An introduction to and analysis of the main fictional characters – in general order of appearance:

SAM ADAMS

The main character: An undiagnosed schizophrenic who constantly hears voices from within.  These auditory disturbances and the hallucinations /dreams started in early teens and are scary and destructive.

He is psychotic and deeply complex; guilt-ridden, insular and selfish ….

He is also exceptionally clever…some might say bordering on genius……

Many around him think he’s no good….

BUT… is he really such a bad person – or just a person to whom bad things happen?

ROSE EVA ADAMS (nee GABALLA)

Sam’s “mother”:  Destructive; unpredictable with transient mood swings exasperated by a mixture of alcohol, drugs and life.   Violent tendencies and frequent irrational outbursts.

Lives on breadline – always has done since impoverished beginnings.

But is it the life she chooses to live that makes her age prematurely… or is it the lies?

STAN ADAMS

Sam’s “father”:  Weak; non-confrontational “head in the sand” individual.  Gambling addict. This compulsion and dependence overules everything else.  Blinded but also manipulated.

Is he capable of anything else but his addiction – or is this his lot?

(GRIM) REAPER

Although for some being a Goth is not so dark, for the Reaper – it is just that.

Infatuated with the medieval period (and victorian revival), the Reaper dwells in the past. His coerced gang read Bram Stoker and Anne Rice and talk about being vampires. They dress in black – their appearance tells the world they’re different – not mainstream. They read H.P. Lovecraft and talk about the end of the world but whilst they listen to The Damned, Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees and play at Dungeons & Dragons – the Reaper plays for real!

Reaper has total lack of respect for human life. Whilst most Goths just follow an alternative lifestyle, The Reaper takes it to extreme;   Satanism, violence, white supremacy and intolerance is his mantra.

He has a fascination with death. It’s all a quest for immortality.

JOE

No known surname – just “Joe”.  Nameless, unimportant ; of no consequence.

Rejected by family, let down by social services, dismissed by The State. Homeless from early teens;  Survives any which way he can.

Despite this – is trusting, trustworthy, friendly and giving.

But will the special bond he shares with Sam be the bond that breaks him?

EILEEN

Kindly volunteer – always willing to help others in their hour of need without ever counting the cost.

Stout lady of Irish descent in her late fifties.  Mother and grandmother.

Devout Roman Catholic – follows God’s advice to the letter but does not force beliefs on others.  Enjoys citing quotations from The Bible.

Wise – gently influential.

Has a live and let live idiom although lives by God’s word herself – but can her wise words do any good – or do they fall on deaf ears?

MR LEON

Never on first name terms – sees title as rank.

A short, stocky man who nevertheless commands attention; has total presence.

Smart. Powerful. Commanding.  Authoritive. Controlling.  A perfectionist –but why?  Perhaps he’s just defending himself against inner vulnerabilities?

Head of large national company – named personally after himself.  A sign to the World that He has made it!

Chooses to employ radically “different” individuals as puppets.

Uses others.  Feeds of their demise, stupidity and ignorance; exploits their misfortune as his fortune.

But can he be trusted – when it really counts?

LAUREN LEON

Uses position, status and genetically good looks to flaunt, taunt and manipulate others.

Immature. Haughty.  Greedy.

Desires the finer things in life….. ranks wealth and status above everything and everybody.  Not overly intelligent but uses family connections and position to influence decisions.

Will her saving grace be her conscience?   Will she ultimately exhibit guts and real resolution when shady business dealings cross the normally low moral line?

CARL DOWNS

Enigmatic, ambitious, covetous.

Ruthless. Callous. Merciless.

Wants everything he hasn’t got – only to find he didn’t really want it at all!

Originated “from nothing” – worked his “way to the top” – determined that no-one and nothing will slow his progress.

But don’t forget – the faster you travel through life the harder the impact when it all finally crashes down!

A user and a total taker.  But could he be capable of even more.  Could he stoop even lower?

TOMMO

Homeless addict.  What came first is unknown.

A loner.  Both parents deceased.  No other known family other than one older estranged sibling who resides in London and is “doing quite nicely by today’s standards”.

A thief, gambler, chancer – but underneath a devil-may-care façade -has some saving graces; will only take what he needs.

Can even be generous – when funds allow – but is he taking more than he’s letting on?

 “MRS H”

Name unknown/unimportant.  Named by Sam after Charles Dickens’ character although he notes this woman’s left hand bears a wedding ring so assigns the title “Mrs” rather than “Miss”.

Miss Havisham is a significant character in the Charles Dickens novel Great Expectations (1861). She is a wealthy spinster who lives in her ruined mansion. Dickens describes her as looking like “the witch of the place”.

Like Dickens’ character, Sam notes that this woman has spent a long time away from the sunlight, the darkness itself has aged her.  She is said to look like a cross between a waxwork and a frail, withered old lady.

She is non-trusting, suspicious and insular; her own past harbours a number of dark secrets. But is she really as bad as she first appears?

DAVE

Not his given Christian name but a friendly name that anyone would easily remember in their time of need.  And in their time of need – “Dave” will be there for them.  He’s everyone’s brother!

A Christian; a former missionary.  Also worked with the Red Cross.  Shot at – abused – attacked –robbed …but still undeterred.

Always sees the best in people.  Is non judgemental, trusting, giving and full of mercy.

Intelligent; realises that this life on Earth is short.  Dedicates what little time he has to helping others – but can he help Sam?

 SHELLEY COLLINS

The lovely Shelley…”Shell”!

Caring, kind, compassionate.

Personality easily described by “Love is Patient” verse taken from Corinthians 13; 4-8.

Totally unmaterialistic.

Independent – not through arrogance but through belief that each should pay their dues (if able).  Will be there to assist those unable – but is she strong enough to mend the broken pieces and glue them back together again?

She always tries to do what is right –  but does this blind her to the wrongs of wrong-doers?

 FRIEDA COLLINS (MRS S)

Referred to simply as “Mrs S” by Sam; to use her name would make their relationship more personal.  Sam has no desire to get to know this “mother”, this go-getter woman of prejudice and wanton power.

A woman of “some substance”- from affluent background.  Well educated, rich and successful. Covets power and position above all else.

Is ignorant of anyone else but herself. Will her ignorance be her downfall?

TCHAI, MAI & RAI

Illegal immigrants of unknown nationality.

Takers.  Plotters.

Exploits anyone deemed weaker –places little worth on human life; will use, abuse and dispose of whatever they believe they alone need to fulfil their greed.

Perhaps their insignificance will render them all insignificant?

DETECTIVE DREW

Fastidious, controlled. Governed by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour.

Highly anxious – constant quest for “temporary relief”.

Has murky past and even darker secrets.

Shady. Destructive.

Confirmed bachelor; possibly trans-gender.

Committed to pursuing Sam – but will he make Sam fit the crimes – or the crimes fit Sam?

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