Writing Camp + A Coded Symphony

Week 2 + Designing Character

I have taken Lucas, my main character, for this course activity.

Step 1: Design the background of the protagonist

Lucas is an exceptional pianist. He is quite skilled in the field of music, generally, but he is fond of the piano because of his late mother. He used to be a relaxed, and considerate guy. Always smiling. Always laughing. But that version of Lucas was washed away when his mother died due to an illness that cannot be cured.

He was only 14 when his mother died, leaving him to no relatives that wanted him. He stayed in an orphanage, and since then, he hated the piano, and the music that surrounded him everyday of his life. He left the orphanage when he turned 21. By that age, Lucas had found a steady job as a freelance online math tutor in a well-known study site.

Now, Lucas is 26, and still hates the piano, and music.

Step 2: Figure out your character's personality

Lucas Taylor is a 26 years old online math tutor. He is aloof, and usually seen with a frown, and a blank stare. No one has ever seen him smile or even raise an eyebrow. Most people think that Lucas is an android but even then androids show expression more than Lucas. Despite his cold personality that drives people away from him, Lucas is kind-hearted towards animals, particularly to small animals. He can tolerate children too since he teaches grade-school math, and occasionally high school level algebra, and calculus. He is a math genius.

He hates spicy foods but has a secret sweet tooth. His favorite food is sweet curry over rice, and least favorite is the ultimate spicy ramen that the ramen noodle shop downstairs sells. Lucas also loves stargazing, and often looks up when the sky is clear, and less light pollution.

He often smokes, and berates himself for doing so.

Step 3: Figure out the physical features

Lucas is a pale, skinny man. He is 5'8" tall with long black hair that ends just above his shoulders. He complains about the fringe that kept growing long but has no plans of cutting his long hair shorter. He is no means of strong, or sexy but people always turn heads when he passes by. Mostly at awe by his pale skin, and striking blue eyes. He has a small mole under his right eye.

He usually wears baggy shirts, and hoodies when just staying at home. When he leaves, he tries to look normal, and ties his hair up in a ponytail. When teaching, Lucas wears his rectangular framed glasses.

Step 4: Build social relationships

Peter Layason

He is one of Lucas' math students. A diligent, and a boisterous 10-year old. Hates math but likes to learn, especially if Lucas is the one teaching. Lucas had met him last year, and easily became friends. Lucas won't lie that Peter is the only reason he gets up every morning.

Himari Wess

A half-Japanese, and American neighbor of Lucas. She was literally the only person that Lucas talked to outside of his apartment. They met when Lucas was in a bad shape, and in a bad state of his life. He was drunk, and couldn't get inside his apartment. Himari saw him slumped on the floor, and helplessly dragged Lucas inside her apartment. She took care of her, and the friendship budded from then on.

Conrad the Receptionist

Conrad is an android stationed in Lucas' apartelle. He is a receptionist, and always looks after Lucas after a trip outside, and before leaving. Lucas, despite it all, had become attached to the android.