Character Bios v.2

George (50) (Giorgio, in italian):

George is a family man. Next to watching soccer, there is nothing he loves more in the world than supporting his family. This stems from a childhood full of remorse from a broken home.

Childhood:

At age 6, his father left home without an explanation - George never got to say goodbye. George watched as his mother struggled as a single parent to support him. The dark shadow his father’s disappearance hung over he and his mother until one day, in lower secondary school (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Italy), he joined the local football club. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_in_Italy) He also got a job to help support his family.  It was at this point that he stepped into the role of a true protector. 

Through playing football and supporting his family, he quickly learned how to trust himself and protect what matters to him. He became a standout player, going on to be leading scorer and team captain. After graduating from upper secondary school, he hoped to continue his football career.

One day while heading to turn in his college application, George watched as a young girl accidentally crashed her bicycle, sending her sprawling into the middle of the street. He dove to save her, and was injured in the process. The girl he saved was Anna, George’s future wife.

Adulthood:

George’s injury prevented him from getting any kind of scholarships for football, and his mother being poor meant that he would have to hang up his dream of attending college. He married Anna, and found joy in raising a family. Together, they had their first and only child - Mindy.

As he held Mindy in his arms, George vowed to be the best father he could be - everything his own father wasn’t. When unexpected cancer took the life of his wife, George stayed true to his promise - he was the #1 dad, supporter, and “protector” for Mindy. He helped her achieve everything she strove for, and scared away obstacles to her success - mainly young boys - from ever coming between Mindy and himself. He is a simple man who wants to protect what matters to him.

The Twist

One day an unfortunate traffic accident takes his life. Now deceased, he has become the guardian angel of Mindy, determined to continue his “protection”.

Visuals:

George has a literal glow. (Similar to hercules when he comes from the pit - like chef gusteau from Ratatouille, only more opaque and brilliant.)

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Steve (24) (Stefano, in italian):

Since his childhood, Steve was always one to quietly achieve. He received good grades in school. Although he was quite intelligent and skilled at many things, his lack of self-confidence kept him under the radar most of his life. That is, until he met Mindy.

They shared many of the same classes in college. She was everything he aspired to be - bright, confident, sure of her path in life. Watching her inspired him to move through life and be sure of himself. Now, when setbacks occur, his self-confidence is rattled a bit, but he manages to bumble through these setbacks in a funny way. This awkwardness (or “dorky charm”, as Mindy calls it) is what attracts Mindy and keeps her laughing. He is, in his own reserved way, trying his hardest to do his best – and sometimes looks silly doing it. He finally asked Mindy out (twice!) and a mutual excitement is brewing.

Visuals:  

He appears at first glance to be the opposite of protective/strong. He’s put together, he’s really trying to be in control, but doesn’t have strong self confidence. So, these setbacks (glass tipping over, etc.) rattle him, throw him out of confidence for a moment. For looks, think Andrew Garfield. For personality, think Bernard from both Megamind and rescuers. Reaching for the ticket in the crowd is the epitome of who he is (trying his hardest to do his best & hold on to something great). His rescue of Mindy transforms him into a confident protector. The events in the film are the completion of his character arc. Posture is totally sure, no slouch, almost like a superhero. He’s super smooth now.