Character Audit: Uther Pendragon
DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
Name: Uther
Nickname: Epithets include Pendragon, Half-Dead, Sire, etc
Age: Unknown, early to mid-50’s
Nationality: Albion, Hwiccan
Birthplace: Hwicce
Academic Background: Apprenticed under a Duke, squired and knighted on the Isle
Occupation/Job Experience: Knight, King of Camelot
Attitude toward 'managment': He is management. Uther is very old world- literally- he thinks by virtue of his position or place; he deserves respect but he’s also earned it. There’s a clear order to the world, the order should be obeyed.
Attitude toward various jobs: Since he has a Knight upbringing (and since his mun is a History nut) Uther is a practical man, and willing to work. The Dark Ages weren’t as clean and romantic as tradition stories portray them; like everyone in Camelot- Uther works. Impractical Kings wouldn’t stay in power long so while Uther isn’t soft hands, he isn’t however mucking out stables or gutting pigs- not because he hasn’t but because he’s King.
Career ambitions: To remain in power; Camelot isn’t under siege but his grip isn’t iron clad. There are several dozen different people, some with some pretty impressive armies that would love nothing more than to remove Uther from power. Albion is divided and all of the Kings, Uther included, want to keep what they have. Unlike most Kings however, Uther isn’t about to invade for the sole motivation of ‘he wants more.’
Military experience: He’s been trained to kill since birth! (Or you know, age 7.)
Reaction to: Uther is a better Knight then a King. As a younger man, he liked war and battles. He was very competitive and he was very good at what he did. As he became King, I think he’s tempered out a lot, and those proud dreams of wars have become nightmares because he knows exactly how easily and how many ways his son can die.
Traumatic incidents during service: He’s been close to death several times. He’s died once, ask Nimueh.
Aptitudes: Swordplay, mace, quarterstaff, martial arts, combat on horse
General Intelligence Level: He’s smart, not exactly cunning or crafty but what he lacks in deceit him makes up for in brass and honesty.
Past Successes: He brought peace to Camelot, and for good or bad, he’s driven Magic underground.
What is the character most proud of? Probably his war against Magic; caging the great dragon, his son and ward.
What does the character consider his/her greatest failure? His deal with Nimueh resulted in his wife’s death.
Other past failures: He sent Gorlois to his death, and has probably lost several more people there. And he was in love with Nimueh.
What events caused this character to be ashamed or feel regretful? He loved the Great Lady, he makes choices out of anger occasionally, but usually only realizes this when he’s gone pass the point of no return. He’s made some sacrifices he thought he needed to to protect his people and his son and they come back to haunt him.
What opportunities have been missed? He had a chance to be the King Igraine believed him to be. He knows how to be the man of peace, probably better than Arthur at this point because he knows war and human cruelty in ways the boy cannot. In a way, he still can be that King. But Uther is one of those people who equate mistakes with weakness, and a King can never be weak.
What does the character most regret? Asking the Great Lady for a son.
FAMILY HISTORY
Parents: King Uthred and Queen Iovita
Siblings: Older brothers: Aurelius , and Gildas
What is/was their family like? (Abusive, supportive, alcoholic, etc) His parents were killed when their Kingdom was overrun by its enemies; (I have this whole backstory in my head about Hwicce being a Kingdom born on magic and rival kingdoms both feared it and wanted it) The Queen was able to sneak her children out of the Castle when it was under siege. Aurelius was already a Knight, died trying to reclaim his Kingdom. Gildas was a Squire and would also die in service. Because Uther was noble born, the Kings weren’t about to hunt down and kill prince so he was allowed to foster with a friendly territory.
His upbringing was probably more like Morgana’s then Arthur’s (raised in another man’s home) and he probably felt that acutely. Still, I tend to think he was happy- inasmuch as Uther could be. But he knew it wasn't home. A good deal of Uther's youth was probably searching for family.
Marital status/history? Widower.
If married/divorced:
Spouse: Igraine of Camelot, I suppose technically, he could say Catrina Tregor.
Why did character marry this spouse? It legitimized his claim to Camelot’s throne and although he didn’t know it at the time, he was in love with her.
