Character Profile


Generation 1 - Founder - Peter Van Winkle

  1. Is your character good at working with their hands? If so, are they better at practical and crafting-type pursuits (carpentry, knitting/sewing, smithing, car repairs, etc.) or fine arts like drawing and painting?  Peter can fix anything whether it be plumbing problems or electrical gadgets gone haywire.  Just stand back from the occasional explosion due to his inability to remember what he’s doing from one minute to the next.
  2. Has your character ever been to a beach? If so, did they enjoy it? Why or why not?  Yes his bachelor party was held at the beach at the time he thought it was best night of his life.  Since his marriage fell apart he can’t go to the beach without thinking of his ex-wife Vallari.
  3. There’s a spider, cockroach, silverfish, or some other nasty bug in your character’s house/room/apartment/etc.! How do they deal with it? Do they squish it? Capture it to release it outside? Scream and run for the hills?  Peter would capture the poor creature and use it in one of his science experiments.
  4. How would your character react to the death of a family member, close friend, or other loved one? Is this something they’ve experienced in the past or not?  Peter was deeply affected by the deaths of his parents; especially his father.  His father died before Peter had a chance to forgive him.
  5. Does your character know how to swim? If not, have they ever been in a situation where they wished they had?   Yes Peter enjoys swimming in the pool in his backyard.
  6. How quickly does your character generally pick up new skills or knowledge? Are they better at learning “book knowledge” or hands-on skills?  Peter is a genius and picks up most things easily and quickly.  However he requires things to be repeated due to his absent-mindedness.
  7. What are your character’s sleeping habits? Can they fall asleep anywhere, or do they need perfect silence and darkness? Do they tend to stay up late or get to bed early? Would they be comfortable sharing a bed with someone they don’t know very well?  Peter can sleep just about anywhere at anytime.  If he’s working on a project you can find him napping at his desk.
  8. Does your character have any seemingly irrational fears or phobias?  If so, was it caused by a specific incident in their past?  No his fears are based in fact and centered around keeping his family safe.
  9. Describe your character’s dream house.  Where would it be located? What unique things would be inside it?  Peter’s dream house is any house large enough for large family gatherings and space large enough for an in home lab where he can continue his experiments at home.
  10. If your character was greatly outnumbered in a fight, would they stand their ground or run away? Does their mindset in this matter ever get them in trouble?  It depends.  If the fight was something petty he would leave but if it involved the safety of his family he would stand his ground and fight regardless of the odds.  Yes it has nearly cost him his life.
  11. Just for Fun: Describe what the first five pictures in your character’s Instagram would be.  Peter is a family oriented person so all the pictures would be of his family.
12. Describe your character’s feelings about their own body. Does it have anything to do with the culture in which they were raised, the people who raised them, etc.? Peter doesn’t really notice what he looks like.  He has too many other things on his mind to worry about things like his appearance.
13. If your character were shipwrecked on a deserted island, how long could they survive? Peter is very resourceful and could live a long time shipwrecked on a deserted island.  Bug soup and raw fish wouldn’t bother him. What he’d worry about the most is how is disappearance would be effecting his family.
14. Does your character have any tattoos, piercings, scarification, or other intentional body modifications?  If so, do they have any special personal or cultural meaning? If they don’t have any, do they want any? Peter has one tattoo on his chest.  He got it with his son after he was diagnosed with cancer and it reminds him that you can face anything with the help of others.
15. Describe your character’s social class. How do they feel towards people from other classes?  Peter doesn’t really notice social class.  He believes it’s the person that counts not how much they’re worth.  Peter knows what it means to live from pay check to pay check after his father kicked him out and disinheriting him.  Peter has worked hard to get to the top of his career and for every dime he has made in the process
16.  How well can your character cook?  Do they enjoy cooking, do it out of necessity– or have they never had to cook for themselves?  Peter is a self taught cook.  He cooked most meals while married to his first wife since she refused to do anything to help around the house.  Then Peter continued to cook after marrying his second wife Jean since he’s a better cook than she is.
17. Would your character rather travel all over the world alone or stay in one place forever with the people they love?  Peter would never travel if he could help it.  He loves his family and wants to spend every minute he can with them.
