#rbrpprompt1

[thisisntcxntrol-blog]

janek mazur. the morning.

[8tracks] [youtube]

Can’t Stand The Rain - The Rescues

“Pulled the curtains though the sun had given up; My blackened heart was next in line; Waste my day away just staring at the ceiling; My memories keep leaking in”

I feel as though this song perfectly shows how I picture Janek. He’s become bitter and spends most of his time locked away from the rest of the world, but there are short breaks when things are so bad (see: when Robert’s around).

English Summer Rain - Placebo

“Always stays the same, nothing ever changes”

Coming to America was essentially a death sentence to his career, and ever since then everything’s become a stale unchanging routine. The monotony of it has worn Janek down and is a big part of his bitterness.

Black Hole Sun - Soundgarden

“Black hole sun; Won't you come; And wash away the rain?”

As stated in his bio, Janek is always either out drinking and dancing, or he’s miserable. This song is those miserable moments, it’s a sort of surreal song that feels almost nihilistic, and I think it encapsulates the feeling Janek has when he’s alone with the reality of what life has become for him.

Day is Done - Nick Drake

“When the party's through; Seems so very sad for you; Didn't do the things you meant to do; Now there's no time to start anew; Now the party's through”

Janek knows he doesn’t have much time left, and though most of the time he’s come to peace with that (sometimes even welcoming the fact), he does have moments of fear that he buries deep. He’s accepted he’s never going to get better, and he’s accepted he’s never going to get back all he’s lost, but he really wishes he wasn’t so resigned to it some days.

Gravity - A Perfect Circle

“I am surrendering to gravity and the unknown; Catch me heal me lift me back up to the sun”

The lyrics above have always felt like a good representation of Janek’s resignation to the forces that have put him in this situation. Everything’s so much bigger than him, and he’s accepted that there’s nothing he can do to stop what’s happened and what’s happening.

Against the Tide - Celldweller

“The water is pulling down; The moon's eclipsing the sun; The ending that we knew would come; Has finally begun”

While the other songs represent Janek’s acceptance towards his oncoming death and the destruction of his country, this song represents more his realization that he can’t fight what’s happening. There was a time when he thought he could change things, and he fought ‘against the tide’ in order to do so. He resisted German and Russian control, and he once thought he would make it through his illness. Unlike the end of the song, he’s given up on holding out and has accepted the way things now are.

Dawn - Poets of the Fall

“A new light is warm, shining down on you after the storm; Don't mourn what is gone, greet the dawn”

Unlike the other songs, this one presents a much more optimistic look on acceptance and moving on from the past. Though he’s hardpressed to find the good that’s come from his situation, he knows there are some good things that have come from moving to America.

O Green World - Gorillaz

“O green world; Don't desert me now; Bring me back to fallen town; Where someone is still alive; Fighting for something new in this”

This song comes it two parts. Verse one, similar to Against The Tide, comes from when Janek still felt his situation was salvageable. He thought things would return to normal, he would be able to travel again and live a long successful life. Verse two comes from the same place as Gravity and English Summer Rain, a place of resignation and acceptance of his lot in life.

[thisisntcxntrol-blog]

Writing Prompt 1: Getting to Know You

What is your character’s middle name if they have one?

Eryk, the same as his father’s second name. It’s the usual second name for firstborns on his fathers side.

When is your character’s birthday? Does their zodiac sign suit them?

May 14, 1919 - Taurus. Janek is definitely patient (on his good days) and stubborn- the only people he really listens to are his parents and on occasion his doctor. Growing up he could be rather materialistic, knowing if he wanted it he could have it, but he eventually grew out of that. 

What is one thing your character would change about themselves?

Janek would change the state of his health, he blames most of his problems on his XDR TB. 

Would you describe your character as introverted or extroverted?

In the middle, slightly leaning toward extrovert. 

Does your character regret anything they have done?

Not fighting harder in Jaslo.

Would your character describe themselves as an extrovert or an introvert?

He doesn’t know enough about the two to really place himself, but in his uneducated opinion he would place himself as an extrovert.

What is your character’s favorite time of day?

He’s partial to 7 at night to midnight on his good days, and anytime he’s asleep on his bad days.

Imagine your character in another decade or time period. What decade or time period do you think they would best fit in, and why?

Growing up with a disconnect to the realities of the world in his sheltered life, Janek wouldn’t feel much different in any other decade. If the war hadn’t happened, he would have been fine with the current decade he lives in.  

Has your character ever been in love?

He had several short lived partners in his life before Warsaw was taken over, but he couldn’t say he ever loved any of them. They were all just boys Janek spent a few weeks with then never spoke with again.

Describe one of your character’s memories that they will never forget.

Janek remembers the first professional chess game he won against a 56 year old man. His parents weren’t in the country at the time, but once they came home they pushed him to continue on, and he happily obliged. 

[thesmallestsongbird]

Writing Prompt 1: Getting to Know You

What is your character’s middle name if they have one?