Any children? (their own, step-, or otherwise) One son, Arthur, conceived through Magic. One “step-daughter/god-daughter” Morgana, inherited when his general died. Five children with the Great Lady
How is spouse's relationship with children? Igraine died well before Morgana came to Camelot, and she died giving birth to Arthur. Uther was father and mother.
If separated, why?
If formally divorced, under what terms?
How many/if any affairs or marriages has the character had? He kept one mistress, Nimueh during his marriage. Nimueh and he were paramours well before he took a crown, and upon marriage, he saw no reason to discontinue it. He did, however, attempt to cut it off when Igraine and he fell in love. How hard he tried was up to debate.
When and how did the character discover sex? Sixteen, with a young courtier his foster parent hoped he would marry. He quickly grew tired of such women however, and eventually became more entranced by the free women of the Isle.
If single, is there a significant other? Best friend(s)? Lovers? Gorlois was commander of his Armies, his chief aid and dearest friend. After he died, Uther never thought to replace him anymore then he thought to fill the void left by Igraine. As King, he has a ring of aides, Knights and ambassador’s who opinions he values but the closest thing to a ‘friend’ he has is Gaius, the Court Physician. Not that Uther will ever acknowledge it.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
Height: 18 ¼ Hands
Weight: Unsure, stocky, but strong
Hair:
Color: Gray/Silver/White
Texture: coarse
Length: Close cropped in the Roman style
Physical frame/body type:
Musculature: A lean body past its prime, there’s still brawn there but they’re very much worn leather.
Stomach/waist: Rounder then he’ll ever own up to.
Arms/legs: Leaner then proper for a Knight, slower too but not to be underestimated.
Torso: Scarred.
Eyes:
Color: Hazel
Spacing: Even.
Eyebrows/shape: Flat and straight.
Face:
Facial hair: None but he’s been known to have scruff.
Cheekbones: Sharp.
Shape of nose: Surprisingly unbroken for as many battles as he’s been in.
Overall shape (gaunt, lean, puffy, square, oval, stolid, etc): square and cold. There’s not much warmth in his face and it’s all in shadows right behind his eyes. He has a scar on his forehead that probably should have killed him. Serious. It’ll beginning to hollow out.
Complexion (sallow, pale, ruddy, blotchy, pockmarked, glowing, etc): Fearsome. Tanned. Tired. Very much a warrior’s outlook.
Demeanor/Carriage (militarily erect, droopy, leads with what part of body when walking): He walks with his shoulders back, almost lazily, with one hand resting always on the hilt of his sword.
Gestures (animated, none, big & sweeping, small/economical): big and sweeping. He’s accustomed to moving in forty pounds of armor, with crown and cloak.
Any physical deformities/weaknesses/handicaps? A bad shoulder.
Preferred style of dress, including jewelry/accessories: Crown, crest and other items of his station. Maille, talbard. Sword.
Color preferences: Gold, red, blue, (all signs of his station) and of course browns and blacks.
PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILES
How does the character see the future? He doesn’t look much farther than today; unless he’s on campaign
What makes life worthwhile for the character? His legacy (that is, his children), his Kingdom, good wine, warm bread. Believe it or not, he’s an simple man.
What does the character see as worth dying for? His children, his Kingdom
What does the character most hate? The choices he’s made in his life, Magic
What does the character try to avoid? Uther doesn’t really *TRY* to avoid anything but he does get annoyed quickly when he has to fight with Morgana and would like to avoid them?
What is the character most embarrassed by? His second marriage?
What is the character most fixated on? He’s obsessive about magic, the care of his Kingdom, and more and more he’s spending time on having to cover up his past mistakes
Any chemical/substance abuse? He’s a bit of a alcoholic although not to the point he can’t function, he probably also relies too heavily on sleeping draughts sometimes? He’s actually not much for escaping.
How does the character handle change? He steps over it and pretends nothing happened.
Can the character easily empathize with others? Honestly, I think Uther does feel for people. He’s a man of passion, men like that tend to be incapable of shutting down their hearts- now if he acts on it or not is another story and in a way, that makes him so much worst.
Does the character experience severe mood swings? Oh yes. He’s a man of passion again and sometimes, it can tear him apart. It will tear him apart.
How does the character see his/herself? He’s King.
