#c:intro

BASIC STATS:

NAME: Elouise Helena Bamford Clara Penelope Middleton

AGE: 27

GENDER: CIS Female

SEXUALITY: Heterosexual

OCCUPATION: Florist at White Oak

RESIDENCE: Olympus (as of the last 6 months)

FACECLAIM: Jenna Coleman

QUICK FIRE CHARACTER BACKGROUND:

for a more detailed version click here

Originally born as Elouise Helena Bamford in Sydney Australia to real estate and hotel tycoons Winne and Derek Bamford. 

She grew up with an absent father and an extremely strained relationship with her mother however maintained quite the academic record throughout high school and got into one of the best med schools in the country straight after.

 While her relationship with her mother eased as she transitioned into university, in her third year she accidentally fell pregnant. This gained her mothers scorn and eventually she decided to abort the pregnancy.

Afterwards, she decided to move to England in search of a fresh start. With the help of her father she managed to transfer into Oxford and continued her degree. 

Oxford was where she met her future fiance Nate Popplewell. She was attracted to his easy paced life and normalcy. She couldn’t say she was in love with him, she was content and it was enough so soon enough he proposes and she says yes without a second thought.

After she graduates and is one year into her residency, one day when she returns home after her shift she finds Nate dead in their apartment.

Clara hasn’t lived the most trouble free life in England despite the clean slate she shows off to everyone.

Frightened that her past has caught up to her she drops her life in England, falsifies documents to take up the persona of Clara Penelope Middleton - an English traveller who moves to Olympus where she hopes she can live out her life in peace. 

When she arrives to Olympus her extensive interest in botanics scores her a job at the flower shop White Oak that has been running for decades in Olympus. While it’s technically owned by an elderly man by the name of Newt Lebowitz, a few months into working at the shop he goes to live in a retirement home so Clara becomes the ad hoc owner of White Oak.

The one person who knows of the nature of her sudden departure is her father who she tells in return for his help to keep her concealed.

WANTED CONNECTIONS:

someone who is suspicious of clara and is determined to unravel her secrets. probably has a keen eye for detail and notices small inaccuracies and strange antics about clara that raise suspicion.

someone who often frequents White Oak and strikes up a friendship.

❄ · · · CLOVER MATTHEWS has been in Ellingham for 3 years and they look exactly like HUNTER SCHAFER. Having turned NINETEEN years old on their last birthday, they are currently a STRIPPER and ARE HAPPY WITH THAT. Known as the AMARANTH, it’s no secret that they're ALLURING & CARE-FREE, but also IMMATURE & MANIPULATIVE. If you’re to meet them, please remember that they are a TRANS WOMAN and use SHE/HER.

raised by accepting parents, they allowed her to dress however she pleased as a child & respected her new pronouns at the tender age of three. 

despite this, her issues with her body never lessened & she spent many stints in the mental hospital. her first visit was at twelve & they still haven’t stopped. 

her adolescence was everything her parents didn’t want, a drunken rage with plenty of illegal substances & many night drives going over the speed limit.

getting into the career of stripping soon after her eighteenth birthday, her family decided it was time for her to move out & she did as they pleased. she lives downtown with a few of her stripper friends, all of them sharing the habit of cocaine & over drinking. 

her profession is purely for attention grabbing, she wants to be wanted & seen as a ‘real’ woman so she digs all the attention she gets from straight men.

My favorite quality in a person –

My favorite quality in a person is def kindness. Of course there are, like, so many other supes important things. But as long as someone as kind, the rest is pretty workable. Really, if you think about it, kindness encompasses so many other great qualities too. So, I totes think it’s the most important one.

The person/thing that holds me the most accountable…

Oh, that’s supes easy. It’s my twin sister, Madison! She’s def my biggest motivator, loudest supporter, and my personal cheerleader. Sometimes she can be kind of..Overbearing. But, she’s done so much better about giving me breathing room since we graduated high school. 

I want someone who…

-Alvaro Perrez was born in Los Angeles, California on May 31. His mother Rosie was a single mother, and Alvaro was the product of a fling with a man who hadn't ever intended for it to be anything more. He is an only child who grew up exceptionally close to his mother. They always seemed like both parent/child and best friends, and Alvaro looked up to Rosie more than anyone else. He believed his mother was a hero, and nothing could have tarnished his opinion of her. Though his father sent money and the occasional birthday card/gift as he was growing up, Alvaro has never met the man face-to-face. More recently, he has received a few handwritten letters from his father, but nothing more.

-From a young age Alvaro was very self-sufficient. His mother worked hard to make ends meet, but that often meant he had to take more responsibility than he should have had to, spending many dinners he warmed (and eventually cooked) himself alone with his books and his movies. By the age of ten, he could pretty well take care of himself. This wasn't something he ever held against his mom, though. He loved her regardless, and always understood that her sacrifices came from love for him.