18. Does your character prefer reading poetry or prose? Do they write either, or both? Can they read and/or write?  Peter prefers reading scientific journals to poetry or prose.  He publishes in Sim Science Digest and other Science journals.
19. Your character is in a burning room and can save either a priceless work of art or a living animal.  Which do they choose?  Definitely a living breathing animal. He wouldn’t think twice about it.
20. How does your character show affection towards other people, if at all?  Peter is very vocal in telling his children and wife how much he loves them. He likes to give and receive hugs.
21. Is your character fashionable by the standards of their culture? If not, is it by choice, lack of money, something else? Peter doesn’t really notice what he’s wearing and doesn’t follow what’s in fashion or not. He’s very much a geeky nerd scientist.
22. Just for Fun: If your character were a big-time Hollywood star, how would they react to fame?  Peter is a celebrated scientist and he is recognized for his world changing discoveries.  Fame hasn’t gone to his head and he teaches his children that it’s not the fame that matters but who you are as a person.
23. How does/would your character react to unwanted sexual advances? Peter would be kind but firm, wouldn’t want to hurt their feelings but he wouldn’t lead them on either.
24. Which does your character value more: loyalty or morality?  Loyalty is very important to Peter.  It’s what kept him in a loveless marriage with his ex-wife Vallari longer than he should have.
25. Is your character religious? If so, do they follow the (or one of the) major religion(s) of their culture, or a different one? If not, are they more of an atheist, agnostic, or spiritualist (or none of the above)?  Peter believes in a higher power but he doesn’t have a formal religion he adheres to.
26. Does your character believe in ghosts? (Also, do ghosts actually exist in their world?)  Once he and his son Adam turned themselves into ghosts using a potion they made.  Peter doesn’t disbelieve in ghosts but he has no other knowledge of them outside the potion he took.
27. Your character believes something that is at odds with what the rest of their family and/or friends believe. Do they talk about it with them?  If so, how do they approach the subject?  Peter wouldn’t discuss his beliefs until he had proof to back him up.  Then he would approach them with calm logical reasons for why believed the way he does.
28. What do you think is your character’s best and worst trait? What do they think is their best and worst trait?  Best trait is his ability to trust people.  Worst trait his inability to say no. Peter probably sees his best trait as being fair and reasonable in his expectations of people.  Worst trait trusting people which has resulted in him being taken advantage of.
29. Is your character the type of person to correct someone’s grammar when they’re speaking? Conversely, how would they react to someone correcting their improper grammar? Peter wouldn’t correct someone’s grammar.  There are more methings to worry about then how a person speaks.  He wouldn’t like someone correcting him but wouldn’t mention it.
30. How does your character feel about the concept of virginity? How does their culture feel about it?  It’s a personal choice.  One he hopes his children will take seriously but he wouldn’t expect them to be virgins until they get married.
31. Does your character prefer living alone, or with family, friends/roommates, significant other(s), etc.?  Peter doesn’t like living alone.  It was one of the factors that led him to get married at 18 to a much older woman (33).  It was  decision made from loneliness more than love.
32 Your character is handed a Rubik’s Cube. Do they try to solve it?  Can they? If so, how quickly?  Peter’s a genius and loves puzzles.  He would have no choice but to solve it and would be disappointed that it wasn’t a bigger challenge.
33. Just for Fun: Your character just got tickets to their favorite comic/anime/etc. convention! Who do they cosplay?  Peter enjoys having fun and would go as Dr. Who.
34. If your character found a magic genie lamp and was granted three wishes, what would they be? Peter would wish for health and happiness for his family then wish for the genie to be set free.  
35. If your character could meet one historical figure, who would it be? (Also: If they’re from a fictional world, what heroes from their culture’s past would they want to meet?)  Peter would want to meet Benjamin Franklin.
36. Your character gets the opportunity to go back in time and change one decision they made in their past.  Do they do it? If so, what do they change?  The only decision Peter regrets is his first marriage to Vallari. He would not go back and change it though because he loves the children that came as a result of that marriage.
37. What is your character’s biggest insecurity about their a) personality and b) appearance?  Peter isn’t insecure about himself.  He’s too busy thinking about other things to be concerned about himself.