Rose. Were she ever to make it in the big time, she would drop her last name and just use Dorothy Rose- she thinks it’s much catchier.

When is your character’s birthday? Does their zodiac sign suit them?

October 5, 1925; Libra. Many view her as shy and quiet, and given her rough life- she could be considered an underdog; so to an extent, Dorothy could be seen as fitting her sign. She knows next to nothing about astrology however, so she doesn’t even know her sign is that of the Libra.

What is one thing your character would change about themselves?

She wishes she could ‘modernize’ herself in order to appeal to record companies- but she doesn’t know quite how to go about it.

Would you describe your character as introverted or extroverted?

Introverted, though she enjoys attention and the company of others, she needs time to herself to recharge.

Does your character regret anything they have done?

No, she made a vow to herself to never look back or dwell on the past after she moved out of her foster parents house.

Would your character describe themselves as an extrovert or an introvert?

It depends on who she’s speaking to. When speaking to those who might hire her, she puts out the idea she’s an extrovert whose always ready to deal with and enjoys crowds of people. To those she lets knows her though, she lets them know the truth.

What is your character’s favorite time of day?

Late at night when she’s allowed on stage at the Last Station.

Imagine your character in another decade or time period. What decade or time period do you think they would best fit in, and why?

Dorothy often wishes she had been more than a baby in the 20′s, her parents stories about the lavish parties they’d attended always made her swoon, and it’s the era she might have been most successful in.

Has your character ever been in love?

At 15 she fell in love with her gym partner Elizabeth. After her foster mother confiscated Dorothy’s diary and read about the crush, Dorothy was confined to her room for the rest of the year and lost the ‘privilege’ of a private journal.

Describe one of your character’s memories that they will never forget.

The train crash that killed her parents. She’d been told by her mother to hold onto Raymond’s hand and run. Only half awake and totally disoriented, she’d listened, exited the train, and patiently waited for her parents until her brain caught up with what had happened.

[vincent-grise]

Getting To Know You

What is your character’s middle name if they have one? Vincent’s middle name is Michel, after his paternal grandfather.

When is your character’s birthday? Does their zodiac sign suit them? September 29. Vincent very much is a Libra, as he loves beautiful things and often can struggle to choose sides, even though he is very opinionated.

What is one thing your character would change about themselves? Shameful as it is, Vincent often wishes he was not black.

Would you describe your character as introverted or extroverted? Extrovert.

Does your character regret anything they have done? Yes.

Would your character describe themselves as an extrovert or an introvert? Extrovert.

What is your character’s favorite time of day? Vincent loves when it’s around two in the afternoon, just when it is time for late lunch with a nice glass of wine.

Imagine your character in another decade or time period. What decade or time period do you think they would best fit in, and why? Vincent lived through the so-called Roaring 20s and he would love to live at that time forever. He loved the music, the people, the freedom and feels nothing will compare again.

Has your character ever been in love? Yes.

Describe one of your character’s memories that they will never forget. When Vincent’s mother held him on her lap and placed his hands over the piano keys for the first time.

[thomaswinters]

Getting To Know You

What is your character’s middle name if they have one? Thomas’s middle name is Henry.

When is your character’s birthday? Does their zodiac sign suit them? Thomas was born on March 21 and is an Aries. Although he doesn’t believe in things like zodiac signs, he very much has the personality associated with Aries.

What is one thing your character would change about themselves? It’s a vain concern, but Thomas would like to be more physically imposing.

Would you describe your character as introverted or extroverted? Very extroverted.

Does your character regret anything they have done? No.

What is your character’s favorite time of day? Right after the sun rises, when everything is quiet and sleepy.

Imagine your character in another decade or time period. What decade or time period do you think they would best fit in, and why? I can see Thomas in the early 1990s as a young person who is very involved in the grunge and alt-rock scene, but grows up to be very douchey about the state of music. There’s enough of a counter-culture in the 90s that I think Thomas would fit in well, but it’s also decently removed from the 50s.

Has your character ever been in love? No.

Describe one of your character’s memories that they will never forget. Thomas would never, could never forget the first rally he ever went to, when he first realized his life’s calling.

[margaretpalmerarchive]

Writing Prompt 1: Getting To Know You

What is your character’s middle name if they have one?

Helen Elizabeth.

When is your character’s birthday? Does their zodiac sign suit them?

Margaret was born on the 8th of April 1904 - this makes her an Aries. She displays many typical traits of an Aries - leadership, competitiveness, confidence, impatience and moodiness. Aries are known to take chances and be brave in dangerous situations, and while Margaret does everything to avoid physically dangerous situations, when faced with challenges to her authority she will usually react with immediate action to correct it, rather than stew over it and hold grudges.

What is one thing your character would change about themselves?

The wrinkles that seem to be creeping over her face and hands no matter how much of the latest cosmetic creams she lathers over herself.

Would you describe your character as introverted or extroverted?

Margaret is most definitely an extrovert. It’s a clear display over the power she loves so much to be able to sweep through a room and be the centre of attention. She could never stand to be a sideshow.