-School was something Alvaro always loved, and excelled at. He especially enjoyed English classes. Reading and writing had always been passions of his, which only grew the older he got. Pretty early on, he decided he was going to become a Journalist, attracted to keeping up with current events and all form of news outlet. It was a dream he made come true after high school, when he received a full ride scholarship to the University of Southern California's College of Journalism. Alvaro won the scholarship for winning a Young Journalist's Writing Competition with an article on an underground party circuit in south LA.

-Alvaro graduated top of his class, and already having been working for the LA Times as an Intern his senior year, he was offered a staff position immediately, assisting the Editor-In-Chief. While it wasn't the writer's role he wanted, he understood the need to rise through the ranks, and took the opportunity to learn all he could. Soon enough, he was given a writer's position, after a year and a half in his role as assistant. He started small, writing a variety of editorials on a wide range of topics, exploring himself as a Journalist and discovering his own interests and style. After six months or so, he realized his inclination for human interest pieces. Alvaro took the first opening he could as a consistent and recognized human interest writer.

-His work took him all over, and he traveled both nationally and internationally, enjoying journey after journey as he did nothing but pursue his passion. Of course, he remained in close contact with his mother, sending her postcards, money, and gifts no matter where he went.

Jude was born in Bradford Springs, CO to his parents Anthony and Renee. The first several years of Jude's life were wonderful, happy, and nearly picture-esque. While the family was never what anyone would have described as wealthy, he was happy, as were his parents. When Jude was 5, his younger sister was born, which shifted the dynamics even further, though not in a bad or negative way. Another mouth, however, meant that Renee and Anthony were forced to work even harder than they had before, leaving very little time with their children. As a result, Jude began to take more and more responsibility at home, and when it came to his sister's care. Anthony worked in a factory in a nearby town, often pulling 14-hour-shifts, 6 days per week. Renee was a waitress at the local diner, often working 60 hour weeks to try and help get the family ahead. The added responsibilities were never anything Jude  minded, however, he loved his sister and his parents as well.

When Jude was 10, however, tragedy struck the Powell family. After what he thought was a bout of long-lasting illness, Anthony was diagnosed with cancer. It spread rapidly, and by the next year, he was gone. This sent Renee into a spiral, one she never truly seemed to climb out of. Though she still managed to go to work, it was like she had become a zombie. What few interactions with her children remained were short, distant, and not fully there, and she spent nearly all of her free time in her room. This left Jude with an even larger responsibility, though it was one he carried well. His love for his mother and his sister moved him to persevere.

Having always been an intelligent individual, Jude continued to excel in school despite his growing responsibilities at home. As soon as he was able, Jude took on several odd and part time jobs- mowing lawns, raking leaves, cleaning houses, delivering newspapers, and anything else he could manage to make extra money, which he began stashing and storing away every chance he could, when he wasn't helping Renee with the bills (which he had come to manage).

This went on for several years, with Jude being the one to show up for all of his sister's activities and events, to tend to her when she was ill, and to make sure she had everything she needed. Her homework was always done, her clothes always washed, and her lunch always packed, and no matter what, a hot dinner was always on the table for her to enjoy with her brother, before he left to attend his night job. When Jude was 16, Renee met a man. He was just passing through, and initially looking for a night of fun. However, it turned into more, and after only a few short weeks of dating, Renee decided to skip town with him when he moved on, called by his company to move on to a new location.

With Renee gone, Jude did his best to hold the family together. When she left, she'd left an envelope with the month's rent and $2,000, from Rodger, the man she'd left with. He made it last as long as he could, though soon it became apparent that he would need to do more. With his sister only being 11, and now depending solely on him, Jude did the only thing he knew he could do. He dropped out of school, in favor of taking a full time job, and supplementing with odd jobs.

He did everything he could to ensure his sister never felt the weight of what had happened. Periodically, cards continued to come from their mother, containing varying sums of money, ranging from $100-$800. Jude saved every bit of it to put in a fund, also contributing as much as he could of his own money, to ensure his sister would be able to go to college.

Despite the fact that his sister is now grown, Jude remains in the home they grew up in. He never went back to school, and began working as a Ghost Tour Guide at the Western & Ghost Town museum in town. Having always been slightly interested in the paranormal, and with nothing better to really do, he found the job a good opportunity. It came with a flexible schedule too, one that would allow him to be free to pursue the music career he has always wanted.

HEADCANONS

-Jude began playing piano at the age of 4, and guitar at the age of 9. It was something his father taught him, something they shared before his passing. Since childhood, Jude dreamed of pursuing music as a career. He is a singer/songwriter, and plays the local clubs and bars during the early mornings and on the weekends.

-Although many have the perception that Jude isn't the brightest crayon in the box due to him never completing high school, he is actually very intelligent. He loves to read and has considered returning for his GED and attempting some sort of college program, but he does not have enough faith in himself to do so, and tells himself he still prefers making sure his sister is well and has all she needs.

