Canon Character Applications

[Bohemia]

Open Characters:

[x] Mark Cohen - Independent Filmmaker
[x] Roger Davis - Independent Songwriter, dating Mimi Marquez
[x] Mimi Marquez - Dancer at the Cat Scratch Club, dating Roger Davis
[x] Thomas Collins - Anarchist Professor, dating Angel Dumat Shunard
[x] Angel Dumat Shunard *- Independent drummer, dating Tom Collins
[x] Joanne Jefferson - Lawyer, current director of Maureen's acts, dating Maureen Johnson (on and off)
[x] Maureen Johnson - Independent Preformer at The Space, dating Joanne Jefferson (on and off)
[x] Benjamin Coffin III - Landlord and mooch, formerly married to Allison Grey
[ ] Allison Grey - Benny's former wife
[ ] Alexi Darling - Hired Mark for a sleazy show called Buzzline

*PLEASE NOTE: We're going to have it seem like Angel pulled through at the hospital, because killing off Angel would just make the RP too boring! Plus, it gives another canon option. Also! Please don't make canons do non-canon things. Thanks.

Bold = Reserved
[x] = Taken


CHARACTER APPLICATION:

[Character Name:]

[Character Age:]

[Profession:]

[Personality:]

[Character History:] (You may have to fabricate some of the character's history - make it believable, though.)

[HIV +/-?:]

[Roommates?:]

[Lover?:]

[Sexual Orientation:]

[Talents:]

[Word Verification:] (Can be found .:here:.)

[Writing Sample:]
(You are walking to the Life Cafe when a homeless man starts to beg you for money. When you decline, he starts to get a bit rough. How does your character react? What is running through their head? 3 paragraphs minimum.)

Please note that I have higher standards for canon characters. I'd like the bio to be of sufficient quality, and preferably somewhat long. If you have to make something up about their history, you can, but make sure it's reasonable as well as believeable. Thank you!

[Maureen Johnson]

Accepted! Welcome to Over the Moon.

[Character Name:] Maureen Johnson

[Character Age:] 23

[Profession:] Is protesting a profession?

[Personality:]

When talking about Maureen, one can definitely say that she’s eccentric. You could say that she’s weird, too. That she’s very opinionated, sometimes self-centered. She’s definitely got one of the most quirky personalities in New York City - which Maureen is very proud of. She’s got a big heart, protesting the living conditions and political rights of others - and she’s also got a knack for performing and a true adoration for the stage.

Maureen loves to be the center of attention, so she makes herself seen when she enters a room. Whether it be with a crude remark or a stunning outfit or an odd gesture, she likes to see how people react to her antics. Maureen’s an odd woman, but she’s smart. She knows what she wants and how to get it - and if necessary, she will manipulate people.

Mostly, Maureen likes to have a good time. She likes to joke around with her friends, she likes to dance without music, she likes to party. This is partly why her relationship with Joanne is on-and-off - she’s constantly being flirted at and flirting in return. She just likes to have fun, and she hates being controlled and being told what to do. This’s why she’s an anarchist, much like her good friend Collins - she doesn’t like being told what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Maureen’s always like to take the path less traveled.

[Character History:]

Home was really nothing very exciting. Growing up in Scarsdale is hardly worth talking about - there were lots of Bat and Bar Mitzvahs to attend, including Mark Cohen’s. Maureen had always been good friends with Mark because he had the exact same thought that she did: I have to get out of here.

As soon as she hit puberty, she realized that she wasn’t like all of the other girls. She was a very pretty woman, so many people told her. Boys were constantly hitting on her - and eventually, some girls were being flirty as well. It was weird at first, but after a while Maureen became accustomed to it and learned to enjoy it; she even did some flirting in return.

When she was eighteen, she went to college but quickly dropped out after seeing that it wasn’t for her. Her parents didn’t like the idea, but they’d always been supportive of her actions. Actually, truth be told, they’d given up on trying to teach Maureen their own standards. They figured that whatever they tried, she’d still do whatever she wanted - and they were right.

Off to New York City Maureen went. It was tough living on her own for the first year - she had to juggle a few jobs in order to pay her rent. She hated having to work all the time and not being able to do whatever she wanted. After everything stabilized, she found her true calling - The Space. Maureen loved an audience and adored performing. She made Mark her director, knowing that he adored everything about directing. Her favorite thing to do was talk about past experiencing, including animals as metaphors for people. She had weird acts, but they always kept her spectators intrigued.

At twenty-one, Maureen Johnson moved into an apartment with her boyfriend at the time, Mark (of course), and his friends Benny, Collins, and Roger. It was exciting being the only woman in the loft - Mark frequently got annoyed with her, though, because he claimed that she was always flirting with his friends. She’d always respond with, “Pookie!” And a pout of the lips.

During the course of their relationship, Maureen started experimenting with other people whilst at clubs and parties. She met a lawyer named Joanne and after some discussion, she learned that Joanne was a lesbian. Intrigued, Maureen re-evaluated herself and discovered that she, too, was a lesbian. She dumped Mark without a second thought, and although she remained living with Mark she learned that she really had no feelings for him at all.

Eventually, she moved in with her girlfriend, Joanne, and somehow convinced her to direct her shows - meaning Mark was out of the job. She kept her unusual personality and her idiosyncratic type of performance, attempting to make it to the top. There was a time when Benny, an old roommate of hers who had become the enemy, tried to shut down The Space. Maureen loved the Space far too much to let it be thrown down, so she protested her heart out and with a few moos, the Space was thankfully saved.

[Roommates?:] Joanne Jefferson

[Lover?:] Joanne Jefferson - for the most part.

[Sexual Orientation:] Thesbian! I mean Lesbian!

[Talents:] Well, you’ll have to ask Joanne that - I mean, she thinks up great metaphors for her protests. Plus, she’s a great performer and loves the audience. She has a strong voice and doesn’t mind making a fool of herself. Although self-centered at times, Maureen does care about the people.

[Word Verification:] Editted out by Bohemia.

[Writing Sample:]
(You are walking to the Life Cafe when a homeless man starts to beg you for money. When you decline, he starts to get a bit rough. How does your character react? What is running through their head? 3 paragraphs minimum.)