38.  Describe your character’s ideal romantic and/or sexual partner (if applicable). Peter isn’t concerned by the outward appearance of his partner.  He just wants someone who will love him for him and who can be is intellectual equal. 
39.  Where does your character hope to be in ten years’ time?  Is it a physical place, an emotional state, something else? Peter hopes to have solved the alien abduction problem so that future generations won’t have to worry about it.
40.  If your character is from a world other than our modern-day real world, how they react if they suddenly ended up in our world?  Peter’s world is similar to ours except with alien abductions and supernatural elements in it.
41. Does your character feel like they fit in with their culture, or are they at odds with it? Peter is a bit of a geek and doesn’t fit in well with people who don’t understand what he’s talking about.  It doesn’t bother him though he’s used to being smarter than everyone around him.
42. Your character sees someone being bullied in the streets.  How do they react? Peter would step in and try to stop it.  If he saw it, he would have to stop it.
43. How susceptible to peer pressure is your character?  What about pressure from their family? Peter does what he thinks is right regardless of what other people think.
44. Just for Fun: If your character could transport themselves into one ‘existing’ fictional universe, which would they choose (or other universe, if they’re already an OC for an existing universe)?  No Peter would stay where he’s at.  He’d worry too much about his family
45. Did your character have a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, doll, etc. as a child? If so, at what age did they stop playing with it?  Do they still own it or has it gotten lost or destroyed over the years? Peter’s parents didn’t believe in toys that weren’t educational.  He fondest memories were playing with his chemistry set.  The first one he received was when he was four and what followed were many sensational explosions some by accident some not so much.
46. If your character were given $1,000 (or their country’s equivalent) to spend on non-necessities (i.e. no food or clothes or rent, etc.), what would they buy?  Peter would spend on more equipment for  his at home lab.
47.  How would your character describe their own appearance? Is it in line with how the other characters view them and/or how they’re described in the narration, or is it skewed (for better or for worse)?  Peter sees himself as average, nothing special.  He doesn’t notice his co-workers looking at him or their attempts to flirt.  His wife on the other hand sees it but is quietly amused knowing her husband doesn’t have clue.
48. Does your character dye their hair?  If so, do they still go for a “natural” look (like blonde to brunette), or bright/unnatural colors?  Peter’s hair is all natural.
49. Does your character have any bad habits or compulsions that are genuinely detrimental to their health and/or safety (smoking, drug/alcohol abuse, reckless driving, etc.)? If so, is it something they’re trying to change, or do they not care?  No bad habits except his propensity to neglect his health on the grounds that he’s too buys to be sick.  His wife Jean now reminds him and forces him to see to have regular checkups.
50. Is there anyone in your character’s life that they would be willing to die for? If so, does that character feel the same way about them?  Yes Peter would sacrifice himself for his wife or any one of his eight children. His family would do the same for him; although he would not want them too.
51. Is your character vegan or vegetarian? If so, is it for moral or health reasons? If not, how do they feel about vegans and vegetarians?  Peter is a meat and potatoes man.  He doesn’t mind people who vegans/vegetarians as long as they don’t try to change him.
52. Is your character charismatic, or does it take people some time to warm up to them?  What is it about their personality that makes people react this way to them? Yes in a nerdy sort of way.  Most people immediately like him and enjoy working with him and he has been known to throw some wild parties.
53. What is the longest romantic relationship your character has had, if any? What about platonic relationships?  Peter has been married to his second wife for 23 years and is more in love with her than the day they married.  He has many friends besides his wife.
54. Is there any special object that your character never goes without? If so, is it because of sentimental value (like a family heirloom) or practical use (like a pocketknife)? Or maybe both?  Not really unless you call never leaving without his laptop so that he can work on his projects as thoughts pop into his head. He finds it easier to use his laptop then to try and decipher his chicken scratches if he had just a notebook and pen.
55. Just for Fun: Think of your the last TV show, movie, or book your watched or read. Who would be your character’s favorite character? Which characters are most like them? NCIS - Peter’s favorite character would be LeRoy Jethro Gibbs because he relates to his fierce loyalty to protect the people he cares about.  Timothy McGee would be most like Peter because of his intelligence but Gibbs reflects his protectiveness towards his family.
56. How does your character handle finances? Are they a big spender or a careful saver? Very well.  Peter doesn’t worry about money and is generous with anyone who needs help.
