(no subject)
Part One- Personal
Name: Amanda
Character's Name: Lisa Turpin
Email: snowboard_gal (at) hotmail (dot) com
AIM: None
Other Instant Messenger Programs:
MSN: snowboard_gal (at) hotmail (dot)com
Yahoo: frozen.flower or tehlittle_kitty
AGE:(Must be 18+) 18
Past Rpg Experience: I’ve roleplayed mostly on Winglica (+2 years) or Capturedwings (3 years). On the side, I have done some work on MSN or Yahoo. Most of the roleplays that I have been involved in are various anime/manga series, but on CWF, I have participated in Harry Potter threads as either a main character or an original character.
Where did you hear about our RPG? I was searching for a post-war HP community and happened across this one =]
The following situations may or may not arise over the course of the game. You, as a player, are never required to participate in anything you do not wish, but the situations might arise around you. This is an adult game set in a fantasy world where there are definite bad-guys out there.
Having said that, please tell us you you feel about:
Het, slash and femmeslash: I’m pretty open to whatever people throw at me.
NC-17 material: Our characters aren’t children so I would expect some of it to pop up here and there. I’m fine with it overall, but would prefer to stay away from it if possible.
Violence: Totally fine with it.
Part Two- Character Info
Character Name: Lisa Turpin
Age: 21
Birthday: October 5th 1980
Wand: 11 inches Ivy wood, Unicorn hair
House in School: Ravenclaw
Bloodline: Half-blood
Political View: Lisa disapproves of what the Ministry is doing and would rather distance herself from the issue; however she finds herself in an uncomfortable position because of her job in the Ministry of Magic office. On a side note, she believes that everyone should be treated as equals and things shouldn’t be based on blood alone.
Appearance
Height: 5’ 6”
Weight: 119lbs
Build: A slim build. Although Mandy does enjoy running and a good game of Quidditch on the side, she would never think of body building.
Eyes: Green
Hair: Long blonde hair with ringlets at the end; most of the time though, her mess of hair is swept into a loose bun.
Dress style:
Lisa doesn’t like extremely tight clothing that constrains her movement. But with a job at the Ministry, she has been forced to at least wear something ‘presentable’ which usually includes a pair of black dress pants, and a white button long sleeved or short sleeved shirt weather depending. During meetings she wears high-heeled shoes but as soon as she steps into her office, a comfortable pair of sneakers awaits her under her desk. Her closet is mostly full of jeans and t-shirts along with the occasional cloak. Hidden at the back of her closet is an assortment of clips and barrettes which Lisa has a fetish for. Unfortunately, she cannot wear them because she has an odd habit of losing the accessories.
Discerning Marks: Her green eyes are always framed by a set of half rimmed black glasses. They give her an air of intelligence and slyness. Her eyesight had been ruined ever since a period when she decided reading in the dark without a good light was fun. Although urged by people to try contacts, Lisa profusely refuses.
PB: Scarlett Johansson
Sexuality: Lisa is straight but has sworn off relationships for a period of time because of her past experiences with the blind dates that Rinoa had set her up on. Ever being the one to deny things though, Lisa keeps telling herself it isn’t because of her immense fear of being in a relationship but because of her work.
Psychology
Introvert/Extrovert: Introvert. Lisa hates presenting or speaking to a large group of people at once and would much rather stay at her desk and work. If she does engage in conversation with those at work it would not be of trivial matters but those of utmost importance. When she’s alone of course she becomes more energetic and somewhat hysterical.
When confronted with the opposite sex, Lisa either becomes cold or quite flustered. Because of her past experiences, she isn't able to talk to men unless it is something work related.
Boggart is? Explain: Her little sister’s or brother’s dead body. During the war, her mother, and father had died leaving Lisa look after her little sister. Tim at that time was coping with the loss and was in no condition to look after Rinoa. To lose either would be horrific for Lisa. She is overprotective of her little sister and when issues arise about her, she will often act like a worried mother. When it comes to her brother, Lisa pretends to be cold towards him but actually worries about him a great deal.
Patronus--can they produce one? What is it and why does it have that form?
Lisa’s patronus takes the form of a dove. The dove for Lisa, shows her wish for peace and unity in this world. She believes that it is also represents her dead loved ones that are always there to protect her.
Personality
Include strengths, weaknesses, quirks, general outlook on life.
Strengths
Lisa has an uncanny ability to remember facts and figures very well which was a skill that evidently helped her with her O.W.Ls and N.E.W.Ts in Hogwarts. She excelled at Arithmacy, History of Magic, Transfiguration and Potions during her school years at Hogwarts. She is able to hide what she’s really feeling behind her professional exterior at work. With that skill, Lisa has adapted to the workings of the Ministry. Lisa was a chaser prior to leaving Hogwarts and has an extensive knowledge of the sport hence the reason she was appointed the job.