For some reason, Joanne wanted to meet Maureen at the Life Cafe. Never one to protest a good meal (although she probably wouldn't be able to pay for it - that's why it was good to have a girlfriend who was a lawyer), Maureen obliged. She was just on her way there - late, of course - when a homeless man jerked his gloved hand at Maureen. "Got change?" He grunted.

Since she felt bad that Joanne had to pay for the lunch, Maureen was trying to save her money. Yes, she loved helping the homeless, but she needed to feed herself. "Sorry, sir. I don't have any money.” Maureen said, continuing to walk. She knew how to deal with these homeless people - show them a little kindness, but be stern. After living in the city for three years, she’d learned this awfully quick.

Moments after she continued to walk, someone pushed her over. Since it was unexpected, Maureen’s body weight shifted and she fell over. Glaring at the person who’d pushed her, Maureen noticed that it was the same person who was begging her for money.

“What the hell?” Maureen snapped, getting up and brushing herself off. “Leave me alone, kay?” She sneered, storming off into the Life Café. Thankfully, the homeless man didn’t follow her. That was one of the perks of living in New York City - homeless men harassing you, staring at you, so on and so forth. Maureen had learned to deal with it, having been forced to.

“Hey Pookie,” Maureen said, walking into the Life Café and planting a kiss on Joanne’s cheek. “Sorry I’m late - there was a crazy man on the loose and he got in my way.” Without waiting for Joanne to question her, she grabbed a chair and gestured for Joanne to sit down with a broad, innocent smile on her face.

[Mark Cohen]

Accepted. Welcome to Over the Moon!

[Character Name:]
Mark Cohen

[Character Age:]
25

[Profession:]
Independent Filmmaker (extraordinaire)

[Personality:]
There’s a lot to say about Mark Cohen. He’s got a whole storage bin worth of personality traits, although, you’d be very surprised if you got to see even half of them. Being a reserved, and rather distant type of person, Mark doesn’t let a lot of people know how he feels or when he feels it. It’s a defense mechanism and he always keeps his personal life a secret, if he can.

He’ll try and shrug everything off with a joke or remark. It’s not that he doesn’t feel bad when people criticize him, but he’d rather laugh it off and not make a big deal about it. It’s another way to hide what he’s feeling. Although sometimes, he does get emotional. He’s a bleeding heart and he would like to help people, just without the money - it gets rough. He’ll try his hardest to deny it, but if something truly bad happens, he’s a compassionate friend. He’ll sit by your side and comfort you, but you have to be ready for a joke, because he usually diffuses a situation with a “funny” comment.

When he’s happy, Mark can be the funniest and sweetest guy. He’s got a real humanitarian attitude, although, he doesn’t have any money to help the people out. Since Maureen left him, he hasn’t thought about women all that much, he still likes them, he’d just rather not date them. He’s pretty much alone, but he doesn’t mind - it gives him the insight into everyone else’s lives, which, he uses to create his films.

[Character History:]
Born in Scarsdale to two very Jewish parents, Mark felt suffocated since birth. He was treated as every little Jewish boy was, went to school, went to Hebrew school, and was forced to live through synagogue almost every weekend. He hated Scarsdale. He hated the people in Scarsdale. To Mark, it wasn’t a community. There was no connection between the populace, he had to go to find a more interesting places to go.

However, Mark didn’t have that chance right away. Instead, he befriended the eccentric and outgoing Maureen Johnson. She was rather strange, but Mark liked that. He at least got to do things when she was around, not that he wanted too. She usually forced him to go out or try something new, and although Mark denied it, more often than not - he ended up liking it.

In high school, Mark joined the AV Club, and quickly excelled beyond the ranks of minion to Club President in a year. From the first day he picked up a camera, Mark had a knack for film making, although, no one could really understand what his films were about, he did have a way of capturing shots and editing them together. He would put together some very interesting and moving films.

His parents didn’t really like his hobby, they always wanted him to be a doctor, however, Mark hated math and science made him queasy, so that wasn’t a real option. He much preferred being creative. His father was convinced he was gay, which wasn’t exactly the most pleasing thing for Mark - considering he didn’t play any sports and would rather be in a dark editing room than play catch with his dad.

So, at the first chance he got, Mark ran to New York City - away from his over bearing mother and annoying father. He followed Maureen to the city, never having attended college himself, he worked here and there, doing odd jobs before he would actually let himself get a real job. During this time he met scores of new and interesting people, forming a strong bond with a center of friends. He wanted as much time as possible to do his films, which worked because being friends with Benny meant he was friends with money. And on one of his side street adventures, Mark met Roger - a poor musician, the perfect companion for a poor filmmaker.

So, Benny, Mark, and Roger moved into the loft. And finally, Mark got up the courage to ask Maureen out. She was hot, and well, Mark was not, but he thought there was a chance that it might work. Maureen moved into the loft with them, and Mark found it a constant source of aggravation and jealousy. She flirted with his friends, flounced around wearing close to nothing around the guys, and just was an overall, bad girlfriend. Mark couldn’t take it, but he still didn’t want to let her go.

Despite her loud, obnoxious, and flirty personality Mark did really fall in love with her, and when she started going out more and partying more, Mark was not amused. She started referring to him as “Pookie” and then, all of a sudden, it was over. Benny had moved out, assuring them they’d live rent free, and Maureen was cheating on him. She dumped him for a lawyer - named Joanne - and it became a running joke amongst the friends.

During the past year, Mark finished an alternative film about one year in life of his friends. It was a touching film and it was cut together with love and compassion, even if he was working for Buzzline for part of it. In an act of desperation, Mark worked for the show, because it paid good money, however, he had to quit because his heart wasn’t in it. He had to work on his own film, and thusly, created a masterpiece - to him - although pretty much no one else would understand what it was about.

[Roommates?:]
Roger, when he’s not with Mimi

[Lover?:]
….Shut up.

[Sexual Orientation:]
Straight

[Talents:]
Um… he’s a good dancer! ^~ But seriously, he can really take a good shot on a camera and is really good at editing things together, even if they don’t make sense. He’s good for a joke and a smile,

[Word Verification:]
Editted out by Bohemia.

[Writing Sample:]
(You are walking to the Life Cafe when a homeless man starts to beg you for money. When you decline, he starts to get a bit rough. How does your character react? What is running through their head? 3 paragraphs minimum.)