57. Has your character ever gotten in trouble with the law? If so, what for? Does this ever come back to affect them? No Peter is a law abiding citizen but that doesn’t mean he won’t break the law if he needed to to protect his family.
58. Is your character particularly interested in a certain historical period? If so, what about it appeals to them?  Peter is not interested in history.  He’s more interested in the future and has been there several times and he has a personal stake in seeing the timeline stay on track.
59. What are your character’s political beliefs? If your character is from a fictional world, are there political parties or groups that share these beliefs? Peter is not very political at all.
60. If your character is from a world where magic is real/common, what would they do if they suddenly ended up in a non-magical world? Or if they just lost their powers?  Magic doesn’t play a large role in Peter’s universe.  Peter believes magic is possible since his best friend is a time traveler and his grandson is half Imaginary friend made real.
61. How many past sexual partners has your character had, if any? How do they feel about one night stands/hookups/other “promiscuous” sex? Is that something they ever have/would engage in? Two - Vallari his first wife whom he married at 18 and Jean his second wife.  Peter wasn’t much for sleeping around, mostly because he was too busy with other things to consider it a high priority.
62. How “self-aware” is your character within the story (i.e. a fantasy story where they find out they’re the chosen one and call it cliche, or a sci-fi story where they compare their life to Star Wars)?  Peter figures things out over time and sometimes need things pointed out to him.  For example it took him ten years to realize that Vallari only married him for the money he would someday inherit and that she had no real love for him or their children.
63. If your character is the narrator of the story, are they a reliable narrator? Or do they often omit/embellish things to swing the reader’s opinion a certain way?  The story is written in third person so it’s pretty reliable.
64. Has your character ever traveled outside the country if their birth? If so, what for? And if not, do they ever want to? Peter went to China with Vallari where they decided that enough was enough and came home to get divorced.  Otherwise he’s traveled to the Oasis Landing with Jean.
65. Would your character ever put themselves in danger to help a complete stranger? If so, how bad would a situation have to be for your character not to help someone? Yes, Peter would help anyone regardless of the risk to himself.  The only time he would not risk the danger is if it would mean putting his children in worse danger.
66. Just for Fun: Your character hits the jackpot lottery and is suddenly a millionaire. What’s their first purchase? Peter won the lottery once and he donated the money to the towns future fund.  So if he won again he would donate most of the money to worthy causes
67. How would your character deal with someone confessing their love to them? What if they don’t return the feelings? What if they do?  Peter would try to be kind and understanding but he would let them know that he is happily married to the love of his life.
68. How does your character react to conflict, both verbal and physical? Peter strives to remain calm in any situation.  However there are times where he loses his cool and that’s when you know you should run.
69.  Does your character’s actual age align with the age they act? Or are they more or less mature than their peers? If your character has a longer-than-human lifespan (like elves, vampires, etc.), how does that affect their age/maturity relationship?  Peter has always been more mature then others of his own age despite being a bit naive.  People assume he’s younger than he actually is and that’s proven to be an asset to him.  He had an experimental procedure done in the future to cure his cancer and a side effect was his biological clock was reset.  So physically he’s only a few years older than his oldest child but mentally he’s at least 20 years older than  he looks.
70. Describe your character’s ideal vacation day.  Where would it be spent?  Who would it be with?  Peter’s perfect vacation day is one spent at home with his family.  Possibly at a park with his family having a picnic.
71. How does your character feel about their culture’s mythology and/or legends?  Do they enjoy learning about it? Or do they find them boring? Peter is more interested in facts and figures then legends.  If it effects him or his family he will learn everything he can.  For instance he’s done extensive research into Imaginary Friends come to life.  One day he’ll share that research with is grandson Heath.
72. Is your character athletic? If so, is it because of their occupation (soldier, professional athlete, etc.), or because they make a conscious effort to fit exercise into their routine? Peter can be athletic when he remembers to exercise.  He’d much rather be working in his lab or reading a book than exercising.  Jean insists he exercise at least 20 minutes every day and he does it to make her happy.
