(Sorry if this is a lot, messy, or missing things... ^^')
How does your character feel about their own physical appearance?
While Cal doesn’t dislike his appearance, he sure as hell hates his scars. It makes him feel weak. And how much weight he lost, going from someone with strong legs and a good upper body to a bean pole. Other than that, he is somewhat confident with his image.
How is your character react in social situations where they're forced to be around strangers? What about friends?
Cal just blends in naturally with others. He’s like a wild card in the sense that he just somehow gets along well with everyone. With friends though, he is much more excitable and happy, clinging to them whenever they’re around.
Are they good at expressing their emotions or more stoic?
Cal generally wears his heart on his sleeves, being very open about his feelings, but if they are negative emotions, he is much more stoic.
When was the last time they cried?
Almost two years ago. When he left his old home.
Where do they fall on the scale of introversion and extroversion?
Cal is about 60% energetic extrovert and 40% internal introvert.
What is their outlook on life like?
It sucks. He hates what the world is, but it is worth it to live in a God-awful place just for the few amazing people and things.
Do they have a life philosophy?
“Find those you can trust and keep them close and do whatever you can to protect them and yada yada. Just make sure they’re worth protecting first.”
What is their alignment (ie. Good, true neutral, chaotic evil)?
Chaotic Good
Do they have certain words or phrases they use frequently? (ie. "Hmmm. Fuck.")
“Helluva,” “Shithole,” “Helluva shithole,” and “Ahhhh lông bông quá! Con chó con dễ thương!!”
How do they handle stress?
Depending on the situation, Cal either handles it really well and uses his stress to push through work or getting something done or, alternatively, it backfires and anyone who talks to them might get yelled at.
Where do they like to go to unwind?
Usually a quiet place with some sort of background noise or that is high off the ground. Places like a building top, a library with a good pair of headphones to listen to songs, or even a bedroom with a small fan. Any place in private is a bonus if he can look through his science book.
How adaptable are they to new situations?
Cal is the kind of guy who can be thrown to a pack of wolves and somehow adapt to survive. New situations are better than old ones because they won’t bring back memories either.
When was the last time they told a lie? Do they have a bad opinion of liars?
Cal, despite not being the best liar a lot of the time, tends to be a compulsive liar. He doesn’t care if other people lie to him as well. He is just used to it.
Do they make promises? Have they ever broken a promise?
Cal makes promises to people he finds to be important in his life. Cal has not broken a single promise except the one he cared the most about: that he’d always be there for his friends when they needed him most.
What annoying or bad habits do they have?
Cal used to have the nervous habit of biting and picking at the skin around his nails or forgetting to eat when he gets hyper focused on working. Cal was at least able to drop the skin biting, covering up the skin with color bandages. Although, now he tends to bite his nails when he’s thinking or nervous.
Are they prejudiced towards certain groups of people?
There is always an immediate distrust from Cal towards anyone who likes to smoke, drink, or knows a lot about drugs. He doesn’t mind the drinking as much, but he still won’t trust them and is always watching them at a party just in case.
What's their sense of humor like?
Puns, cheesy pickup lines, dark humor, and loud, screaming things are all funny to Cal.
What makes them sad? *cue the sad puppy commercials*
Basically everything at this point. Smaller things that make him moderately sad are his hat, emotional video games, and a lot of Disney and Pixar movies. Ice cream is another one too.
What gets on their nerves?
People raising their tone at him, authoritative figures, others picking on people in need, someone weaker than them, or his friends.
What things do they like or obsess over?
Cal obsesses over any little gift he is given. From his leather jacket with the words ‘Science Rocks’ on the back to his hat, the science book to the Polaroid images tucked away safely inside of it, Cal would obsess over a piece of string if a friend gave it to him.
What's the thing (physical or abstract) they want more than anything else?
Cal, though he doesn’t act like it, desperately wants his friends and those close to him to like him. Although, his more physical desires are less important and more fun like a drum set or a camera.
When was their first kiss?
Cal pretends his first kiss was with his first and first grade girlfriend and later best friend, Rosa, it was actually when he was eight and in a back alley.
How did their first relationship end?