Mark was walking down the street - no, strutting down the street! He felt like a million dollars for some reason. Well, he knew the reason, he had found a twenty dollar bill and he intended on spending it on a huge meal that he could wrap up and take home to eat for the next three days. It was a good idea, he figured. And, he’d be able to get some nourishment while Roger went off to gallivant with Mimi. It seemed that ever since they started dating again, they did nothing but go out - or go to Mimi’s loft. Which, Mark supposed he was rather grateful for, considering he didn’t need to hear what was going on between them.

It was bad enough he had basically seen Maureen and Joanne eating face on the street corner once, he didn’t need to hear his best friend and his girlfriend go at it. The thought sent a shiver down his spine and Mark tugged at the scarf around his neck. Think about the food… think about the food…

“Money… please, spare change?” the crackling voice broke Mark’s dreams of a huge hamburger, fries and a shake. Looking over, he saw a man, huddled on the sidewalk with a scruffy looking dog. A sign next to him said “MonEy 4 dog food.” Mark gulped. The only thing he had with him was the twenty dollar bill he found. He was planning to get food to bring home… Groaning to himself, Mark crinkled the piece of cotton-paper in his pocket.

He didn’t want to give it up! But, this man - the rather scary looking man, seemed to need it. “Sorry… but, I can’t…” Mark mumbled. However, this didn’t seem to work for the old man. He got up from his spot and glared at Mark. “Ye can’ spare a dolla fo’ a poo’ ol’ man an’ ‘is dog?” he asked, shoving Mark from his spot, sending the filmmaker backing into a puddle. “Wha’ kind o’ foo’ can’ spare a dolla for a ol’ man an’ ‘is dog?” Mark didn’t want to get rough housed. He didn’t want any trouble.

Looking at the bottom of his pants, he groaned. He was soaked up half of his shins. And then looking at the guy, he realized how angry he was getting. Shoving his hands in his pocket, Mark pulled out a paper clip, a lint ball, and the twenty dollar bill. “Here! Take it!” he squeaked, handing it to the man before he began to speedily walk down the street. So much for lunch…

[Mimi Marquez]

Accepted! Welcome, Mimi. :)

[Character Name:]
Mimi Marquez

[Character Age:]
19

[Profession:]
dancer at the CatScratch Club

[Personality:]
Mimi is full of life, vivacious and impulsive. She does what she wants, when she wants because there's no point in overthinking things and wasting precious time. She takes to people quickly, opening her heart to them and offering her love. Though she likes to have a good time, and hates wasting time with fights, she can be very stubborn. Her big brown eyes display her every emotion, and she tends to be loud and expressive which is all part of her hispanic heritage. She loves to sing and randomly dance around, exerting energy.

Dwelling on bad memories or bad moments is not Mimi's way of dealing with things. She'd much rather put all the bad out of her head and continue on. On the outside, Mimi appears to be strong, and acts older than she is, but sometimes on the inside she can be a lost little girl, in need of help.

She loves to get her way, and can be very persuasive. She loves nothing more than spending time with her friends, throwing spur of the moment parties with whatever booze and little money they may have. Mimi can usually be found either attatched at the mouth...or hip...with Roger, or latched onto one of her friend's torsos, smothering them in a hug. Showing her affection for people is her number one characteristic trait. Mimi is what is referred to as "cariñosa" in Spanish.

[Character History:] (You may have to fabricate some of the character's history - make it believable, though.)

Mimi was born in Puerto Rico, to a Cuban father and a Puerto Rican mother. Her early childhood wasn't terrible, until her father died when she was ten years old. Before she turned eleven, her mother married another man, forcing them to move in with him and his son. Instantly, the young girl resented her mother's new husband and avoided contact and conversation with him at all odds. She and her mother began to fight constantly, but that was the least of Mimi's problems. After her eleventh birthday, her step-father began to molest her. She was never one to keep quiet, but something about him scared her and she held onto the secret, burying it in her mind, dealing silently with the torture of his touch. When he wasn't abusing her sexually, he'd yell horrible things at her, but of course in front of her mother he was the model step-father. Every time he raped her, she grew more resentful, building up hate, until she couldn't take it anymore. Fed up with her screwed up life and the abscence of her father, she fled to New York with money from her step-father's wallet and a small bag containing some clothes and the jewelry box her father had given her before he killed himself. He had said it was an early Christmas gift, but little did she know he only gave it to her in advance because he didn't plan to make it until Christmas.

Now thirteen and alone in an enormous busy city, the Latina was faced with fending for herself. She lived on the streets, getting by however she could. Several times she resorted to selling herself to men for whatever money they could offer, until she stumbled upon a strip club. She wandered in, her caramel skin pale, her curly hair matted. The owner offered her a job, not knowing she was only thirteen years old. Mentioning that she was homeless, he offered her a home in the club's dressing room. Once she turned eighteen, Mimi sought shelter in an abandoned building on 11th and Avenue B. By this time she'd met a drag queen by the name of Angel, who'd become her best friend. She asked Angel to move in with her, not wanting to live in a barren apartment on her own.

At nineteen, and a stripping drug-addict, Angel encouraged Mimi to get tested for HIV. Confirming her fears, the Latina was postive. With the help of her best friend, she got past the tears and resolved to keep living her life for the moment, never looking back. That Christmas, as she was out on her fire escape, she noticed the boys from the loft upstairs. She'd seen them many times, and even exchanged a word or two with the filmmaker, but never any more than that. Determined to get to know them, particularly the gorgeous rockstar, she climbed in through their window. Mimi came into Roger's life, putting a spin on everything and showing him the error of his regretting and isolation habit. A tight-knit bohemian family was formed soon after, bringing them all together to share their love and enjoy life.


[HIV +/-?:]
Positive.

[Roommates?:]
sometimes Roger stays over. But she likes staying at the loft a lot.

[Lover?:]
Roger Davis :)

[Sexual Orientation:]
Straight

[Talents:]
dancing, persuasion and she's a quick learner.

[Word Verification:] (Can be found .:here:.)
Editted out by Bohemia!

[Writing Sample:]
(You are walking to the Life Cafe when a homeless man starts to beg you for money. When you decline, he starts to get a bit rough. How does your character react? What is running through their head? 3 paragraphs minimum.)

