yes, he was big in the UK, for being the son to a wealthy and well known politician, but not too many people know of him in the USA, let alone California, so he's really trying to prove to everyone that he's a person worth knowing, whether it be romantically or sociably.
Talents: He can play the piano, cook almost anything italian, pilot a boat/ship, speak French, ride a horse. He's also a pro at card playing, playing chess, mechanics, photography, pool, investigation, computers and weapons.
Extremely unskilled at: Mathematics, hunting, and sports.
Good characteristics: Charming, articulate, confident, outgoing, romantic, friendly, trustworthy, honest, courageous, helpful, eager to please, generous, ambitious, intelligent, neat.
Character flaws: Stubborn, defensive, egotistical, sulky, potty mouth, smoker, drinker, opinionated, lazy, cocky, slightly promiscuous, hotheaded, hypocritical, lustful, obsessive, overprotective, shrewd.
Mannerisms: Scratching, rubbing his forehead, bringing his finger up to his chin, leaning against things, folding his hands on tabletops.
Peculiarities: Won't go anywhere without a pack of "smokes" on him, almost never walks around barefoot unless swimming, prefers to use guns rather than knives, looks to Victor to be his main source of entertainment and excitement (i.e. "criminal activities/missions" ).
Biggest regret: Letting himself be influenced by Victor to take advantage of an innocent and sweet young girl back in college.
Minor regrets: Letting Victor talk down to him at certain moments, not taking a position as an Anesthesiologist a few years back at a larger and well-respected medical facility, being an accomplice to Victor's frequent crimes, almost marrying a woman who was in love with another man.
Biggest accomplishment: Getting a few of his photographs in print in The Los Angeles Times.
Minor accomplishments: Being named one of England's "Most Elegible Bachelors" in the year 2005, inheriting his father's fortune, getting a degree in medicine.
Character's darkest secret: James raped a soriority girl back in college. When it comes to alcohol, he was a much heavier drinker back then as opposed to today. The influence of Victor and fellow frat buddies didn't help much either. During his junior year at UNY, he started dating an attractive, carefree, and popular young brunette named, Olivia. After a couple of dates, the two seemed to be hitting it off and he really thought they might be leading towards the becoming an item. On their third date, James had been nervous, a little more nervous than usual, especially from all the pressure Victor had been putting on him to finally sleep with her. He wanted to ask her back to the frat house, but he was undecided, so he made the mistake of having one too many drinks and finally decided to invite her back to the frat house. They started making out and seemed to be getting pretty heated, but the moment Victor walked in and caught them, he had taken advantage of James' intoxicated state and urged him into ripping her clothes off and taking her right there and then. Once the girl realized what was happening, she started to fight it, but with Victor rooting him on and his intoxicated state, he ignored her pleas and forced himself upon her. He still looks back on that night and cringes, hating not only himself but Victor too for not doing anything to stop him.
Does anyone else know?: Yes, Victor.
If yes, did character tell them?: No, Victor walked in on them. [ See above ]
SELF-PERCEPTION:
One word CHARACTER would use to describe self: Charming.
One paragraph description of how CHARACTER would describe self: He would describe himself as being a fairly good chap, but not a killer or criminal in any sense of the word. A charming gentlemen with the ability to romance his way into a woman's heart, and make her feel as if she's the center of his world. A "bloke" who is neither good nor evil but looking for excitement, even if it means engaging in some sort of illegal activity to get it. A "bloke" who simply wants to make himself happy and attract the attention and appreciation of those around him in whatever way he can.
What does CHARACTER consider best physical characteristic? His hands.
What does CHARACTER consider worst physical characteristic? His hair.
Are these realistic assessments? Sort of. He does have very masculine hands, not too big, not too small, and his fingers are strong, slender and masculine. Personally, as much as I love his hands, I think his smile would be his best characteristic. It's hard not to smile too when he smiles at you. It's sort of hypnotic, much like Victor. His hair might in fact be his worst characteristic because of his receeding hairline.
How CHARACTER thinks others perceive him: He thinks others perceive him as a handsome and charming gentlemen with good manners and the utmost respect for those around him.
