Writing Camp - Exercise Book - The Adventures of Coral and her Reluctant Human

Week 2 - Character Design

Flora Goodfolk

Background: 

Flora grew up on a farm outside of EdgeRose and lived with her parents. Her mom was a doctor and her dad was a veterinarian. Although the towns people deeply relied on Flora's parents, and perhaps even revered them to an extent, they were also a little afraid of the doctor couple. Flora's mom was not from EdgeRose and had a vast knowledge of other places, people's, and their ways to remedy ailments. Flora's father on the other hand was a descendant of the some of the folks who had built EdgeRose into existence. He had always had a natural affinity for animals, they sought him out, and he seemed to be able to understand them in a way that almost no one else could. Because of these reasons the citizens of EdgeRose have always suspected them of witchcraft and often whisper behind their doors about the weird ways of the Goodfolks. None the less, Flora, grew up happy, loved, and without many a worry at all. She shared her father's affinity towards animals and her mom's ability to quickly discern what a body might need. When she was a teen her parents sent her away to University and she returned home a few years later with a voracious thirst to understand the way things work and a small, very fluffy, orange kitten in tow. The townspeople who were already on the fence about Flora quickly made up their minds that she must not have fallen far from the Witch tree at all. 

The towns folk began to shy away from Flora and the last time she really spent with them as a community was when the town laid her parents to rest. She might have taken this as a reason to become bitter, resentful, or even hateful. But she never faltered in the love or level of care she showed them whenever they turned up on her doorstep in need. Flora understood that they meant well, they had just been stuck in that little town for generations and anything new seemed scary. So she didn't hold it against them and, it in fact, endeared them to her heart even more. 

Personality:

Flora's parents helped give her a sunny and open outlook on life. Because of this she is very kind and affectionate even with those she may not know well. Her parents instilled a deep sense of people over things in her and so she is always willing to lend a hand, a pot, or the shirt off her back if needed. One year she fostered 7 little piglets for the town who's parents had been killed by wolves. She kept them in her tiny little cottage, with Coral protesting the entire time, for the whole winter. When she returned the piglets to the townsfolk they wouldn't make eye contact as they mumbled a hurried "thank you" and left. Flora went to the farmer's house the next day and brought them a basket of cucumberberries that she grew in her garden and thanked them for allowing her to care for the piglets as she was very lonely and loved the company. After this the farmers warmed up quite a bit because they felt like they had also done Flora a favor and they didn't "owe' her anything. That was just a knack that Flora had, being able to tell the underlying cause of something. It's also quite possible that Flora may be one of the kindest, most patient, and understanding people ever. 

Physical appearance:

Flora is about 40 years old and has long, straight, lavender hair. She's short and curvy and loves to dress in brightly colored clothing with shiny or sparkly accessories. She has dark almond shaped eyes with long thick lashes. Her smile can light up the room and can disarm even the most stand offish of people. Her hair is beginning to show some grays here and there and she calls them her fairy hair since they sparkle when the sun hits them. 

Social relationships:

Coral is Flora's best friend and roommate. She's a diva of a cat with the ability to attract a whole lot of trouble and weird into Flora's life. She is always bringing strange items to Flora and also seems to have some kind of shimmer ability that melts or warps reality a bit. Coral is a spoiled brat and despises the townsfolk so she goes out of her way to be bratty and obnoxious at every opportunity. Although she makes Flora's life both strange and difficult most of the time she loves Flora dearly. She never leaves Flora's side and is quite cuddly and lovey as long as they are far away from the town. Coral is insatiably curious and can never seem to leave well enough alone. Because of this she often drags Flora into unexpected and sometimes alarming situations. Most of all, Coral, is a cat of many secrets and only time will tell whether or not she will reveal some of her mystery.