With her dark curls cascading over her shoulders and down her back, Mimi walks down the sidewalk towards the Life Cafe. Her leopard print coat hangs off one shoulder, exposing her caramel skin. Underneath lies a tight lavender dress, black fishnets and her favorite pair of leather boots. Heels clicking agaisnt the pavement, she stares ahead at her destination when a man sitting on the curb tugs at the end of her coat. "What do you want?" she asked in an annoyed tone, facing the man. He held out a trembling gloved hand, palm up. What the hell does he want? "Got some money?" His voice was raspy, his other hand still gripping her coat. Mimi rolled her eyes, freed the fabric from his hand and continued walking.Come on, I'm not that far, and I'm in a hurry. She silently pleaded for the homeless man to leave her alone so she could go pick up coffee and some food for Roger. Just as she crossed to the other sidewalk, where the Life Cafe was located, the same man stopped her, this time gripping her shoulder, pulling a strand of her hair in the process."Ow! You not a very nice person." She turned and shoved him, but before heading to the cafe, she tossed a dollar at him. "Here! happy?!" she spat, hoping that would get him off her back. "Have a nice day!" the man called after her, only causing Mimi to grumble Spanish obscenities under her breath. Counting the money she had left, she pulled open the glass door of the Life and stepped in, the air conditioning welcoming her warm skin.

[Roger Davis]

Accepted! Welcome

[Character Name:]
Roger Davis.

[Character Age:]
26.

[Profession:]
Musician; guitarist and songwriter.

[Personality:]

Mr. Negative, 'cause he's HIV Positive.

He's reluctant to open up to others and he often participates in self loathing. He feels guilty for the mistakes he's made in his past, and that kind of gave him a feeling that he didn't deserve to be happy. He really does seem to have a negative outlook on life. But, when he does do something, he's passionate about it. Like his relationship with Mimi and his love of music.

Being passionate, he's fully committed to Mimi, but he's also got his views and his opinions and when something doesn't go the way he thinks it should, he gets pissed. He's got a temper, and it'll rear it's lovely head on just about anyone.

There's also a quiet, brooding kind of side to Roger, but he also has a sense of humor. He's usually sarcastic and teasing. But, when a problem arises, he doesn't like the confrontation it presents. He'd rather hide from it, take his pain out in lyrics or just ignore it all together. Sometimes he'll even run from it all.

With Mimi and his other friends he's usually joking around, actually smiling. He really does have a soft spot, especially for Mimi.

Hey, maybe he could be described as bipolar..yeah? When he's happy, he's happy. But when he's sad or pissed, he's sad and pissed. He really gives into his emotions, that's all.

[Character History:] (You may have to fabricate some of the character's history - make it believable, though.)

Growing up in Long Island, New York Roger's dad left his mom and him when he was just a kid. His mom was always busy working two jobs trying to make enough money to provide for her and Roger to ever really get to spend much time with him. Roger was basically on his own. He never did any good in school, he was always getting in fist fights at school and he was in detention all the time. He wasn't a bad kid, though. Most of the time he was in detention was because he had socked some kid for bullying around some kid for lunch money. The one thing Roger's dad left for him was a guitar, and Roger took to it right away. He easily taught himself how to play, and school just wasn't important to him. He wanted to be in a rock band, what did school matter?

Just barely graduating, Roger took off to NYC the day after. He had had his bags packed weeks before. He was looking for glory and fame in New York, and starting a band 'The Well Hungarians', he found just that. They were big in all the night clubs, especially amongst teenage girls. But among that crowd of fans, Roger spotted her. A fiery red head, April. Just as quickly as she had come into his life, she left. There relationship was passionate, but the drugs were always more important to April than Roger was. Consequently, Roger got pulled into the world of drugs, shooting up before every performance. And the rest, as they say, is history. One dirty needle changed his life. A flash of red, she came into his life, and she left in a pool of deep red blood. "We've got Aids" she scribbled on a note in lipstick before commiting suicide. Roger, devastated, attempted suicide himself, but his loyal friend and roomate Mark was there for him. It took weeks of chills, sweats, aches, and pains, but with Mark's help he got clean.

Roger blamed himself for April's death, and he kept himself locked in his room for weeks, talking to no one. He regretted what he'd done, and now with a death sentence hanging over his head, he kept himself isolated, afraid to love again...

Until a young Latina changed everything, charming Roger with nothing but a candle and her smile. Forget Regret..No Day But Today.. He tried to live by her motto's, and finally with her help, he loved again. He was happy.

[HIV +/-?:]
Positive.

[Roommates?:]
Mark, when he's not with his camera. ;]

[Lover?:]
Mimi.

[Sexual Orientation:]
Straight.

[Talents:]
Singing, playing the guitar. Brooding?

[Word Verification:]
Editted out by Bohemia.

[Writing Sample:]
(You are walking to the Life Cafe when a homeless man starts to beg you for money. When you decline, he starts to get a bit rough. How does your character react? What is running through their head? 3 paragraphs minimum.)

The wind whipped at Roger's skin, and he tried desperately to shield himself from the bitter cold, stuffing his hands deeper into the pockets of his worn leather jacket. Another gust of wind, he cursed under his breath. Yeah yeah, we get it. It's winter. It's cold..it sucks.

Quickening his pace, anxious to get into the warmth of the Cafe where he was headed to meet Mimi. Walking down the street, he passed a man dressed in dirty, torn clothes. Although, he didn't get to quite pass the man before he heard: "Spare change, please sir?" Roger might had pitited the man if it wasn't for the fact that he felt like even his eyelashes were frozen, ready to fall off. Not now.., Roger muttered to the bum, making his way down the street.

Coming to a halt, he stared at the man who had rushed to catch up with him, now standing in front of him. "I said, spare change, sir?", he persisted. And I said, not now., Roger nearly growled. Making to move around him, the homeless man shoved him back, reaching at Roger's pockets, desperately grasping for anything that might buy him a meal. Roger roughly pushed the man back with both his hands. f*ck off, and get a job., he gritted his teeth, walking away before the man had even had a chance to catch his breath. He made the rest of the way to the Cafe with no more interuptions.

[Angel Dumott Schunard]

Accepted indefinitely! Welcome to Over the Moon! ~Bohemia

[Character Name:] Angel Dumott Schunard

[Character Age:] 21

[Profession:] Street drummer

[Personality:] One of the first things you would think of when talking about Angel (besides her wardrobe) is her infectious, bubbly personality. Despite living in the face of hardships, poverty, and disease, Angel always tries to find the best in everything. You only get one life, so why waste it by being miserable?