What kind of a person does the character want to be? He wants to be a good king- not fair or kind, he wants to protect his people and when he dies, he wants to leave them in peace with a King that is everything he isn’t.
How far away is s/he from achieving this ideal? He knows the sort of man he is but he’s willing to bloody his hands to gain peace.
What strengths does the character think s/he has? He’s capable of doing every bloody deed he asks his people to endure; also and although many in the Kingdom won’t understand it: he’s willing to be hated.
What weaknesses does the character think s/he has? His children. The Kingdom. He loves. He just doesn’t care.
Aspirations/goals/objectives? Keep Camelot safe, and healthy. Groom his son for kingship.
Current driving motivations: (Greed, power, lust, love, revenge, money, material possessions, winning, territory, hatred, freedom, self-respect, respect from others, curiosity, life/survival, etc) Honor. Duty.
What's the character's favorite fantasy? …Uther won’t allow himself to dream. If pushed, that his children are happy.
Athletic abilities/hobbies: No hobbies. Once a Knight, forever a Knight.
What does the character dream about? He rarely dreams and when he does- they’re dark and haunting and he forgets them upon waking.
Tony Robbins's "Metaprograms":
How does the character know when s/he's doing a good job? Must the feedback come from outside of him/herself or does s/he just know? He doesn’t look for confirmation but there’s probably an undercurrent in him that wants Gaius close, that wants Morgana at peace with him. He knows Arthur’s son and moon rises with Dad.
Is the character visual/auditory/kinesthetic? What is their second strongest mode of learning? Doing. He learns by action. He was that kid that put his hand into the fire…just to see if you were telling the truth about it burning.
Does the character look at things from the perspective of what's in it for him/her? Or more from the what's in it for themselves and others? …yes and no. Uther isn’t king for profit, or conquest. He’s King because the people need him; there might be a streak of vanity in there but it’s more along the lines of “if not me, who?” So yes, he will protect himself because he does ascribed to the idea Pendragon=Camelot.
What does the character want (move toward) and not want (move away from)? It is Igraine’s kingdom, and one day it will be Arthur’s.
Does your character respond to the world and the unfamiliar by trying to find similarities or dissimilarities? …Uther will jump into experiences headfirst without thinking. If he connects, that’s wonderful and if they don’t…oh well.
What does it take to convince your character of something? Gaius and even then it’s iffy. Usually, it has to be Uther’s gut instinct.
How does the character decide something is true? See to believe? Hear others say it's so? Have to be involved directly? Read in print? Uther has to see it, touch it with his hands. He is a believer of magic and the fantastic but he approaches it critically. Anything can be seen, understood and if need be- defeated.
How often does this truth have to be demonstrated? Only once? Twice or more? Weekly. Uther will disregard the truth if it doesn’t suit him.
Are they motivated by possibility or necessity? (Do they do things only when they must, or motivated by what s/he wants to do, seeking out options, experiences, choices, paths? …Both. Uther had a vision that he brought Camelot to. He established peace, and has brokered peace with neighboring kingdoms. He can accomplish whatever he dreams- on the reverse, he is also very reactionary to problems that arise in the kingdom; especially concerning magic.
Is the character happy when working independently or as a group? Part of a group while assuming sole responsibility for a particular task? He’s accustomed to being alone. He will never admit how precious Arthur, Gaius, and Morgana are to him. They make him a better King and he fears the day he turns and doesn’t find them near.
BEHAVIOR
Leader or follower: Leader, but can be lead easier than anyone is comfortable with.
What kind of public face does the character display? Fearsome.
How do they show affection/love? At the end of a fist. Uther is the sort of person who rages against those he loves. If he allows himself to show affection he can be very kind but he probably won’t allow himself.
How do they show/handle grief? Can they cry? Oh yes. Grief comes easier to Uther then love. It’s not a far fetch thing to suspect Uther would go crazy if he lost one of his children.
How do they handle pain? Attack him and he can bear it, attack his heart and he’ll bleed for you till you choke on his blood.
Is the character self-effacing? Never.
Do they apologize frequently? Never? Rarely but he does try, even to servants if he feels he’s wrong them.
Do they have a temper? If so, is it displayed actively? Passive-aggressively? Heh. His anger is his default emotion.
