#challenge;

NAME: Gabrielle Coleman AGE IN AU: 32 OCCUPATION: Chief of Staff to North Carolina Governor Theresa Wright MARITAL STATUS: Single - occasionally dating LIVING ARRANGEMENT: Owns an apartment in Raleigh, NC

THE YEAR IS 2009. WHAT WAS YOUR CHARACTER LIKE BACK THEN?

Gabrielle has been working for Governor Theresa Wright for the past 4 years as her Chief of Staff. Quick-witted and outspoken when the situation calls for it, Gabrielle has more than earned her place making sure that the Governor’s office runs as smoothly as possible. While her relative youth compared to most in politics used to earn her scoffs, that’s not so anymore. 

2008 was an election year for the Governorship, which Theresa won smoothly, and so comparatively, Gabrielle is a bit more relaxed. There’s plenty of work to be done, but as far as she’s concerned, the next four years should be relatively secure.

In 2009, Gabrielle hasn’t started dating Theresa yet. While there’s a hint of a mutual attraction between them, their relationship is more of a professional friendship.

This Gabrielle has a bit more of a work-life balance than her 2019 self currently does - while she gets satisfaction out of her professional endeavors, she’s not quite as enveloped in her job, and she’s more carefree. Happier. More sure of herself, her goals, and her place in the world.

Reason for being in DC is  TBD - probably for something business-related but I’m coming back to this. 

Adam Connelly | Six Characters

Martin “Marty” Ginsburg (Armie Hammer in On the Basis of Sex) - Largely aesthetic inspiration. Knowledgeable lawyer. Supportive partner and parent.

Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard in Dead Poets Society) - Under pressure (and abuse) from family expectations. Wants to push back against it, but this carries consequences.

Jane Seymour (Annabelle Wallis in The Tudors) - Pawn of a more powerful family to achieve their ambitions. Plays “nice” in order to please others and stay safe. Strong religious views.

Tommen Baratheon (Dean-Charles Chapman in Game of Thrones) - Easily manipulated by those with more political experience. Somewhat naive despite being in a position of influence. 

Will Truman (Eric McCormack in Will and Grace) - Product of a dysfunctional family situation. Usually tries to be the “responsible” one. And of course, the obvious gay lawyer thing.

William Bell | Six Characters

Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Mallory/”M” (Ralph Fiennes in the Skyfall & Spectre) - Because I couldn’t escape a Bond reference. Very buttoned up - wants things done by the book. Fairly aloof, but has loyalty and bravery beneath a cold exterior.

Lieutenant Dan Taylor (Gary Sinise in Forrest Gump) - Disabled veteran who can kind be kind of a jerkass. Despite a harsh exterior, he cares about the men under his command and wants to serve them.

General Glenn Talbot (Adrian Pasdar in Agents of SHIELD) - Because comparing Will to a character played by @leonsolis‘s faceclaim was too fucking funny to pass up.  Has a soft spot for his family and those he cares about. Strong-willed and stubborn commander.

Danny Chung (Randall Park in Veep) - A veteran who never wants you to forget he’s a veteran. Uses military service as a basis to further political ambitions. (Could not for the life of me find a gif of him.)

Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head in Merlin) - Can be harsh and downright cold, especially to those he deems as ‘other’. Aims to project a show of strength and decisive power.

NAME: Adam Connelly AGE IN AU: 22 OCCUPATION: First year J.D. student at Harvard Law School MARITAL STATUS: Single LIVING ARRANGEMENT: Has an apartment near Cambridge, MA - currently staying in the Connelly house in McLean, VA

THE YEAR IS 2009. WHAT WAS YOUR CHARACTER LIKE BACK THEN? 

Adam is twenty-three years old, and has just started his second of three years in law school. He’s got a focus on Constitutional law, because he decided he really wants to get into politics. Bright-eyed and naive, he’s never held any elected office yet, so there’s definitely still a bit of a haze over his views of that profession.

He’s wealthy, young, and attractive - he’s pretty much got the world at his feet while he’s at school, and he’s popular. He spends quite a bit of time with friends like Sybil Buchanan and George Taylor (as well as George’s younger sister, Elise, who he’s certain has something of a crush on him.)

He’s just starting to clean up his act after four years in undergrad where reckless behavior was the consequence of his newfound freedom from his family. He’s coming into his own - doing surprisingly well now that he’s into his second semester.

Adam is currently single - his last relationship with a girl from the law program ended last spring, and he’s more relieved about that than anything.

He’s currently in Washington to try and work some of his family’s connections for to get his foot in the door with either Congress or the Supreme Court.

Adam Connelly | A Day in the Life

Friday, October 11, 2019

All of Adam’s work days are fairly similar and straightforward - a lot of meetings, a lot of socializing and fundraising. All the times are, of course, approximate. This is just a pretty general overview and doesn’t account for the little day to day things - smoke breaks and things of that nature.

5:45 AM, Georgetown - Adam’s alarm is set for the same time everyday (having a routine keeps him honest, in his mind). He takes his time in getting up and shaking off sleep.

6:00 AM, Georgetown - If he has the time and weather’s good, he goes out running around his neighborhood. Headphones in, this is personal time. If time or weather are not on his side, he might take a trip to the gym or just forego the workout altogether. (No one is perfect, after all, and sometimes it’s nice to sleep in a little longer.)

7:00 AM, Georgetown - Back home for a shower, shave, suit and tie. Heads out and grabs coffee and probably some kind of pastry or bagel on the way to his office.

8:00 AM, Longworth House Office Building (LHOB) - First arrives at his office. Most days begin with a briefing with his staff. Especially spends time with his Chief of Staff and Legislative Director. Any other early meetings he needs to attend.

9:00 AM, Rayburn House Office Building - House Judiciary Committee Markup begins on a number of House Resolutions. These can be lengthy, but today, the markup ends around 10:45 AM.

11:15 AM, LHOB - Meetings with constituent groups. Many come in person, especially since his district is just across the river from D.C.

1:00 PM, LHOB - Lunch - but it’s a working lunch, of course. Can’t afford to waste any time! Working on polishing legislation, though he takes some time to take a call from his father (no matter how little he wants to).

2:00 PM, Capitol Hill - More meetings in the afternoon. He meets with donors, Republican party officials, etc. Whoever needs him, he’s there.

4:00 PM, Capitol Hill - Donor call time, usually conducted from one of the Congressional call centers. Probably his least favorite part of the job, but a necessity.

7:00 PM, Hawthorne Bar and Restaurant - After taking a little time to refresh, he’s off to a fundraising dinner. He chats up other Republican figures, familiar faces and less familiar ones. It’s all about the connections, and he stands out in that regard.

William Bell | Twitter