Angel is always up for having any type of fun, and if someone's not having a good time, then she's bound to pick on them until they finally lighten up a little. And she's bound to do anything to get someone to have a good time- sing, dance, drum, joke, or even start quickly chattering away in Spanish, which no one except Mimi will understand.

When it comes to love, Angel puts everything she has into it and will do anything. Though she understands what she has with Collins can't stay that way forever, she's going to enjoy every second of it she has left. And she definitely means enjoy. One thousand sweet kisses was never a limit-- Angel is insanely in love with Collins, and the two work well with each other, always cracking jokes or sarcastic comments, but then expressing their love for each other.

Angel truly has a good heart, and cares for her friends, everyone she knows in Life Support and people who are out there having a roughtime. She's like the glue of the Bohemian family, that little part that manages to keep everyone together.

[Character History:] Angel-- or rather, Angelo, his given name-- was born in New York to Dominican parents, and lived in a small cramped apartment there along with his sister Reina (older than him by four years) and his grandparents.

Perhaps it was just the influence of having an older sister, but Angelo always found the girlish items Reina owned so interesting. Reina had joined up with the local brownie troop in their school, and because of the long hours their parents worked, Reina would often have to watch over Angelo for most of the day. This included taking Angelo to her Girl Scout meetings after school. At first, Angelo found them to be a real pain-- until the other girls found Reina's little brother absolutely adorable, and began counting him as an honorary member. And Angelo became absolutely thrilled and had so much fun at these meetings. He helped work on crafts with them, activities, and even helped set up with the girls's "spa" days.

When Angelo's parents got wind of how much fun he was having at Reina's Girl Scout meetings, they immediately signed him up for Boy Scouts. And although those meetings were fun, Angelo just loved the Girl Scout meetings, and continued to come with Reina to them. And getting bored after he'd helped sort everyone's things on the "spa" days, Angelo even tried reaching out for the makeup and putting it on himself. He really didn't see what was wrong with it. However, one of the bossiest girls saw this and immediately launched a complaint with the leader, forbidding Angelo from ever coming to a Girl Scout meeting again.

As Angelo entered high school, he had continued suspicions that there was something not quite right about his sexual preference. Sure, girls found him nice and he had lots of girl friends, but even if he'd been dating a girl, he just didn't have that feeling that he was truly happy and content. He found himself more attracted to the boys in the school. As well, Angelo struggled with the realization that he really, really liked all the clothes and things Reina had. Sure, gay was one thing, and he could deal with that after a while, but sometimes he had tendencies to want and wear Reina's clothing, and her makeup, and shoes, and, well... act as a girl.

So one day he did. In sophmore year, he'd sneak into Reina's old room while she was gone and borrow a few things, trying them all on and observing how he looked. On his third time, he was caught by his sister herself, but she just shrugged at him and said that if he wanted to be a girl, she didn't really care. Then she proceeded to help him do his makeup better.

Angelo became more daring as the high school years progressed. He still hadn't gone out in drag in public yet, but he'd picked out his own clothes and makeup, and had even gotten a wig. Again, he'd try on the clothing and makeup when his parents were out and his grandparents safely asleep downstairs, but soon he was caught. His mother cried of shock, and his father gave him a stern telling off and dragged him to the bathroom to wash off all the make up. And while Angelo tried to be sneakier about his secret, the fact was, he continued to be caught, and each time, the yelling from his parents would get worse, and would proceed to even violence and his father shouting "fairy" and "faggot." His grandmother wasn't exactly thrilled with what Angelo choosed to do, but wasn't as upset as the rest of the family.

Halfway through senior year, Angelo dropped out of highschool and left home, partly because he wanted to and partly because his family couldn't stand his lifestyle. He stayed in his sister's loft for three months and was finally able to push behind whatever anger would come from his parents, and began crossdressing more frequently. And now he was finally able to relax and naturally be himself, a drag queen, he changed his name to Angel. Angel Dumott Schunard.

Money was a terrible problem. Angel hated relying on her sister, especially since her sister's husband was there too. Sure, Angel could drum for money, as it had always been a natural talent she'd had since she was young, but it New York had tons of starving artists, and it wasn't exactly like there were places begging for a drumming drag queen. If she was lucky and people were extremely generous, then drumming might make fifty bucks a week.

So for a brief time, Angel did something else as well. She didn't even know what to call it. Being a slut? A hooker? A prostitute? Whatever it was, she found that their were gay men who enjoyed it, and it ended up paying her a lot. Especially when she contracted HIV from one of them. She'd mentioned it to him another night they were out, though the guy hadn't seen what the big deal was. It led to a fight, Angel trying to go away and the man not wanting her to, insulting her, and then starting to jab at her lifestyle. It was there she told the skinhead that, "I'm more a man than you'll ever be. And more of a woman than you'll ever get." Not long after, she ran into a dancer named Mimi Marquez, and the two became fast friends.

And while the two had always had fun with each other, and helping each other through disease and hardships in New York, they'd never had a year so great until Mimi met Roger, and Angel met who she was sure had to be the love of her life, Tom Collins. Through Collins and Roger, Angel also met Mark, Maureen, Joanne, and Benny, and with the exception of the landlord, they all became fast friends.

Later in the year, Angel became terribly sick. She was sent to the hospital where she stayed for the entire summer, and well into the fall. And just when she thought it was truly the end... it wasn't. Slowly she recovered, and before the next year, she was back on her high heels. Surviving through a near deaf experience truly showed Angel a deeper meaning of 'No Day But Today'. And so maybe then wasn't her time, but she intends to be thankful for the rest of it that she's got.

[HIV +/-?:] +

[Roommates?:] Collins, and previously Mimi

[Lover?:] Tom Collins

[Sexual Orientation:] Gay

[Talents:] Drumming, making clothes, crafts, and a few random things she learned in Brownies and Boy Scouts

[Word Verification:] Editted out by Bohemia!

[Writing Sample:]
(You are walking to the Life Cafe when a homeless man starts to beg you for money. When you decline, he starts to get a bit rough. How does your character react? What is running through their head? 3 paragraphs minimum.)