Rosa and Cal tried to be a couple because that’s what two friends who were a boy and girl had to be when they were younger. After a year or two, they realized they were just better as friends in a truly dumb moment. For what it is worth, Rosa is the only girl Cal ever truly felt strong feelings for.
Have they ever been in love?
Yes. Sadly.
Have they ever had their heart broken?
In what way? By family? Yeah. By friends? Even more so. In his love life? Only a few times but still way too much.
How do they flirt?
When flirting in a joking manner, Cal just uses his cheesy one liners and sex jokes, but when Cal is actually interested in someone, it is more subtle and gradually building at first. Your typical flirt at the bar kind of a thing. Oh and lots of teasing too.
How do they display affection differently to their friends, families, and romantic interests?
Well, for one, he hates his parents and grandparents so the most affection for them is basically a middle finger. For friends, he’ll do basically anything they ask him to, trying to get them sentimental gifts, baked goods he made himself, or anything he can think of whenever he thinks of it. Meanwhile, depending on what type of romantic relationship might depend on what happens. If it’s a fling, he might hold their hand in public or get small things but that’s it. If it’s real, then he will do everything for them. Literally.
Do they get jealous?
Cal is easily jealous of certain things. He is jealous of people who are good at things he is not or who are much better than him in his mind or, in extremely rare cases where he likes someone a lot, anyone who makes a move on his crush.
How do they react to rejection?
If Cal gets the courage to ask for something and gets rejected, he might get really quiet. It’ll be a mixture of just genuine sadness and unshakable frustration that makes him just want to leave for a quiet spot.
How do they react if someone they aren't particularly interested in expresses interest in them?
Cal just says yes. He’s too used to people asking him out and too tired to deny people anymore.
How confident are they (with relationships or otherwise?)
Very confident. Too confident.
Are they forgiving or do they hold grudges?
Cal can be forgiving if someone actually makes the effort to earn forgiveness. A cheap apology without any actual action will mean jack shit to Cal.
Do they believe in redemption?
Yes, but with limits. Everyone has the chance to change, but if they refuse to change there is no point to try and change their mind.
What's their reputation like? Is it different in different circles? Do they like their reputation or would they like to be perceived differently?
Being in multiple circles as the most social one in the group, he gets a lot of different reputations. In some groups, he is known a slut, a know-it-all, a kind guy, and the devil himself. He doesn’t really care what they think of them though. He might be the clown of the ANGSTVENGERS but their opinion is the only one he cares for.
Do they like to think on their feet or plan ahead?
Completely on his wobbly ass feet.
Do they struggle with impulsiveness?
Yes.
Do they have any nervous ticks?
He tends to bite his nails when he is nervous, play with his jacket, or rub the back of his neck. Eye contact is a no go as well as a few other stimming things.
What are their most positive and negative character traits? What about their most prominent character traits?
Positive: Protectiveness/loyalty and quickness to jump to help someone in need
Negative: His brashness and short temper with people he doesn’t trust
Prominent: Talkativeness?
Do they have any regrets in life? What do they feel most guilty about?
A few regrets, but Cal feels an overwhelming sense of guilt because of each and every one of them.
What achievement are they most proud of?
Winning first place at a race that he had trained a long time for and getting a scholarship at his original high school. Cal was gifted his famous leather jacket thanks to a friend after he won the race and though he didn’t get any memento from his scholarship, the money back from it was a huge relief. Until they moved and spent it all on booze and cigarettes.
What is their first memory?
When he was very little and it had just rained yesterday in New York City. The leaves on the trees were a brilliant, fiery color, the rocks in the park looked like mountains, and there were giant puddles Cal stepped in with his tiny yellow boats. He didn’t remember much outside of that, but apparently they went to a baseball game later where he got his signature hat. He doesn’t remember it happening, but he does have the photo in his book to prove it did happen.
Their fondest memory?
The day he won the race. Not just the race itself either. Everything that followed after, from the jacket, to the arcade, and to laser tag with Ben, Jackson, and his group… It was magical.
Their worst memory?
There are a lot of terrible memories he has but if he had to pick only one, it would be the party that ruined his life.
What smells remind them of the past?
Gunpowder, cigarettes, cheap pizza, and a gooey, sizzling grilled cheese sandwich.
