For my main task, i was inspired by the plot and character set up of a one off game i played with some friends. Usually, we meet up for D&D games, but for a difference one of the members, Rory, narrated a one off horror plot for us. From there, 4 main characters, and one main non player character were born. Kaira, Hans, Vulrich, 'Mystery Man' and Johan ('M.M' was his unofficial name, as the person controlling him couldn't think of a suitable name for the character.) Below i'll go into more detail about the characters personalities, theorists they link to, and other characters i feel could relate to them.
Kaira
Kaira is a very confident and headstrong young woman. She's brave and is used to taking care of herself. Originally, Kaira was a travelling entertainer, often switching groups as she pleased. At night though, she donned a unique disguise, and set off to rob any valuables the current settlement she was in may hold. In my mind, she often wears a rather nice, long red dress - to show off some sort of status, even if she doesn't actually posses those rights. She also has long dark hair and matching eyes. These appearance traits are often linked to sinful women who hold an air of mystery and are not always who they seem.
A character that i instantly thought fit with Kaira's personality was cat woman. The original version of her seen in Batman shows her as a sneaky, conniving and skilled woman. She's defiant, self reliant, and wont let a man push her around. Both women also hold some sort of conspiring alter ego as well, acting oblivious to these criminal acts when in their normal persona.
Similarities can also be seen between Lara and Kaira. Not so much the occupation and environment, but the attitude of independence, and the love of thrills, adventure and action are certainty prominent. The appearance's also have some resemblance, especially with the hair length skin tone and physique.
Out of all the character theories i have studied, i'd say that Kaira fit's the role of the sorcerer from Campbell, Fletcher and Greenhill's theory. She fits role in the sense that her personality suggests she wouldn't participate in much friendly socialisation with most of the other characters. I would also argue that she could fit the dispatcher role from Propp's theory. She fits this role if you look at her character from the narrative. She goes off to find out about the creatures herself instead of wasting time looking for un-found information. Going from this view, she provides a lot of new information to the other characters concerning the mysteries they have yet to solve.
Hans
Hans is a determined, controlling man. He likes to take charge, and tries to focus on everyone sticking and working together. He has ridiculously high moral guides, and seems to become infuriated by anyone who thinks little of morals and basic human ethics. Hans in the original draft was an ex German doctor, who left where he was stationed and came to travelling afar. He wears a typical suit in relation to the time period. (Original plot based in medieval/Tudor/Victorian times) Often described as the same type of clothes a vicar would wear, but minus the white collar. He also has a small medical bag on hand at all times, with important herbs and instruments ready for action. His professional appearance shows his dedication and seriousness to his work, but also gives hints that he may be a little too serious and doesn't know when to calm it down or take a break.
I think the the theory that bests fits Hans is the role of the big man, seen in both Campbell and Bishop's theory. He tries to provide some law and order, and takes many conflictual issues upon himself to solve, but he's not looked to to do so. It's more the case that he acts like that, thought people would rather him leave their business alone or stop trying to take charge.
Mystery Man
This suitably unnamed character is exactly like one would expect. A mystery. His real name was never revealed, he's quiet and sticks to the background unless in times of need, where he'll come through with some sort of bold act - then quickly blend to the shadows once again. He wears a large, long black coat - keeping himself covered and preserving even more mystery. The only few times he spoke during the plot, the main thing he'd say is "It's not important." (In a deep, gruff tone.) This was usually used instead of answering questions that were directed at him. With the unwavering and unchanging tone, others quickly realised they wouldn't find out anything about him by asking questions. His true background though, shows he is a bounty hunter and seeks after the glorious rewards that follow the job. Being a bounty hunter, it becomes obvious why he'd want to be so mysterious and stay undetected by most people.
The first movie character to come to mind when thinking of M.M was of course Batman. The mysterious silent appearance, only appearing in the mid when needed before blending back in to the shadows. M.M wont have the same tech or power as Batman holds, but one big similarity is that the public will never know their true intention. Mixed views have been oppressed about batman, is he possibly the same as an Arkham inmate? is he really just a hero of justice? The view on their morals and ethics can seem a bit hazy depending from where you stand.
I think this character is extremely interesting to look at in terms of theories. Depending at what light you look at him in, there are multiple ones that could be applied such as the following...
From Goffman's theory, M.M could fir in as the bit player. Though he's just as vital to the plot as the other 3 protagonists, he can be seen as a minor character, since he remains out of the spot light until his time. He also fits the criteria that you don't know anything about his background, and he remains shrouded in mystery.
From Propp's theory, M.M could fit a lot of the roles. In a sense, he could be seen as the helper, as though he doesn't make himself known very clearly, he does help when others are in need. (in accordance to the bar scene in the plot, he helps Vulrich out of a spot of bother.) He could also be seen as a hero in that sense as well, again not making himself boldly known, but showing heroic antics when needed. From his mystery and unknown intentions and details, he could be seen in a rather villainous light too. He does help Vulrich out in the plot at one point, but was it really such a heroic thing to do?
From Goffman's theory, M.M could fir in as the bit player. Though he's just as vital to the plot as the other 3 protagonists, he can be seen as a minor character, since he remains out of the spot light until his time. He also fits the criteria that you don't know anything about his background, and he remains shrouded in mystery.
From Propp's theory, M.M could fit a lot of the roles. In a sense, he could be seen as the helper, as though he doesn't make himself known very clearly, he does help when others are in need. (in accordance to the bar scene in the plot, he helps Vulrich out of a spot of bother.) He could also be seen as a hero in that sense as well, again not making himself boldly known, but showing heroic antics when needed. From his mystery and unknown intentions and details, he could be seen in a rather villainous light too. He does help Vulrich out in the plot at one point, but was it really such a heroic thing to do?
Vulrich
Vulrich is a tough and would seem to be a determined man. In reality, he's rather dense, and for that reason tends to not back down or give up easily. Previously working as a blacksmith, he carries scraps of metal and a hammer around with him. (Carrying a potentially dangerous weapon around with him casually also shows his dimmer points, as he never see's it as being a threat.) To suit his occupation, his outfit would fit accordingly, and he'd have a rather muscular physique. I imagine him being a bit shorter than the other men, just as his do things now, think later attitude reminds me of that of a Dwarfs.
Another character i think fits Vulrich quite well is Danny Butterman from Hot Fuzz. Of course the occupation, the sweet and kind personality and the cowardice doesn't show in Vulrich. Danny came to mind while trying to think of another character with a suitably low sense of wisdom, as both are rather slow on the uptake, don't take hints very well, and will jump into doing things before really giving it any thought.
Johan
Johan is the bar owner in Havenheath. At first glance, he'd appear quite normal. But after hearing him, it's evident he's a paranoid schizophrenic, terrified by whatever it is that haunts the village. He prefers the quiet and unnerving lifestyle, becoming extremely high strung whenever anyone mentions 'them'. He also has a few dark secrets that he keeps displayed around the main bar room. His attire consists of a barman outfit, and i can't imagine it being a very well kept or posh one at that.
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