It was much too cold to be out this morning. Sure, as Angel had stepped out that day, it seemed perfectly reasonable to sit on the sidewalk and drum for whatever money she could pick up. But sometime during the last hour, Mother Nature must've decided to be a cruel and make her freeze. Slowly, Angel got herself off the box she'd been sitting on-- a box she could have sworn had frozen itself to her purple skirt-- tucked her drumsticks in her belt, and reached in her windbreaker pocket to count what money she had. One nickel... two nickels... five quarters... a couple pennies... aha. Six dollars. That was fine. She was going to get out of this weather before she caught pneumonia, and where was a better place than the Life Cafe? Hey. Drumming could make a person hungry.

Angel propped the pickle tub under her arm and set off down the blustery street, often having to take her free hand and brush some black hair out of her face because the wind kept blowing it there. As she walked, Angel began to wish that she had worn warmer tights. These blue tights with music symbols were cute and all, but they weren't exactly the warmest tights she had. In fact, the further she walked, the colder it seemed to become, and Angel started thinking longingly of her warm jeans back at her loft.

But being cold didn't have to be a problem. No. All she had to do was think of warm things, and surely this would make her believe that she was warm and toasty until she could reach the Life, right? Santa Fe. The sun. Volcanoes. Ovens. The Bahamas. Saunas. Saunas with a naked Collins in it... No... No... Bad Angel!

Angel was so overcome with internal giggles now and too wrapped up in her own thoughts that she hardly noticed when a homeless person started talking with her. "I'm sorry, what was that?" she asked, concentrating hard on restraining her giggles. The dirty, nasty-smelling homeless man appeared rather annoyed at having to repeat himself. "I said, got any money for a poor homeless man?"

Now, it wasn't that Angel had anything against this guy. She sympathized with the homeless, and she wished that things would all just work out for them, but of course, life didn't work that way. She honestly would have given the man something had she not needed her earnings then to buy some food, and she'd also already given some money earlier that morning to a homeless mother she'd met on the street. "I'm really sorry, sir, but I haven't got anything," she replied softly to the man as he looked at her up and down. He made a face as Angel turned away then. In a perfectly audible voice, the man added, "Figures, fruitcake. I bet you're saving all that money to buy yourself a ballgown so you can be a princess." Hearing this, Angel fumed and turned back on her heel. It wasn't like she was unfamiliar with getting comments like this, but for some reason, it just bothered her so much more today. Perhaps it was the fact that it was too darn cold and she could feel her stomach growling. She reached in her pocket, pulled out a quarter, and thrust it down at the homeless man's little corner on the street. "Here, honey, you know what, you take this money, and then go save it so that you can buy yourself some manners." Before the man could say anything else, Angel turned on her heel once more and walked faster toward the Life Cafe, pushing her mind to calm itself down with thoughts of heat and food.

[Thomas Collins]

Accepted of course! Welcome to Over the Moon!

[Character Name:] Thomas B. Collins

[Character Age:] 31

[Profession:] Philosophy Professor at NYU/ Resident Anarchist

[Personality:] The first thing that most people notice about Thomas Collins is that he has an infectious laugh. And laughing is part of who Collins is, especially when Angel walked into his life. Collins loves to laugh and to have fun. At the same time, he really doesn’t care what people think about him…which is a shocking combination for some people, because he can sometimes seem immature. Watching Saturday morning cartoons, playing on the jungle gym, singing along with Disney movies, even eating glue. Those are some of Collins’ past times. But when people get the time to actually talk to Collins they realize he is anything but immature.

Although Collins can be ridiculously goofy, he knows when to be serious. Especially when it comes to his friends. Collins, as the oldest, sees himself as everyone’s big brother. So he takes that role very seriously. If someone isn’t feeling well or has a bad break up he’s there for them. At the same time, if one of his friends is acting stupid he will tell them so and probably give them a noggie. He’s also very protective them, and wouldn’t bat an eyelash to defend them. At the same time if one of his friends were to get hurt on his watch, he would blame himself. Even if the events were out of his hands, he’d find a way to feel guilty.

On a usual day Collins is very calm and cool. He has an air of acceptance and contentment about him. Some would even think that he never gets angry. Only those who know him well know that Collins does get angry…and it’s not a pretty sight when he does. “Blowing up” is a nice term for what happens. Luckily, he doesn’t get angry often.

When it comes to relationships, Collins was always shy. He knew who he was but when it came to the whole asking guys out and such Collins turned into the shy kid. Only since he meet Angel has that shy person disappeared. Now he has more confidence in himself…some would say too confident.

When it comes to beliefs no one is more stubborn and passionate than Collins. He’s an anarchist for a reason. He says what he believes and lives what he believes. And if anyone has a problem with that, too bad. Due to this attitude Collins is not so friendly with the law or any type of establishment. Which may explain why he never keeps a job for too long. But Collins doesn’t mind.

When it comes to his own personal problems, he ignores them. He’s too focused on helping others, his own issues aren’t as important. This isn’t true for pain however, at least little pains. If Collins stubs his toe he will whine and grump about it all day. And ask for kisses to make it better. But if he’s actually hurt or sick he won’t make a big deal of it. That’s when he stays quiet and deals with the pain on his own.


[Character History:] (You may have to fabricate some of the character's history - make it believable, though.)

Collins was born to a prestigious family in upstate New York. His father was a successful businessman and his mother was a charming homemaker. At least that’s how they liked to show themselves in society. In truth, Collins’ parents fought from their wedding day onward. But they agreed to stay together for the good of their son, Thomas. What they didn’t realize was listening to them scream at each other made Collins hide inside himself. He lived in fear of those screams. Thinking that they would get louder or turn to him. To ignore the screams he just started to read. He’d read anything he could get his hands on. His parents encouraged the habit thinking it would make him smarter. But when Collins went to school it was apparent he didn’t need the extra book help.

Entering elementary school, Collins was given a test and proven to be of genius levels. His parents wanted him to skip grades and be one of those teenagers with PhDs. But Collins didn’t want to leave his preschool friends and refused to. His parents humored him even though they saw their son get more and more bored with the homework he was assigned. Middle school was pretty much the same as elementary for Collins. Mom and Dad still fought, he was still bored by school, and he still read. Then puberty hit and things…got different. While everyone in the boy’s locker room was trying to sneak peeks at the girl’s, Collins was just enjoying the view of his own locker room. Since he was so well read it didn’t take him too long to figure out he was gay, but he kept it from his parents knowing that it wouldn’t be acceptable. When he was 15 the community held a “coming out” party mostly for the young men and women to dress up and be “welcomed” into the community. Collins always thought that the ceremony was the stupidest thing, elitist African Americans trying to prove something. So he decided to kill two birds with one stone. He brought his current boyfriend as his date. It not only shocked the community but disgraced his parents. Collins was kicked out of the house for the night, but was accepted back the next day. After his parents found out, they ignored his presence. Even when they were out with him they would never introduce Collins to their friends. They made it clear that after high school he was on his own. And after graduating, Collins found that his parents had changed the locks.