What four things would CHARACTER most like to change about self?:
1. The way he lets Victor walk all over him. ( As tempted as he is to speak his mind most of the time and let Victor know what he really feels about him, he has a tendency to keep it to himself for fear of ruining their friendship or for fear the man might harm or turn against him in some way only to kill him. He's very intimidated by him. Still, he desperately would like to show Victor that he's not a pushover and has the balls to fight back. Sometimes he does, but not always because of his fears. )
2. His receeding hairline. ( He fears that he's going bald and the older he gets, the more worried he is about it all falling out. The worse it gets, the less chance he will have of attracting women and he can't allow that to happen. )
3. His temptation to smoke. ( While he's not about to give up on his drinking habits just yet, he has thought about cutting down on his smoking as he gets older. He doesn't want to develop any respiratory problems and he's getting the impression that less people want to be around him because he stinks, not just because of his breath. If he wants to stop smoking, however, it's going to take some serious discipline on his part. )
4. His inability to keep track of things. ( While he has hired a maid to keep his apartment clean and tidy, he often forgets where he puts things and as he gets older, his memory isn't as sharp as it used to be. It's especially essential to him that he remember where things are if Victor is sending him on a special mission and he needs certain tools to pull it off. )
If change #1 was made, would character be as happy as he thinks?: Maybe. Then again, maybe not. He and Victor would probably not get along and they would get into more fights. Either that or Victor would commend him for having the balls to stand up to him. It would all depend on what they were discussing at the time. James would be somewhat relieved and happy that he had done it, but maybe not happy with the overall outcome of his action.
INTERRELATION WITH OTHERS:
How does character relate to others?: Unlike Victor, James actually likes meeting new people. He doesn't have to be getting something out of them to want to talk to them. He doesn't mind small-talk, unless he happens to be in a bad mood at the time. Sometimes he's just curious to get to know someone.
How is he perceived by...Strangers?: As a charming, friendly and well-mannered gentlemen, and if they actually stop to talk to him, they'll find he's a great conversationalist.
Friends?: Defensive, stubborn, generous, loyal, articulate, sulky, lazy, nosy, outspoken, opinionated.
Wife/Lover?: Romantic, affectionate, charming, sulky, opinionated.
Hero/Heroine?: Pushy, obsessive, hard-headed, rude, possessive, stubborn, inconsiderate, perverted.
How does character view hero/heroine?: Fiesty, stubborn, spunky, dainty, outspoken, opinionated, hostile, quick-tempered.
First impression: That it will be a struggle to get her to change her ways and go back to Victor or "Vic" as he calls him, but he was definitely interested and curious to see how things will unfold.
What happens to change this perception?: He becomes attracted to her and wants to seduce her into being with him as opposed to Victor, especially now that he sees how she's teethering back and forth, struggling to decide if she is or isn't still in love with the other man.
What do family/friends like most about character?: His family likes that he never forgets his roots and where he came from and that he takes the time to listen to what they have to say, even if, in reality, he sometimes doesn't. As for his friends, like Victor, well they like the fact that he's always invested in their lives, wants to hear about their problems, and is willing to handle himself on his own and take care of certain things for them when they cannot.
What do family/friends like least about character?: His family doesn't like the fact that he doesn't keep in touch with them as much as he should. They end up having to be the ones to call him instead of the other way around. His family also doesn't like that he's become more closed-off and refuses to eleborate about what he's doing with his life now and the things he's been doing. Victor doesn't like how moody and defensive James is half the time, and he also doesn't like when he gets pissed drunk at the worst times, especially when he has a job for him to do, both at the studio and as far as criminal activities go.
GOALS:
Immediate goals: To win Amy's trust and affection, to convince Lucy to work her magic on Victor and seduce him into wanting her.
Long range goals: To convince Amy that he's the one she should be with and not Victor and from there, find a way to steal her away from him so they can be together, and to convince Victor that he's better off without her, that Lucy---his assistant---is the woman he should be with because they are "so perfect" for one another.
How does character plan to accomplish these goals?: By seducing her. By being nice, charming, and showing her that there truly is more to him than meets the eye.
How will other characters be affected?: Victor will be pissed off, but by that time, he might be well on his way to courting Lucy as his new woman.
PROBLEMS/CRISIS:
How character reacts in a crisis: He acts accordingly and tries his hardest to do what he thinks would be best for everyone involved. Either that or he just gets wasted drunk and does what Victor does, drowns out his sorrows, maybe finds some random "bird" to screw or just whacks off.