Can they keep a secret? He has several and he plays them close to his chest.
Would they drop everything to help a friend in need? He’d want to, if he could he would…
Does the character 'crutch' on others? He relies more on Gaius or Morgana then people might realize.
Do they make loans to friends? Do they let everyone know? Some but not others? No one? …I suppose it depends on the friend and the loan. He’s a Knight, he believes in charity but he will endanger his if it means helping you.
Does the character like to be the center of attention at all times? …he is the center of attention, and he’s accustomed to it. I think though there are times, Uther longs for simpler times.
Does the character tell people what's 'wrong' with them? Friends? Only when they contradict him.
When telling a story, does the character always try to outdo others' stories? Not really. He’ll tell the truth, or his version of it.
Does the character have a clique of friends, to the exclusion of all others?Offically, Uther probably doesn’t have friends so much as he has ‘interests’ …Uther can count the people he trusts on one hand. And if he’s very honest; he’ll admit he betrayed most his friends when he turned his back on magic.
Is it easy for them to find good things about others? Yes. Uther does tend to trust easily. He’s a forthright man and assumes others to be honorable too. That he’s been proven wrong, or been forced to deceive has made him paranoid.
Does the character promise to do things and then forget/otherwise fall short? He’s willing to lie if he thinks it protects his interests.
What role does humor play in the character's life? Describe sense of humor: He doesn’t laugh as much as he once did. When he does joke, it’s playful- and the sort of teasing you’d find from an older brother. He’s not above teasing his servants or even poking fun at himself if he trusts you.
What kind of energy level do they typically display? Coiled and waiting for the attack.
Habits/mannerisms:
Chews gum, smokes, does drugs Drinks.
Nervous twitch--twirl moustache, hair, etc He wears gloves all. The. Time. The world is *removed* from him.
Superstitions: …although no one outside of Gaius may believe it- he’s a lapse pagan.
Favorite saying: “I am King,” “Take care”
Addictions: Wine. Fighting. (Uther will pick fights because he’s more comfortable in them)
Morning/nighttime rituals: Attending to the minutiae of court. Nighttime is drinking till he passes out, morning is going over the reports and details he fell asleep reading.
What do they do when bored? He’d kill to be bored just once. Uther can’t relax. If he allowed himself diversions? Quite possibly flirting. He doesn’t like being alone.
Licks lips, chronic u-know-itis or equivalent? Talks to self? The closest he does to this is put his hand over his sword as if to reassure himself it’s there.
Folds arms, steeples fingers, sniffles, clears throat Above. He will put his hand over his mouth when he’s thinking.
How do they eat? with relish!
Calling card, symbol/sign, religious beliefs His crest is Gules, a wyvern statant Or. (Read with a wyvern of gold), his faith is a song of the Old Religion
How close do they stand to others during conversation? There’s a distance between him and everyone else: He is King, they are subjects. It’s interesting to note when he talks to Gaius, Morgana and Arthur he’ll touch them.
How does the character talk? (incessantly, seldom, etc) …average? He doesn’t talk to fill up the silence but he enjoys conversation during dinner.
Do they habitually start conversations with verbalisms like "so I said...," "let me ask you a question...," "I've been thinking...," "ya, but...," etc? Uther launches into middle of conversations.
Do they use a lot of slang? Aristocratic tones? Etc? When he’s King Uther- he’ll remove himself. If he’s with his loved ones, it’s just the old Knight talking. Very rarely will people actually see Uther as he was.
HOW OTHERS SEE THE CHARACTER
What is most likeable about the character? His son? For better or worst; I think the people know he *cares* for them and without him, there would be anarchy.
What is most disagreeable about the character? The means he uses to secure peace. He’s killed men for nothing more than insult. And women. And children.
How do others react to the character? Fear. Those who love him hate that they do.
What do others consider the character's crowning achievement? He brought peace to the people.
What would others say is the character's biggest failure/flaw? His refusal to accept or admit to a mistake. He also ignores it rather than remedy.
List five adjectives the character would use when describing themselves. Compare this to a list of five adjectives other people would likely use to describe the character. Strong. Fair. Old. Honorable. Cold.
Other: Fierce. Cold. Cruel. Paranoid. Ugly.