Collins went to Brown University on a full scholarship. He was lucky, considering his parents weren’t offering any help at all. While in college, Collins fell in love with philosophy and quickly became first in his class. After undergraduate, getting his PhD seemed like the next step. His life in college was much more different than his high school life. Collins was openly gay and had boyfriend after boyfriend after boyfriend. His activities with them were limited due to the fact he was quite shy when it came to relationships. When boyfriends would ask why they couldn’t get more intimate Collins would say “you’re not what I’m looking for”. One of few that Collins did get intimate with gave him AIDS. At first, Collins was a mess when he learned he was positive. But from some help from his friends and roommates at the time, he made it through. Ever since then, he never ever lets the disease get to him. Only when he goes to Life Support meetings does he really think about it.

Collins’ life was forever changed when he got his PhD. He got an offer from MIT in Massachusetts…a state he thought he belonged to. After all Providencetown was a great place. So he left his friends warily to pursue his career. But while he was at MIT two things happened. One, he found that in one of the most liberal states in the union there were many petty republicans trying to take over. Collins happened to work for one. He abhorred the actual reality assimilation that was set up and wrote many furious notes to the dean about it. But he was a first year professor and therefore untrustworthy. Two, he missed his friends. He hated the fact that he left while Roger was going through withdrawals with only Mark by his side. To this day, he still feels guilty about leaving.

After Collins left MIT (destroying the actual reality program got him fired very quickly), he went back home not realizing that it would be the start of the best year of his life. He met Angel and knew right away that he was the person that he was “looking for”. Collins fell in love for the first time and changed for the better. Not only did he find love in Angel but he also found a true partner for life. His love for her is unbending., which made her sickness amazingly difficult. Collins put on a happy face refusing to let himself get too upset. It was only til those last moments where Angel’s life hung in the balance he did cry. Now that Angel is healed Collins wants to take full advantage of their time together.

[HIV +/-?:] Positive

[Roommates?:] Angel Dumott Schunard, in the past Mark, Roger, Benny, and Maureen

[Lover?:] Angel Dumott Schunard

[Sexual Orientation:] Gay

[Talents:] Technology, “bsing”, drinking anyone under the table, teaching, sex (at least he likes to think so)

[Word Verification:] Editted out by Bohemia!

[Writing Sample:]
(You are walking to the Life Cafe when a homeless man starts to beg you for money. When you decline, he starts to get a bit rough. How does your character react? What is running through their head? 3 paragraphs minimum.)

Collins pulled his jacket closer to his body as the breeze tried its best to chill him. The homeless seemed to be follow Collins’ leads pulling their ratty coats closer while still holding their hands out for money. One man seemed to be quite excited, perhaps he was colder than all the others.

“Give a homeless man some charity?” He asked passerby’s. Collins watched the man get more and more bitter as no one offered him the smallest amount of change. The philosopher put his hands in his pockets wondering if he had anything on him. He was on his way to Life for some coffee but it was easy to slip out the front door unnoticed. His hand only meet fabric and a dirty tissue.

“C’mon, lady, give a man something so he can eat!” The same man begged. “Hey you! Big guy. You got a dollar?” He asked Collins as he passed.

Collins shook his head, “Sorry, man, I don’t got a thing….stay warm.” He added nodding to him.

“Stay warm? Stay warm says the man in a leather jacket. I’m sure you don’t got a cent sure.” The homeless man yelled following Collins and pushing him. Collins backed away and held his hands out.

“I’m sorry. I was telling you the truth.” Collins said not showing any anger in his voice only calm, “See?” He pulled out his pockets to reveal they were empty, “I got this jacket from my partner. It was a gift. I’m sorry.” Collins walked on his way hearing swear words being thrown at him.

When he reached the Life Café he bought a cup of coffee, and just as he thought, made it out the door without paying at all. Collins held the coffee to his chest and walked up to the homeless man, “Here.” He said giving him the coffee. “But some advice…people are more likely to give you stuff if you don’t scream at them.” Collins patted his man’s shoulder and walked back towards the apartment. Angel made better coffee anyway.

[Joanne Jefferson]

Certainly accepted! Welcome to Over the Moon!

[Character Name:]
Joanne Jefferson

[Character Age:]
25

[Profession:]
Lawyer

[Personality:]
Joanne is generally a very normal straight laced woman who respects and understands authority. Rules are made to be broken but guidelines are always to be fallowed is the type of sentiment she holds. She is able to think logically and for the most part likes to think things through before making any big decisions.

Also known for being as loyal and as hardworking as they come she had a tendency for putting herself out there to please the people she loves. There are times when people might have seen her as a doormat Joanne believes if you truly do care for someone you will be willing to make sacrifices for that person. She holds her friends very dear and if there is something that they need she would be more then willing to give it to them.

Of course Miss Jefferson is not just all guidelines and hard work. She is able to let loose once in a while and does like to have fun with the people she cares for. Sure plans and lists are very important to her but being spontaneous every once in a while is appealing to just about everyone, right?

[Character History:]
Joanne grew up with very caring and supportive parents who helped her out in everything she did. As a child she was always very structured and organized when it came to projects at school. Always wanting to plan everything out and go through everything that could happen in her head so she was sure she was prepared for anything that was thrown her way.

She was what you could have called a “daddy’s girl” and seemed to be stuck to his heels where ever he went. Even to work which was where she learned about being a lawyer and became interested in doing the same thing when she got older. She went to the very best schools that her parents could get into and finally made the bar and got accepted to a firm in New York City.

During her time at college she quickly became to realize that she was wasting her time trying to date men. There was just something about them that didn’t seem very appealing to her. The reason she found out a short time later was that she was into women. This really made sense to her after she thought about everything she had been through as a child and adolescent. And after telling her parents they said that no matter who she loved they would love her no matter what.

