April Character Studies: Faults

Once again, it’s time for Character Studies! As you may know, it’s hosted by Morgan Dusky at Studies in Character. You can find out more about it here.

This month’s theme is Character Faults. I’ll be interviewing George McAllen from The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy. He’ll make an appearance for the first time in the series in Ivy Introspective as Dr. McAllen’s assistant and trainee.

I was going to interview Ivy, but then I realized that I wanted to know more about a different character … and hopefully this will help me.

I’ll be using the questions from both part 1 and part 2.

What are you afraid of?

Saying something at the wrong time. I tend to be way to outspoken. That, and not passing exams. I’m terrified of exams. They’re so … terrifying.

Do you have a temper?

Yes. A pretty bad temper, actually. And I told a grudge afterward. So …

What kind of things would make you lose your temper?

Everything. Seriously, though, I have a ridiculously small amount of patience. And I want to be a doctor. This is going to be a fun life.

If you’re angry, how do you (try to) calm down?

Take deep breaths. Count to ten. Dive into a loch. Am I being sarcastic? Noooooooooooooo.

You’re in an argument with your best friend/significant other.  What’s it about?

I don’t know … I can’t be expected to keep track of all the reasons I started arguments … it’s hard enough remember how I ended them so I can remember what grudges to hold!

What’s your worst habit?

Defenestration. If only I could shake it! Unfortunately, it’s become an addiction. *deep sigh*

If you could change one thing about your appearance, what would it be and why?

I think I need a cleft in my chin. That would perfect my appearance. I may be joking a wee bit … how did you guess?

What about your personality?

I’m sorry, I’m too wonderful to contemplate changes. Maybe I’d have less of a temper. Definitely more patience!

You’re working with a group of people on some kind of object.  What role do you play? Do you like your role?

I’d be the sarcastic guy who has no real purpose except as a comedy relief.

What’s your favorite kind of animal?

Leeches. We use them to bleed our innocent victims. Slowly. Painfully. Not really.

The world ended (literally or figuratively, your choice).  It was your fault.  If it had been an accident, what happened?  If it had been intentional, what happened and why did you do it?

But … all my best friends live in the world!

What is something that would ruin a friendship for you?  Something completely and utterly inexcusable, even if your closest friend did it.

I hate when people lie to me; I expect honesty from those dear to me.

Somebody wants you to do something you don’t like.  What’s the best way for them to get you to do it?

Offer me pie. I’ll do almost anything for pie. Seriously, though, tell me not to.

Somebody is getting on your nerves and you really want them to go away but they don’t seem to get the hint.  What do you do?

Knock him down, if he is a man. Walk away, if she is a woman.

What is, in your opinion, the worst thing you’ve ever done?  What would you have done differently?

Oh, I can think of half a dozen times I’ve lost my temper and regretted it afterward. Of course, then I never apologize, at least not first. If anything, I’d like to go back and apologize quicker. I always regret not apologizing more than I regret losing my temper.

Somebody you used to trust betrayed you in a big way, and then begs for you to forgive them.  Do you and why or why not?  If not, is there something they could do to get you to change your mind?

I grant them forgiveness … grudgingly on the outside, willingly on the inside.

What’s your opinion on lying?  In what situations would you lie?  When do you feel it’s important to tell the truth, no matter how painful it might be?

Lying is awful. I try never to lie, but I think I have before to get myself out of trouble. There is no situation I can think of in which the truth is not better in the long well.

You’re confident that you can do something great.  What could someone do/say to destroy that confidence?  Would you let them know their comment hurt you?

There’s very little that can destroy my confidence. The best way to make me do something is to tell me I can’t.

What’s your opinion on loyalty?

Extremely important. Blood is stronger than water, be true to your clan, et cetera, et cetera.

Do you like the rain?

We get plenty of it here in Scotland, and I’m used to it. I have no opinion whatsoever. Let it rain; it doesn’t bother me one bit.

Well, what did you think? Is he an interesting character? Do you think you could like him despite his faults? Do you think he and mild little Ivy could end up together without going insane? Do you think you’re going to be reading a book with him in it sometime in 2017? I sure hope so!