Name: Uther
Nickname: Epithets include Pendragon, Half-Dead, Sire, etc
Age: Unknown, early to mid-50’s
Nationality: Albion, Hwiccan
Birthplace: Hwicce
Academic Background: Apprenticed under a Duke, squired and knighted on the Isle
Occupation/Job Experience: Knight, King of Camelot
Attitude toward 'managment': He is management. Uther is very old world- literally- he thinks by virtue of his position or place; he deserves respect but he’s also earned it. There’s a clear order to the world, the order should be obeyed.
Attitude toward various jobs: Since he has a Knight upbringing (and since his mun is a History nut) Uther is a practical man, and willing to work. The Dark Ages weren’t as clean and romantic as tradition stories portray them; like everyone in Camelot- Uther works. Impractical Kings wouldn’t stay in power long so while Uther isn’t soft hands, he isn’t however mucking out stables or gutting pigs- not because he hasn’t but because he’s King.
Career ambitions: To remain in power; Camelot isn’t under siege but his grip isn’t iron clad. There are several dozen different people, some with some pretty impressive armies that would love nothing more than to remove Uther from power. Albion is divided and all of the Kings, Uther included, want to keep what they have. Unlike most Kings however, Uther isn’t about to invade for the sole motivation of ‘he wants more.’
Military experience: He’s been trained to kill since birth! (Or you know, age 7.)
Reaction to: Uther is a better Knight then a King. As a younger man, he liked war and battles. He was very competitive and he was very good at what he did. As he became King, I think he’s tempered out a lot, and those proud dreams of wars have become nightmares because he knows exactly how easily and how many ways his son can die.
Traumatic incidents during service: He’s been close to death several times. He’s died once, ask Nimueh.
Aptitudes: Swordplay, mace, quarterstaff, martial arts, combat on horse
General Intelligence Level: He’s smart, not exactly cunning or crafty but what he lacks in deceit him makes up for in brass and honesty.
Past Successes: He brought peace to Camelot, and for good or bad, he’s driven Magic underground.
What is the character most proud of? Probably his war against Magic; caging the great dragon, his son and ward.
What does the character consider his/her greatest failure? His deal with Nimueh resulted in his wife’s death.
Other past failures: He sent Gorlois to his death, and has probably lost several more people there. And he was in love with Nimueh.
What events caused this character to be ashamed or feel regretful? He loved the Great Lady, he makes choices out of anger occasionally, but usually only realizes this when he’s gone pass the point of no return. He’s made some sacrifices he thought he needed to to protect his people and his son and they come back to haunt him.
What opportunities have been missed? He had a chance to be the King Igraine believed him to be. He knows how to be the man of peace, probably better than Arthur at this point because he knows war and human cruelty in ways the boy cannot. In a way, he still can be that King. But Uther is one of those people who equate mistakes with weakness, and a King can never be weak.
What does the character most regret? Asking the Great Lady for a son.
FAMILY HISTORY
Parents: King Uthred and Queen Iovita
Siblings: Older brothers: Aurelius , and Gildas
What is/was their family like? (Abusive, supportive, alcoholic, etc) His parents were killed when their Kingdom was overrun by its enemies; (I have this whole backstory in my head about Hwicce being a Kingdom born on magic and rival kingdoms both feared it and wanted it) The Queen was able to sneak her children out of the Castle when it was under siege. Aurelius was already a Knight, died trying to reclaim his Kingdom. Gildas was a Squire and would also die in service. Because Uther was noble born, the Kings weren’t about to hunt down and kill prince so he was allowed to foster with a friendly territory.
His upbringing was probably more like Morgana’s then Arthur’s (raised in another man’s home) and he probably felt that acutely. Still, I tend to think he was happy- inasmuch as Uther could be. But he knew it wasn't home. A good deal of Uther's youth was probably searching for family.
Marital status/history? Widower.
If married/divorced:
Spouse: Igraine of Camelot, I suppose technically, he could say Catrina Tregor.
Why did character marry this spouse? It legitimized his claim to Camelot’s throne and although he didn’t know it at the time, he was in love with her.