After moving to the city Joanne wanted to get the whole experience so she knew she wasn’t missing out on any little thing. This was really the most pivotal moment in her life because as she was out getting the experience she met who she believes to be the love of her life Maureen. After that she really got introduced to new ways of thinking and finding out that not everything can be planned out perfectly step by step. Sometimes things aren’t just black and white. And there are times that not knowing everything is just the best way to go.

[Roommates?:]
Maureen Johnson

[Lover?:]
Maureen Johnson

[Sexual Orientation:]
Lesbian

[Talents:]
Thinking logically, planning out events and making very detailed lists of things that need to be done in order to finish things on time.

[Word Verification:]
Edited out by Bohemia - thanks!

[Writing Sample:]
(You are walking to the Life Cafe when a homeless man starts to beg you for money. When you decline, he starts to get a bit rough. How does your character react? What is running through their head? 3 paragraphs minimum.)

After closing the door of the Life Café, Joanne sighed and paused for a minute as she buttoned her coat up. She headed down the street biting down on her bottom lip thinking about the events that had happened that night. Another wonderful protest had happened courtesy of her lover, Maureen. And apparently and big celebration was happening right now but she couldn’t celebrate with everyone else. She had to make sure that the equipment was perfect. Not that she really cared, she was just always on edge about leaving Maureen alone.

“Miss, any spare change?” Joanne was jerked out of her thoughts as she heard and wheezy voice of an old man. She blinked at him giving him a kind look. She always felt bad for the homeless. People that just ran out of luck and ended up in a bad situation. But she had left her money with Maureen and the party so they could buy some dinner and drinks for themselves.

“Oh, I’m sorry Sir. But I don’t have any money on me.” She shrugged and turned away starting to head back to the space where she was to organize everything for Maureen. She stopped as she was cut off in her tracks by the old man. She looked at him taken aback.

“I know you’re types. To busy with your own life to even spare a quarter for a poor old man like me!” He pointed at Joanne with a shaking finger. She gave him a hard look before frowning and taking out a piece of paper and a pen writing something down on it. She handed it to the man and gave him a stick of gum, the only food types she had with her, and patted his shoulder.

“That Sir, is the address of a good homeless shelter. It would be better to go there then to sit out here on the cold street.” She shook her head at him and side stepped the man before disappearing in a crowed of people leaving the old man behind her.

[Benjamin Coffin III]

Accepted! Welcome to Over the Moon!

[Character Name:]
Benjamin Coffin III

[Character Age:]
26

[Profession:]
Land Lord

[Personality:]
Benny can come across as arrogant and pretty pompous most of the time but he wouldn’t consider himself like that at all. He has a very strong will and likes things to get done quickly and likes them to be done his way. Although people may be fooled about things going on Benny is able to see the bigger picture of the future to come and is willing to be the first one to jump on the cooperate bandwagon.

Even if many people would like to dispute his motives Benny really is a nice guy who cares about his friends and for the most part is willing to lend out some help when they are in nee. If its money, a place to crash, or just someone to talk to he is there for his friends to help in his own Benny like way.

Always one to enjoy bettering himself and people around him Benny can come off as uncaring about people less fortunate them he is but he was always one to believe in “tough love.” And the saying “I can’t help you if you can’t help yourself” is defiantly something that he seems to believe in.

[Character History:]
Benny grew up with his father in Brooklyn New York. He grew up with not much money so he learned skills he needed to get by with what you had and was always taught to make the best of every situation he was in. After graduating from High School he set out into the world by himself. Since he had no real talents other then being particularly charming, or note worthy skills himself he found it was tough to find a job. After almost a week of “homelessness” (just staying with his father) Benny finally moved into an apartment with some of his friends, Mark, Roger, Collins, and, Mark’s girlfriend, Maureen. Although he didn’t have a job he found ways to get by. Usually it was by the means of his friendships but anyway was better then no way.

Always being a ladies man Benny met a daughter of a very wealthy man who owned a quite a few buildings in the East Village. She fell in love with him and they eventually got married. Apparently being in the Grey family gave Benny a few privileges one being he could become land lord of the property that his father-in-law owned. Figuring he owed his friends for everything they had done for him, and wanting to help out all the people he had known, Benny declared that they should all live rent free.

That was until his father-in-law wanted to change things in the East Village after hearing Benny talk of building a studio where people could record music, produce films, ect. Feeling that, that was a pretty good idea and could make way more money then they were making on owning buildings and they weren’t even getting rent from he set the plan in motion. Although they hit a snag in their plan when one of Benny’s former roommates, Maureen, heard about what was going on and planned her protest.

Thinking that it was better not to make a big showing of what was happening Benny’s father-in-law just told him to send out eviction notices and threaten them unless they helped in stopping Maureen’s protest. Although nothing seemed to have worked out as planned Benny felt bad and with a little persuasion from a close friend of his, Mimi, he felt that he needed to make it up to them and re-offer the lease as it was in the beginning but they were having none of it and just sent him away saying they would pay the rent from then on.

Since then Benny had given up on his plans of a Studio fell through, obviously, as well has his marriage with a one Allison Grey. Although he still has his title as land lord and is still doing pretty well for himself even with his limited skills and talents.

[Roommates?:]
None

[Lover?:]
None

[Sexual Orientation:]
Straight

[Talents:]
Benny can be quite the charmer and has a way of getting by, by doing nothing at all.

[Word Verification:]
Editted out by Bohemia

[Writing Sample:]
Walking through a crowed of people Benny straightened out his jacket and continued on the Life Café to get something to eat. He let out a deep sigh as he came across a homeless man begging for money. Wasn’t that how it always was? He shook his head as the man asked him if he could spare some change and tried to sidestep the man but failed as the homeless man blocked his path.

After the man made a few rude comments Benny gave the man an annoyed look and suggested that the man do something more worth while with his time other then bother others for money. He got past the man but not very far as he grabbed onto his jacket. Turning sharply Benny gave the man an angry look and pulled the jacket out of his grip shoving a dollar at him before walking away from him.

Benny slid his hands in his pockets shaking his head. He didn’t understand why if people like that wanted money so bad why couldn’t they do something to earn it. Even he was doing *something* for the money he was earning. Many people would contribute his success on luck but he was one to believe you made your own luck. So why couldn’t the homeless do something to change their situations like he had.