73. Describe your character’s relationship with their parents, and/or with whoever raised them if not their parents.  Are they close? Do they tend to get along well, or are family gatherings always a chaotic event (or nonexistent)?  Peter loved his mother and kept in touch with her despite his father disinheriting him over the loss of his research from an explosion his father thought he caused at the lab. Peter named his daughters Corina and Doloris after his mother.  Years later he and his dad made up but their relationship was never the same.  Peter did name is last born son Henry after his dad.
74. Is your character more of a “thinker” or a “doer?”  Would they rather be part of the planning or the execution of an idea? Peter likes to see any project through from start to finish.  He likes to think it up and put it into practice.
75. Does your character tend to take unnecessary risks, or are they more on the cautious side?  If they are a risk-taker, does it ever get them into trouble? If they’re cautious, do they wish they were more gutsy sometimes? Peter doesn’t take unnecessary risks if he can avoid it.  But there are times where you have to throw caution to the wind and just do it.
76. Does your character act differently around strangers than they do around friends? If so, how dramatic is the difference?  Peter tends to be quieter around people he doesn’t know well or he doesn’t trust.  It’s not real noticeable but it’s obvious to his family and close friends.
77. Just for Fun: If your character were a wizard/witch in the Harry Potter universe, what would their Patronus be?  A mouse - it appears to be weak but can in fact be very intimidating. 
78. Who in your character’s life has made the biggest impact on who they are as a person today? Was that impact for better or worse? Does your character realize the effects they’ve had on them? Vallari Peter’s ex-wife had the deepest impact on who Peter is today.  From her he learned that not everyone can be trusted.  He learned to take precautions and and defend himself against the manipulations of people out to get him and his family.  Up until the day she died Vallari still viewed Peter as the inexperienced naive 18 year old she met when she married him.
79. How much formal education has your character had? How does this compare to the average citizen of their homeland?  Did they enjoy their education or was it a struggle?  Peter finished all formal education and higher education before he turned 18.  He is a genius and learning came easy to him.  He often wished his father hadn’t pushed him so hard and let him be a kid.
80. How would your character react to being used or manipulated by someone they trusted? Would they ever forgive that person? Peter’s first wife manipulated him through much of their marriage.  It was a major reason why they got divorced.  So no Peter would not be the forgiving type.
81. Would your character ever cheat at a card game? What about only in certain situations, like when there’s money on the line or they’re playing against really unsavory people?  No Peter would not be able to bring himself to cheat at anything.  He’s painfully honest.
82. How does your character feel about recreational drug use? Have they ever done drugs?  If not, would they ever, or have they intentionally avoided using them? Peter would not use recreational drugs for himself. If he required some for an experiment in lab than that would be another thing entirely.
83. How does your character react to frustration, like being unable to solve a difficult problem?  Do they tend to get worked up over it, or to work through the problem logically?  Peter doesn’t know how to quit. He would continue to work on the problem until he found a solution.
84. Is your character happy with the place that they live? If not, what don’t they like about it?  Are they trying to leave?  Would they be able to if they did try?  Peter just recently moved to Dragon Valley with his wife and three youngest children.  He loved Appaloosa Plains but decided to move after someone made an attempt on his life while he was working at the Science lab.  Since it involved his co-workers he no longer knew who could be trusted it was safer to move.
85. Has your character ever fainted/fallen unconscious for any reason? If so, why– injury/pain, shock, illness, exhaustion, dehydration, something else?  Does it happen often or was it a one-time thing?Yes Peter fainted when he was overcome by pain before he was diagnosed with cancer.
86. Can your character easily entertain themselves, or do they always feel the need to be around other people? Peter is used to entertaining himself.  He was the much younger child of older parents who were busy with their careers.  He had two older brothers ten years older than him. At times he prefers the solitude of his own thoughts to the chaos of houseful of children.
87. Is your character good at keeping in touch with friends and family, or do they often forget to call/write/return texts, etc.? Does this bother their friends at all? Peter likes to think he’s good at keeping in touch but honestly he forgets to call.  His adult children forgive him though and call him instead.  His friends all know he’s a little absent-minded and will either call him again or wait until he remembers.
88. Just for Fun: Imagine your character at an amusement park.  What do they do? Ride the scariest coasters? Play games until they win the big prizes?  Stick to the smaller rides? Peter would mostly people watch and take pictures of his children on the rides.  While holding hands with his wife.
