Audio Ensemble - Character Profile

Character Profile: John

Character’s Name:

John

Character’s Age:

24

Where is the character from?

The South of England/London – we know that John is a well-educated young man, with a talent for acting and a career as a secondary school drama teacher.  While it is never mentioned/written where he lives or where he officially comes from, we do have this to work with; as mentioned in SC 16 Page 30: “I was with someone for a couple of years before I moved here.  I began teaching in London.  She was a bit of a high flyer and well… It just didn’t work out.”  I feel this is enough evidence to support John’s origins.  Based on his scripted lines, he’s obviously well spoken; therefore a well-educated upbringing in the South of England may be appropriate for his character.  Especially considering he has no Northern twang or Southern harsh slang within his speech, I would assume he was in fact raised in London.  While he worked in London and had a relationship there, he must have felt that his working career and family goals weren’t coming true, therefore he moved to Hampshire (which is where I imagined the play to be set) and aimed to start fresh.  While still keeping in contact with his work/theatre colleagues/friends, he took up working in the local secondary school in the town of the play’s setting, this is where he meets Lovvie.

What is the character’s Status?

Relationship – Single, based on what I can deduce his previous relationship ended badly, and has been single for over a year and isn’t looking to settle down any time soon.

Family – Based on what little information I can deduce, I imagine that John’s family are not very close.  I like to imagine that John’s passion for theatre came from his parents, whom are actors as well, but travel and work a lot, therefore communication between John and his parents must have minimalised.  But, I like to think this isn’t a huge issue for John as he is very self-sufficient and his work keeps him occupied as well.

Does the character have a Best Friend?

No!  It is never stated that John has a particular friend to fall back on.  It does, however mention, that he has friends in the local theatre businesses.  While the character could clam them to be “best friends”, I find his connections and communications with these friends in the theatre are not enough to register to being John’s best friend.  While John, does develop a relationship with Lovvie, there could be an argument that their relationship develops to something more and could count as a best friend status to John’s perspective.  But the odds are not in John’s favour.

What does John love?

·         Acting

·         Going to the Theatre

·         Teaching

·         and Helping Lovvie.

What does John hate?

·         Aggressive Attitudes (particularly in Nelius’ attitude towards Lovvie when he finds out she’s been acting)

·         Control Freaks (instantly we see that John doesn’t get along well with Lovvie’s family, and some would say it is because of John not being a gypsy, but I like to think it is because of the families obsession with Lovvie that he disapproves of).  

What are John’s Dreams and Aspirations?

To become a father.  I deduced this from his love for Lovvie.  While a many points he does see her as the woman for him.  But I also like to think, because of his constant support towards her in acting and building her confidence, that he also sees her as the daughter he never had with his previous relationship.  While contradicting, I believe John does desire to settle down and love and be loved.