BULLET POINTS:

NAME: Catherine

AGE / D.O.B.: 21 / November 21 1537

STATUS / RANK: Princess of Spain

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Spain

PLACE OF BIRTH: Rome, Italy

BIRTH ORDER: Second child, only daughter

MOTHER & FATHER: Mary Tudor & Phillip II of Spain

SIBLINGS: One twin brother

SEXUALITY: Heterosexual

HOROSCOPE: Scorpio

VIRTUES: Charming, Articulate, Steadfast

VICES: Meddlesome, Impatient, Conniving

MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried

ISSUE: None

RELIGION: Roman Catholic

ALLIES: Roman Catholic supporters/The Vatican, tbd

ADVERSARIES: Protestants.

TIMELINE:

[ 1537 ] › Catherine and her twin brother are born to Mary Tudor & Phillip II. Although the two married out of necessity, they have a tolerance of each other quite advanced for the time and this transcends into their parenting. All things considered, they're good parents in comparison to the norm of the time.

[ 1548 ] › At eleven years old, Catherine has her first notable interaction with the public. While on her way from Easter mass, she spots a woman with young children selling beaded ornaments - no doubt the family's sole source of income. She decides then and there to buy all of the ornaments, and so her reputation as the Beloved princess of Spain begins.

[ 1552 ] › While on a horse ride, the horse is spooked causing Catherine to fall off the horse. She not only breaks her left arm but sustains head injuries to the point where she befalls a coma for eight days. This event is when her formidability in the eye of the population is made clear - with vigils and masses being held across the kingdom wishing for the speedy recovery of the young princess. When she wakes, there are celebrations throughout the kingdom and an innumerable number of gifts sent to the castle. This event also sets a lifelong fear of horses in Catherine, although she will never admit it.

[ 1557 ] › The death of Henry VIII and subsequent succession of William stirs old feelings of unrest and distaste in Mary Tudor. Catherine has always known of the strife between her mother and her maiden house, however, it's made more clear and understood to new depths with the change of King. Somewhere deep inside Catherine feels her mother was cheated and begins to entertain the idea that her brother should be in the true line of succession. She doesn't dare act upon it but takes note of Roman Catholic supporters who have the same idea.

[ 1559 ] › Catherine is sent with her brother in lieu of her mother's appearance in Hampton court to ease the tension between the states. Catherine has a reputation of being charming and likeable and her mother knows she will do well. Catherine agrees as she decides this is her opportunity to see the comings and goings around the English throne and whether or not this is something she is willing to fight to put her brother upon.

BIOGRAPHY:

Catherine, born into the royal house of Spain was ever the ensnarer from a young age. Big warm eyes paired with the cheeky wit of the young princess did wonders in charming over even the stiffest of guests. She grew up with the fine education expected of any young princess, excelling in arts, arithmetic, and music alike. There was no doubt she was bright and astute, a trait that didn't go unnoticed by her mother who trained her daughter in the many advantages of honeyed whispers and a dazzling smile. If the circumstances were different Catherine often wonders what a secluded, normal life of peace would be like, but she's not normal, so instead she finds herself often meddling in troublesome affairs, taking a keen interest in coaxing hidden truths from people around her. Sometimes, to keep her from boredom and other times on orders from her mother.

As the years went by, Catherine came to solidify herself in Spain as very much the people's princess. Catherine the Beloved. She could play a crowd like a fiddle, just as she could any man. Every year on her birthday, the civilians would send gifts of whatever they could to the young princess. While Catherine had yet to use her likability in the game of political prowess, she was merely biding her time, but others often saw her as no threat. Just a pretty princess that the people took to, a passing entertainer to the public to keep them occupied. However, unbeknownst to most, and the full extent even unknown to herself, her mass admiration gained her support amongst many facets of society - sure to be useful later.

When invited to the Hampton Court, Catherine couldn't resist indulging in the invitation. She can spot an opportunity to expand her horizons (quite literally) and network when she saw one, she was a princess after all. She's used to being liked by almost anyone who comes across her, but England is cold and brings different and new challenges and she's unsure of how the people will respond to her. In all honesty, she's unsure of what she will do if she's not received well. Nonetheless, a challenge she can rise to on the occasion because she's the princess of Spain and she'll be damned if she can't come out on top.

WANTED CONNECTIONS:

A Friend Among Foes - Someone who shows Catherine around Court, acquaints her with English life. She feels incredibly homesick sometimes, so to have someone try and make her feel more comfortable would be nothing short of a Godsend. This can develop into a more romantic plot or simply stay as friends depending on chemistry.

Ally - Someone who wants to form an alliance with Spain through Catherine. They can be as overt or covert in their advances as you would like.

Roman Catholic Sympathiser - Someone who believes Mary Tudor belongs on the throne, and thereby also her son. Has noted Catherine's reputation in Spain of being so beloved and believes she is the perfect gateway/face to begin a strong movement against the Protestant throne.

Rumour Mill - Someone who is spreading rumours about Catherine for reasons utp and therefore Catherine has a quite hostile relationship with.