89. Is your character more clumsy or graceful? Does this come from training they’ve done (ballet, sports, etc.) or is it natural? Any grace Peter has comes naturally.  He’s not exactly clumsy but he does run into things when he’s forgotten his wife has rearranged the furniture.
90. Does your character speak any languages other than their native tongue(s)?  If so, where did they learn it/them?  Do they use it regularly? Peter speaks fluent geek and is proficient in alien linguistics.
91. Does your character have a large or small appetite?  Are they a picky eater or willing to try any dish once? Peter has a large appetite when he takes the time to eat.  He’s not picky or finicky eat either.
92. Can your character play any instruments?  If so, when and how did they learn? Do they play just for fun, in a school group/club, in a band, or for some other reason? Peter can’t play any instruments or carry a tune.
93. Where did your character’s name come from? Is it a family name? A random one their parents liked? Something they picked for themselves? Does it have any special meaning?  Peter’s mom was a big Beatrix Potter fan and she named him after Peter Rabbit.  It’s not something he talks about or shares with a lot of people.
94 Does your character have any pets? If so, what? If not, do they want any?  Not currently.  He once had a pet turtle but it died and was never replaced.
95. How does your character feel about authority figures? If the feeling is negative, do they act on that feeling?  Peter is respectful towards authority.
96. What’s the worst physical injury your character has ever suffered?  Does it still affect them today?Peter has suffered multiple burns from minor explosions at the lab.
97. How would your character react if someone broke into their house while they were home?  Unless his family is in mortal danger Peter will wait for the police to arrive.
98. Is your character generally a patient person? Are they patient with some people but can’t stand others?  Peter is the most patient around. If he loses patience it usually means he is under a lot of stress.
99. Just for Fun: What was/would have been your character’s first email address?  Peter’s first email address was set up by his mom PeterRabbit1900@BridgeportLabs.com so that his emails would not get mixed up with their more important emails
100.  Is your character generally the first to make a move if they have a crush on someone, or do they wait for the other person to act first? Peter is the type to wait for the other person to make the first move.
101.  Describe your character’s sexual orientation.  Have they ever questioned this identity, whatever it may be?  Is it a big part of their life, or something they don’t ever really think about? Peter is straight.  He never questioned it or thought much about it.
102.  Does your character have any scars?  If so, where are they located, and where did they come from? Peter has a few scars from burns experienced from various explosions during the course of his work at the lab.
103.  How well does your character control their emotions?  Do they have a lot of breakdowns or do they generally hold it together pretty well? Peter holds it together most of the time. It came from having older parents who didn’t have patience with tears and having older brothers who picked on him if he did have a meltdown.
104.  How does your character feel about children? Do they have any children of their own, much younger siblings, or other kids that they are close to?  If they don’t have kids, do they want to ever have any? Peter loves children and always wanted a large family.  He has 8 children. Four with his first wife Vallari (Adam, Brian, Corina & Doloris) Four with his second wife Jean (Elliot, Faith, Grace & Henry).  He currently has 16 grandchildren.
105.  What would your character’s ideal birthday/holiday/etc. present be?  Do they get shy when receiving gifts in front of people, or do they like it? Peter prefers handmade gifts from the kids.  He dislikes a lot fuss over him but enjoys throwing elaborate parties for his children.
106.  Can your character ride a horse (or camel, donkey, or any other animal)? If so, is it something they do often? Is it a hobby or a necessary means of transportation for them? No Peter has a hard enough time staying on a bike led alone a real live animal.
107.  Does your character spend a lot of time on grooming, like shaving, makeup, hairstyling, etc.? Why or why not? Peter is pretty casual - showers and goes.
108.  What’s the most valuable/expensive single item your character has ever owned?  Where did they get it?  Does it have any meaning to them beyond the monetary value? Peter has some art collections but he has no clue what it’s worth.  In Peter’s opinion his most valuable possession is his family which is priceless.
109.  Who are the three people closest to your character? Are they friends? Family? His wife Jean, his oldest son Adam and his best friend Emit.
110.  Just for Fun: Is your character the kind of person who takes (or would take) a lot of selfies? What about pictures of their friends? No Peter hardly remembers he owns a camera.  Most pictures are taken by his lovely wife Jean.

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