What's the most beautiful thing they’ve ever seen?
There has been a lot of beauty in his life and as much as he hates to admit it, four guys in particular would be the most pretty, followed by New York, Ben’s backyard, the abandoned junkyard he hung out in as a kid with Olly, the meeting spot’s view at the golden hour, and dogs.
What are their greatest fears, both physical and abstract?
Guns and dark alleyways are big triggers for him. Food or drinks from strangers and even from some friends is a no as well. A more abstract fear of Cal’s is the fear of those he cares about leaving him, being alone, and the people ‘out to get him.’
What are their goals or ambitions?
One of Cal’s main goals is to go to college and get a good education. That and just to be happy with his friends.
Do they have a fatal weakness?
His stubbornness, aggression, carelessness, scatterbrain, and the list goes on and on…
How do they react to criticism, praise, or other judgments cast on them?
Cal is fine with most criticism as long as it’s construction. He might generally ignore it, not giving a shit what they think, but occasionally he’ll fix whatever the person complained about. Praise, on the other hand, makes Cal blush and smile like a madman. Anyone telling him that anything that he does is even mediocre is amazing to him. And finally, judgement will be met with a gentle middle finger and a polite ‘fuck off,’
Are they competitive? How so?
Absolutely. And games he plays with friends he plays to win. Especially with Evie. They both are competitive so it is good to have someone who will fight for victory. Even if she sadly wins a lot more than him…
Has anyone ever saved their life?
Yes. His parents have when he made an attempt on his own life. Lee and olly’s older brother have. An unintentional attempt. And Axel has.
What things are they very opinionated about?
Everything. He will fight about a random chip if someone gives him a reason to fight them. In all seriousness, he is particularly opinionated about religion, LGBTQA+ matters, diversity issues, prisoners’ rights, and women’s rights.
How do they respond to threats and conflict?
Cal will try to deescalate the situation at first, but if someone keeps attacking him, he won’t hesitate for long to fight back. Of course, if it is a threat that he has no power against, he will taunt them relentlessly.
Are they trusting of strangers? What about friends?
If he is honest, he can’t fully trust either. He will trust a stranger as far as he can throw them, not far at all given how weak he is, but he’ll trust a friend with everything but the truth. He doesn’t like to give friends his true feelings or anything about his past unless he absolutely thinks it’s necessary.
How do they defend themselves weapon-wise?
Knives or a mixture of boxing and wrestling. And insults.
Do they have any special skills or training?
Does baking and drumming count?
What causes, people, or ideas, would they put their lives on the line for?
Literally anything. The thing with Cal is that he doesn’t give a shit anymore. He’d give his life up to protect a chip at this point. There are a few rare things in his life that will make him fight to live though.
How do they treat their hierarchical superiors/inferiors?
Oh this is hilarious. Cal hates any sort of authority outside of Carlos, Nabih, and Leroy. He will actively scowl at them, make threats, and do whatever it takes to knock them off their pedestal. Most often violence if something about them ticks him off. Meanwhile, Cal sees himself as the most inferior person in the room at all times and no matter what tries to boost everyone up above himself.
If they could change one thing about themselves, what would it be?
Cal would probably get indecisive about what to choose from the multitude of problems he has. He might at least narrow it down to maybe getting rid of either his asthma, terrible eyesight, cigarette scars, or his ADHD and schizophrenia.
Do they have family? If so, what is the nature of their relationship and how do they feel about their family members?
His grandparents on his father’s side were very very religious, always being especially strict with Cal’s parents but seemingly kind towards Cal. This was only one thing that strained Cal’s relationship with his parents though. Bills, substance abuse, and each other turned his parents from entirely loving to against each other and against Cal. His dad shifted into a busy businessman, always working and always an ass to Cal. Drinking as soon as he got home, all of Cal’s interactions with him were when he was drunk. Things generally got violent. His mom on the other hand was worse. Manipulative, silent, and cruel, she always wore a pretty smile in red lipstick with a cigarette in hand. She burned the cigarette buds out on his shoulders and arms, she caused his lungs to be so shitty by smoking up the house, and she sent him to that church after they moved away from his friends.
How do they treat their friends?