Any children? (their own, step-, or otherwise) One son, Arthur, conceived through Magic. One “step-daughter/god-daughter” Morgana, inherited when his general died. Five children with the Great Lady
How is spouse's relationship with children? Igraine died well before Morgana came to Camelot, and she died giving birth to Arthur. Uther was father and mother.
If separated, why?
If formally divorced, under what terms?
How many/if any affairs or marriages has the character had? He kept one mistress, Nimueh during his marriage. Nimueh and he were paramours well before he took a crown, and upon marriage, he saw no reason to discontinue it. He did, however, attempt to cut it off when Igraine and he fell in love. How hard he tried was up to debate.
When and how did the character discover sex? Sixteen, with a young courtier his foster parent hoped he would marry. He quickly grew tired of such women however, and eventually became more entranced by the free women of the Isle.
If single, is there a significant other? Best friend(s)? Lovers? Gorlois was commander of his Armies, his chief aid and dearest friend. After he died, Uther never thought to replace him anymore then he thought to fill the void left by Igraine. As King, he has a ring of aides, Knights and ambassador’s who opinions he values but the closest thing to a ‘friend’ he has is Gaius, the Court Physician. Not that Uther will ever acknowledge it.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
Height: 18 ¼ Hands
Weight: Unsure, stocky, but strong
Hair:
Color: Gray/Silver/White
Texture: coarse
Length: Close cropped in the Roman style
Physical frame/body type:
Musculature: A lean body past its prime, there’s still brawn there but they’re very much worn leather.
Stomach/waist: Rounder then he’ll ever own up to.
Arms/legs: Leaner then proper for a Knight, slower too but not to be underestimated.
Torso: Scarred.
Eyes:
Color: Hazel
Spacing: Even.
Eyebrows/shape: Flat and straight.
Face:
Facial hair: None but he’s been known to have scruff.
Cheekbones: Sharp.
Shape of nose: Surprisingly unbroken for as many battles as he’s been in.
Overall shape (gaunt, lean, puffy, square, oval, stolid, etc): square and cold. There’s not much warmth in his face and it’s all in shadows right behind his eyes. He has a scar on his forehead that probably should have killed him. Serious. It’ll beginning to hollow out.
Complexion (sallow, pale, ruddy, blotchy, pockmarked, glowing, etc): Fearsome. Tanned. Tired. Very much a warrior’s outlook.
Demeanor/Carriage (militarily erect, droopy, leads with what part of body when walking): He walks with his shoulders back, almost lazily, with one hand resting always on the hilt of his sword.
Gestures (animated, none, big & sweeping, small/economical): big and sweeping. He’s accustomed to moving in forty pounds of armor, with crown and cloak.
Any physical deformities/weaknesses/handicaps? A bad shoulder.
Preferred style of dress, including jewelry/accessories: Crown, crest and other items of his station. Maille, talbard. Sword.
Color preferences: Gold, red, blue, (all signs of his station) and of course browns and blacks.
PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILES
How does the character see the future? He doesn’t look much farther than today; unless he’s on campaign
What makes life worthwhile for the character? His legacy (that is, his children), his Kingdom, good wine, warm bread. Believe it or not, he’s an simple man.
What does the character see as worth dying for? His children, his Kingdom
What does the character most hate? The choices he’s made in his life, Magic
What does the character try to avoid? Uther doesn’t really *TRY* to avoid anything but he does get annoyed quickly when he has to fight with Morgana and would like to avoid them?
What is the character most embarrassed by? His second marriage?
What is the character most fixated on? He’s obsessive about magic, the care of his Kingdom, and more and more he’s spending time on having to cover up his past mistakes
Any chemical/substance abuse? He’s a bit of a alcoholic although not to the point he can’t function, he probably also relies too heavily on sleeping draughts sometimes? He’s actually not much for escaping.
How does the character handle change? He steps over it and pretends nothing happened.
Can the character easily empathize with others? Honestly, I think Uther does feel for people. He’s a man of passion, men like that tend to be incapable of shutting down their hearts- now if he acts on it or not is another story and in a way, that makes him so much worst.
Does the character experience severe mood swings? Oh yes. He’s a man of passion again and sometimes, it can tear him apart. It will tear him apart.
How does the character see his/herself? He’s King.