How character faces problems: It depends on the problem. Sometimes he'll walk away from him, but more often than not, he'll face the problem head on and stand his ground until it's resolved, even if it means arguing until he gets his point across. Maybe not use violence like Victor, but if the need calls for it, he might.
Kinds of problems character usually runs into: Getting into minor disagreements with Victor, getting himself wasted drunk at a bar downtown that he either has to call a cab or Victor to drive him home, his sister Eileen or his mother calling and prying into his personal business, being attracted to/wanting to screw the same woman as Victor.
How character reacts to NEW problems: Generally the same way he reacts to other problem. Face them head on until its resolved. Do whatever he can to get out of a jam, but if it's really that bad and he's got more than one problem going on at one time, he'll probably drink and smoke like crazy just to get his mind off of it.
How character reacts to change: It's a little unsettling at first and takes him a while to get used to the change, but eventually, he does and goes with the flow. He does get a little out of his comfort zone and has to surround himself with familiar things immediately, otherwise, he'll light a smoke up again or reach for his bottle of Jack to calm his anxiety.
GENERAL:
Favorite clothing: His navy blue and white pin-striped Armani trenchcoat that Victor gave to him for his 30th birthday. He likes it because it looks perfect on him. Victor had it tailored especially for him and there's no other one like it on the market so it was specially made. He even sprung to get James' name embroidered inside the collar. He also loves his black fedora hat. It reminds him of the 40s and he likes old fashioned stuff.
Least favorite clothing: His green and red striped agora sweater that his mother sent him in 2005 as a Christmas gift. He doesn't like it because it does absolutely nothing for his complexion or his appearance in general, except make him feel like the oddball out in the center of a Christmas pageant, especially with a Christmas wreath over the left breast pocket.
Jewelry: Just as Victor wears a silver ring with his initials, so does James. He also wears it on the ring finger of his right hand. It's sort of a symbol of their friendship that binds them together. They got them made right after they graduated college to comemorate their loyalty to one another from then on.
Other accessories: A rolex watch, a pack of cigarettes in his coat/suit jacket, a silver Motorola razor cell phone, and a silver flask with Jack Daniels.
Drives: A metallic blue 2006 Mercedes CLK-Class CLK350 Coupe.
Where does character live?: The Hillcreste, in a two bedroom, two bath luxury apartment home in Century City, California.
Where does character want to live?: He's always wanted to live in Hawaii, but is perfectly happy where he is now, just like Victor is.
Spending habits (frugal, spendthrift, etc): James is generally a spendthrift, but he doesn't spend his money every chance he gets. The only thing he squanders his money wastefully is on Jack Daniels and cigarettes.
What does s/he do too much of?: Smoking and drinking, sulk.
Too little of?: Keep in touch with his family back home, neglect to call a girl after a date.
Most prized possession: The pocket watch his father gave to him when he was younger, before his death. It's the only thing he has left of the man, other than photographs and such. The rest of his stuff is back in England.
UNCATAGORIZED:
Person character secretly admires: Despite the numerous times they don't seem to get along, James secretly admires Victor. He's told him a few times, but ever since he met the man, he looks up to him like the older brother he never had, and in turn, Victor thinks of him as the younger brother he never had. There are things that the man does that James would never have the courage to do. He doesn't admire him for killing people, but he admires him for being able to pull off certain things that to anyone else, especially him would be impossible. He likes the way he thinks, he admires his mind and his drive to get things done and the manner in which he so cleverly pulls off impossible feats.
Person character was most influenced by: Victor. If he hadn't of come along and turned him into a real man, he'd probably still be stuck in England and because of his mother's and sister's influence, wind up either gay or married by now. He's thankful for finding a friend like Victor, even if their friendship sometimes takes work to keep going. He keeps his life interesting, especially with the criminal adventures he often sends him on.
Most important person in character's life before story starts: While Victor may be one of the most important people in James' life, he can't forget about his sister, Annabel. He feels slightly bad about not keeping in touch with her and letting her be the one who ends up calling him so he gives her a ring and finds out what's been going on in England, along with how things are going with her new husband, Henry.
How does character spend the week before the story starts?: He spends the week much like he always does, helping Victor manage Bane Entertainment, photographing beautiful and naked women, chatting with Annabel every day, and going out to have a few drinks with Victor a few nights to chat about how things are going with Amy, and how their "experimental" sex is going.
disappointed