With kindness and everything he has to offer. Except stuff about himself that he’d like to forget.
Do they have a nemesis? How have they made enemies in the past?
Yeah, plenty. In protecting his friends and pissing off strangers in alleys are the most prominent ways
What kind of people do they get along with naturally? What unlikely people do they count as allies?
Cal generally blends in with all crowds of people, but somehow always befriends the gaggle of gays. An unlikely person would probably include Carlos, Lee, and the Red Scars since they were quite literally a gang.
What was your character's background like? How have they developed personality-wise from childhood?
Lots of trauma and happiness melted into mixed and confusing feelings about everything. Everything that he has gone through has left him… not broken or hollow or anything… a walking contradiction.
What is the worst thing they've done to someone they loved? What about an enemy?
The worst thing he’s done for a loved one is probably abandon them or not be there for them to help. As for an enemy, either trusting them has been his worst act or breaking someone’s wrist and ribs. Depending on who it was worse for.
What's their personal moral code?
Don’t hurt, steal from, or do anything to negatively impact people unless they are hurting others or you.
Were they ever bullied (or have they bullied others?)
No, not really. He might have teased people but it was all joking and in good fun.
If they could travel back in time, what event would they alter?
God, there are at least five different events he would love to change. Mainly because of the events and guilt and depression that followed, he’d probably choose to save Lemmie from dying.
What would they ask a fortune-teller?
He wouldn’t want to ask the fortune teller anything out of pure spite, but if he had to, it’d probably be something on the lines of: “So uhh… I don’t… I don’t fuck too much up for everyone in the future right?”
What advice would they give their younger self?
“Don’t do drugs, play nice, do good in school, yada yada… Look, mini-me, don’t trust anyone. And don’t do shit you’re not comfortable with. Life’s gonna be hell, but stick to it for those you care about.”
What do they love to hate?
Drunk assholes, ketchup, cigarettes, terrible ‘How to Draw Anime’ books, and authority.
Where do they go when they’re angry?
Just a quiet place, his safe space, or bed.
What is their current occupation? And do they like their job?
Cal has had a plethora of jobs. But as for current jobs, he has none now that he ran away.
What are some of their past jobs?
Cal had a job as a tutor, babysitter, and even helped a friend, Lee, with starting his grilled cheese sandwich business. And while volunteering may not count, he helped by making baked goods and preparing beds at a homeless shelter back at Pencey.
Do they have a talent?
A few. Cal is more of a jack of all trades but master of none sort of guy.
What is their educational background? Are they more intelligent than average?
Cal is definitely above average. He is a grade above, but lately his grades had dropped since he moved since he just doesn’t care. He probably would have had to go back a grade if he had kept his carelessness up.
What's their ideal life that they would be happy living?
Cal honestly hasn’t ever thought about that. He is just too busy in the now and doesn’t want to think about the future or ideal life because he knows he will probably never get that.
What possessions do they use daily?
Cal always can be seen wearing his hat and his black leather jacket.
What possessions do they value?
He loves his hat, his jacket, his knife, his science book, his backpack purely because it is comfy to hug, his match box, his small compass, and the small pins and patches he always carries on the inside of his jacket.
Do they believe in the afterlife?
Sometimes. He likes to think that there is a place he can be happy when he dies. It’s a nice thought.
What are their religious views?
Cal likes the concept of religion but doesn’t really like religion. He respects it for the most part and leaves it alone unless it hurts him in someway. He burned a giant cross that was in a church after leaving Pencey. Maybe not his smartest choice, but one of the more satisfying.
How would they like to die?
Alone and quick. Doesn’t want to burden anyone and just wants it to be over soon.
What is their zodiac sign? Enneagram sign?
Virgo (September 11) + either the Achiever or Loyalist
What are their eating habits?
Cal tends to eat very little. Due to previous eating habits, if he eats too much, he feels like he might vomit. He does enjoy eating spicy and sweet things and drinking smoothies or basically anything.
What's their living space like?
It’s generally messing to the naked eye, but he just organizes things in a more spread out way.
Do they like to party? *tunes lute*
Hell yeah.
Ale or wine (or water)?
He would prefer water, but if he had to choose, probably ale.