What kind of a person does the character want to be? He wants to be a good king- not fair or kind, he wants to protect his people and when he dies, he wants to leave them in peace with a King that is everything he isn’t.
How far away is s/he from achieving this ideal? He knows the sort of man he is but he’s willing to bloody his hands to gain peace.
What strengths does the character think s/he has? He’s capable of doing every bloody deed he asks his people to endure; also and although many in the Kingdom won’t understand it: he’s willing to be hated.
What weaknesses does the character think s/he has? His children. The Kingdom. He loves. He just doesn’t care.
Aspirations/goals/objectives? Keep Camelot safe, and healthy. Groom his son for kingship.
Current driving motivations: (Greed, power, lust, love, revenge, money, material possessions, winning, territory, hatred, freedom, self-respect, respect from others, curiosity, life/survival, etc) Honor. Duty.
What's the character's favorite fantasy? …Uther won’t allow himself to dream. If pushed, that his children are happy.
Athletic abilities/hobbies: No hobbies. Once a Knight, forever a Knight.
What does the character dream about? He rarely dreams and when he does- they’re dark and haunting and he forgets them upon waking.
Tony Robbins's "Metaprograms":
How does the character know when s/he's doing a good job? Must the feedback come from outside of him/herself or does s/he just know? He doesn’t look for confirmation but there’s probably an undercurrent in him that wants Gaius close, that wants Morgana at peace with him. He knows Arthur’s son and moon rises with Dad.
Is the character visual/auditory/kinesthetic? What is their second strongest mode of learning? Doing. He learns by action. He was that kid that put his hand into the fire…just to see if you were telling the truth about it burning.
Does the character look at things from the perspective of what's in it for him/her? Or more from the what's in it for themselves and others? …yes and no. Uther isn’t king for profit, or conquest. He’s King because the people need him; there might be a streak of vanity in there but it’s more along the lines of “if not me, who?” So yes, he will protect himself because he does ascribed to the idea Pendragon=Camelot.
What does the character want (move toward) and not want (move away from)? It is Igraine’s kingdom, and one day it will be Arthur’s.
Does your character respond to the world and the unfamiliar by trying to find similarities or dissimilarities? …Uther will jump into experiences headfirst without thinking. If he connects, that’s wonderful and if they don’t…oh well.
What does it take to convince your character of something? Gaius and even then it’s iffy. Usually, it has to be Uther’s gut instinct.
How does the character decide something is true? See to believe? Hear others say it's so? Have to be involved directly? Read in print? Uther has to see it, touch it with his hands. He is a believer of magic and the fantastic but he approaches it critically. Anything can be seen, understood and if need be- defeated.
How often does this truth have to be demonstrated? Only once? Twice or more? Weekly. Uther will disregard the truth if it doesn’t suit him.
Are they motivated by possibility or necessity? (Do they do things only when they must, or motivated by what s/he wants to do, seeking out options, experiences, choices, paths? …Both. Uther had a vision that he brought Camelot to. He established peace, and has brokered peace with neighboring kingdoms. He can accomplish whatever he dreams- on the reverse, he is also very reactionary to problems that arise in the kingdom; especially concerning magic.
Is the character happy when working independently or as a group? Part of a group while assuming sole responsibility for a particular task? He’s accustomed to being alone. He will never admit how precious Arthur, Gaius, and Morgana are to him. They make him a better King and he fears the day he turns and doesn’t find them near.
BEHAVIOR
Leader or follower: Leader, but can be lead easier than anyone is comfortable with.
What kind of public face does the character display? Fearsome.
How do they show affection/love? At the end of a fist. Uther is the sort of person who rages against those he loves. If he allows himself to show affection he can be very kind but he probably won’t allow himself.
How do they show/handle grief? Can they cry? Oh yes. Grief comes easier to Uther then love. It’s not a far fetch thing to suspect Uther would go crazy if he lost one of his children.
How do they handle pain? Attack him and he can bear it, attack his heart and he’ll bleed for you till you choke on his blood.
Is the character self-effacing? Never.
Do they apologize frequently? Never? Rarely but he does try, even to servants if he feels he’s wrong them.
Do they have a temper? If so, is it displayed actively? Passive-aggressively? Heh. His anger is his default emotion.
