#chatacter design

Mack is the older brother of Bennett’s dad, Whit. When Bennett was born, his mother didn’t survive labor. Devastated, blaming his son and blackout drunk, Whit took newborn Bennett down to the river and tried to drown him. Mack had been gripped by a bad feeling and followed them. He saved Bennett from the freezing water, having to resuscitate the infant and force his tiny heart to beat again, panicking while Whit just watched, shoeless on the damp river bank, completely detached.

Bennett’s dad left town a few days later, leaving his older brother to raise his child alone.

Mack is a caring, loving guardian, making sure Bennett grew up feeling safe, loved, and deeply cared for. Even if Mack doesn’t fully grasp Bennett’s asexuality (as there obviously weren’t any labels or language for it back in their time)