Does your character regret anything they have done?

Regret isn’t a word often used in Margaret’s vocabulary. She considers everything she does to be the correct choice for herself and her place in society - regret over hurting someone else to get somewhere never comes into it.

Would your character describe themselves as an extrovert or an introvert?

Given the choice, extroverted. But it’s become fashionable for women to be humble, which Margaret can’t stand. But in certain situations it is necessary to play to the mood of the times, and sometimes she is forced to make herself out to be a perfect woman, introverted and peaceful.

What is your character’s favorite time of day?

Early evening, just as dusk is descending as it brings with it the promise of excitement in the dark and parties. Plus, Margaret feels her colouring is much more suited to artifical light than sunlight.

Imagine your character in another decade or time period. What decade or time period do you think they would best fit in, and why?

I think Margaret would love to be a woman in the present day - a time when she can really stretch her power as a leader of a large, international company and truly not allow people to dare to underestimate her. 

Has your character ever been in love?

No, and Margaret doesn’t ever think she will fall in love.

Describe one of your character’s memories that they will never forget.

It was an insignificant day of her childhood when she was perhaps eight years old. Her twin brother had learnt a new trick - which he gleefully performed in front of their family, to great applause and congratulations. But when Margaret pushed him aside to prove she could do the same thing far more proficiently, she was scolded and told that little girls were supposed to be looked at, not heard. It cemented almost everything in her personality - the coldness towards those who might be better than her, her disgust for her brother, and her emnity with the world that she was a woman and not treated equally.

[yuridrevin]

Getting to Know You || Prompt

What is your character’s middle name if they have one?

He has no middle name.

When is your character’s birthday? Does their zodiac sign suit them?

March 1st. As a Pisces, he is definitely shy. His shyness might even come across as rudeness or even as him being mean, but he’s actually quite gentle. He’s also capable of being romantic, provided he’s with the right person.

What is one thing your character would change about themselves?

He would want to be braver. He feels as if so many of his opportunities have been missed because his insecurity. He also would like to have less of an accent.

Would you describe your character as introverted or extroverted?

He’s definitely an introvert.

Does your character regret anything they have done?

He mostly just wishes he could have done more for his family when he was young, and that he could do more for the people in his life now.

Would your character describe themselves as an extrovert or an introvert?

He’d likely just stare in confusion and nod slowly, since he doesn’t know what either of those words actually mean.

What is your character’s favorite time of day?

Sunset. It’s usually still quiet at the club then, and he loves the colors of the sky. It’s just a moment of peace for him before all the chaos begins. He likes sunrise too, but considering he’s up late working, he seldom sees it.

Imagine your character in another decade or time period. What decade or time period do you think they would best fit in, and why?

Yuri would probably thrive in the next decade or further, considering his job and his forward-thinking views. He’s largely a political thinker, but at present he’s too afraid to express much because of the Red Scare. It certainly would help with his cowardice.

Has your character ever been in love?

He likes to think he is, but he doesn’t think he’s worthy of love in return.

Describe one of your character’s memories that they will never forget.

Yuri will always remember the day his father died, seeing his body on the street, killed from a bullet. He’d never really gotten to be a child because of the desperate need for money his family had, but he truly believed that was the end of his childhood for good. From that point, it was fully his responsibility to take care of his family. It was also the day that his trust in America disintegrated.

[robert-winters]

Getting to Know You || Prompt

What is your character’s middle name if they have one?

John

When is your character’s birthday? Does their zodiac sign suit them?

December 23rd; he’s a Capricorn, and in several ways he is like his zodiac sign would say. He is cautious and realistic, and he is definitely dominated by his inner fears.

What is one thing your character would change about themselves?

Everything really. Since he’s returned from the war, it’s hard for him to find a reason to keep going.

Would you describe your character as introverted or extroverted?

Introvert, definitely.

Does your character regret anything they have done?

Coming home.

Would your character describe themselves as an extrovert or an introvert?

He probably wouldn’t know what either of those words mean.

What is your character’s favorite time of day?

Night time. Event though Hollywood doesn’t tend to slow down at night, Robert finds some relief in the darkness... provided he’s not trying to sleep, that is.

Imagine your character in another decade or time period. What decade or time period do you think they would best fit in, and why?

Robert is a hard person to place because before the war he actually fit in quite well in his time period. Nowadays he doesn’t feel like he fits in anywhere at any time and that likely wouldn’t change with the time period. Perhaps in the modern age it would be better because he could at least put a name to the flashbacks and fear he’s feeling at all times.

Has your character ever been in love?

Maybe once...

Describe one of your character’s memories that they will never forget.

There are many that he has that he wishes he could forget, but he tries to hang onto the good ones. He can remember teaching his brother to ride his bike when they were both very small. Robert had only been riding for a few months when he taught Thomas so it was pretty much a disaster for most of the day, but when Thomas finally made his way down the street, wobbling but upright, they both couldn’t stop cheering.