Can they keep a secret? He has several and he plays them close to his chest.
Would they drop everything to help a friend in need? He’d want to, if he could he would…
Does the character 'crutch' on others? He relies more on Gaius or Morgana then people might realize.
Do they make loans to friends? Do they let everyone know? Some but not others? No one? …I suppose it depends on the friend and the loan. He’s a Knight, he believes in charity but he will endanger his if it means helping you.
Does the character like to be the center of attention at all times? …he is the center of attention, and he’s accustomed to it. I think though there are times, Uther longs for simpler times.
Does the character tell people what's 'wrong' with them? Friends? Only when they contradict him.
When telling a story, does the character always try to outdo others' stories? Not really. He’ll tell the truth, or his version of it.
Does the character have a clique of friends, to the exclusion of all others?Offically, Uther probably doesn’t have friends so much as he has ‘interests’ …Uther can count the people he trusts on one hand. And if he’s very honest; he’ll admit he betrayed most his friends when he turned his back on magic.
Is it easy for them to find good things about others? Yes. Uther does tend to trust easily. He’s a forthright man and assumes others to be honorable too. That he’s been proven wrong, or been forced to deceive has made him paranoid.
Does the character promise to do things and then forget/otherwise fall short? He’s willing to lie if he thinks it protects his interests.
What role does humor play in the character's life? Describe sense of humor: He doesn’t laugh as much as he once did. When he does joke, it’s playful- and the sort of teasing you’d find from an older brother. He’s not above teasing his servants or even poking fun at himself if he trusts you.
What kind of energy level do they typically display? Coiled and waiting for the attack.
Habits/mannerisms:
Chews gum, smokes, does drugs Drinks.
Nervous twitch--twirl moustache, hair, etc He wears gloves all. The. Time. The world is *removed* from him.
Superstitions: …although no one outside of Gaius may believe it- he’s a lapse pagan.
Favorite saying: “I am King,” “Take care”
Addictions: Wine. Fighting. (Uther will pick fights because he’s more comfortable in them)
Morning/nighttime rituals: Attending to the minutiae of court. Nighttime is drinking till he passes out, morning is going over the reports and details he fell asleep reading.
What do they do when bored? He’d kill to be bored just once. Uther can’t relax. If he allowed himself diversions? Quite possibly flirting. He doesn’t like being alone.
Licks lips, chronic u-know-itis or equivalent? Talks to self? The closest he does to this is put his hand over his sword as if to reassure himself it’s there.
Folds arms, steeples fingers, sniffles, clears throat Above. He will put his hand over his mouth when he’s thinking.
How do they eat? with relish!
Calling card, symbol/sign, religious beliefs His crest is Gules, a wyvern statant Or. (Read with a wyvern of gold), his faith is a song of the Old Religion
How close do they stand to others during conversation? There’s a distance between him and everyone else: He is King, they are subjects. It’s interesting to note when he talks to Gaius, Morgana and Arthur he’ll touch them.
How does the character talk? (incessantly, seldom, etc) …average? He doesn’t talk to fill up the silence but he enjoys conversation during dinner.
Do they habitually start conversations with verbalisms like "so I said...," "let me ask you a question...," "I've been thinking...," "ya, but...," etc? Uther launches into middle of conversations.
Do they use a lot of slang? Aristocratic tones? Etc? When he’s King Uther- he’ll remove himself. If he’s with his loved ones, it’s just the old Knight talking. Very rarely will people actually see Uther as he was.
HOW OTHERS SEE THE CHARACTER
What is most likeable about the character? His son? For better or worst; I think the people know he *cares* for them and without him, there would be anarchy.
What is most disagreeable about the character? The means he uses to secure peace. He’s killed men for nothing more than insult. And women. And children.
How do others react to the character? Fear. Those who love him hate that they do.
What do others consider the character's crowning achievement? He brought peace to the people.
What would others say is the character's biggest failure/flaw? His refusal to accept or admit to a mistake. He also ignores it rather than remedy.
List five adjectives the character would use when describing themselves. Compare this to a list of five adjectives other people would likely use to describe the character. Strong. Fair. Old. Honorable. Cold.
Other: Fierce. Cold. Cruel. Paranoid. Ugly.