Weaknesses
Most would view her as a work-a-holic and to put it bluntly, they’re right. She is somewhat of a perfectionist but often finds herself failing at the goal. Often, she will repel herself from groups and is actually very shy. People often misinterpret this as a sign of being stuck-up. Lisa has a habit of over-reacting sometimes to the simplest things. For example, she thought she had lost an especially flamboyant hair clip when in actuality the clip had been borrowed by Rinoa for her own uses at Hogwarts.
Quirks
Her fetish for hairclips is only known to Lisa younger sister. Lisa adapted this likeness when she was taken on her first shopping trip to Diagon Alley by her mother. Often, Rinoa teases her that in a past life Lisa was surely a magpie.
Because of all the hours she puts in at work, Lisa drinks a large amount of caffeine. While most drink it right off the bat, Lisa tends to delay drinking the coffee until it is cold. This saves her money because whenever she wants an iced coffee she can just do her regular routine.
General Outlook on Life
The war had left Lisa a jaded, shell of a person. She prefers to keep to herself and adored writing in her journals - until of, course the Ministry decided to monitor them. Now, she sees it more of a burden, but grudgingly writes in it out of pure habit. The only spark in her life would be her sister, Rinoa. During her sister’s summer holidays, Lisa will leave work earlier to spend time with what remains of her family.
When Rinoa is at school Lisa works overtime and is often plagued with owls from either Tim or Rinoa about dates that they have set up for her.
Family
Parents?
Peter Turpin (Deceased) - A muggle teacher who adored teaching history. He passed his sharp mind onto Katherine. Instead of reading her fairytales before her bedtime, Peter read her history books which suited the young girl just fine. He had a carefree personality and an optimistic view of life.
Kiera Turpin(Deceased) - Kiera came from a distinct pure blooded family who wasn’t so crazy about the He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Kiera attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and was sorted into Ravenclaw. She was intelligent and had a knack for Potions and DADA which she passed onto her son. Later after she graduated, Kiera entered the Ministry and became a well known Aurour. Soon after, Kiera fell madly in love with Peter over an argument over who would get to buy the last copy of a certain book.
Siblings?
Tim Turpin; Older brother by 3 years - Tim is very much the social butterfly. Despite the sibling rivalry, Tim looks out for Lisa. He was the first of the Turpin children to go to Hogwarts and he fit in quite comfortably unlike Lisa. Tim was sorted into Ravenclaw. Enjoys teasing his sister and likes to plan things with Rinoa.
Tim lives in a much smaller flat than Lisa and has a job at a Quidditch sporting shop. Both he and Lisa pass Rinoa from flat to flat during her summer holiday.
Rinoa Turpin; Younger sister Age: 12 - Rinoa is the youngest of the Turpin’s family. Unlike her older sister, Rinoa seems to have taken after Tim and is very social at Hogwarts. She had been hoping to follow in the family footsteps and ended up in Ravenclaw but due to the new sorting order she is disappointed that she will be moving to Gryffindor in her third year. Rinoa looks up to Lisa, but tries too hard to help her with her love life.
Family dynamics
When Peter married Kiera, he never found it a shock that she was a witch. Peter had always been the type of guy who just loved a person for who they were and all the mattered to him was that Kiera was there.
The Turpin family is a very close knit one. They keep in touch with far away relatives and always come together for whatever sort of reason - just as long as they can celebrate. Some of course, on Kiera’s side of the family disapproved of the fact that she had married a muggle and wouldn’t see her children as part of the family. After the death of both Lisa’s parents, Kiera’s side of the family seemed to loose contact as well with the exception of her grandparents.
Lifestyle
Occupation: Senior Undersecretary for Diplomatic Sporting Relations
Residence: A large comfortable flat located nearby the Leaky Cauldron
Financial Status: A comfortable salary, most of which she saves into her bank account.
History from student days at Hogwarts to the present time: include any affiliations since Hogwarts, jobs, family life, significant events in the character's recent history, how was this character affected by the war, how does your character feel about the present political climate?
From a young age, the kids in Lisa’s close knit neighbourhood had teased her because of last name. It was a close enough spelling to ‘turnip’ and everyone seemed to think Lisa resembled a turnip at a young age. Hence the reason she was christened ‘Turnip Girl’ by the other children. This nickname unfortunately was picked up by others at Hogwarts too even if Lisa had grown out of looking like a turnip.
Tim, her brother, teased her about not having friends, but in the end always spent time playing with his younger sister even if he always complained that it was boring. Secretly, Lisa appreciated how much Tim cared for her but never expressed it knowing that it was best if she didn’t.
At age 9, Lisa became an older sister. Everyone instantly turned their attention Rinoa, more or less leaving Lisa to herself. Although Lisa insisted that everyone go spend time with the new baby she refused to spend time with her younger sister herself. Lisa resented the fact that Rinoa had stolen the only people who paid attention to her. In exchange for everyone ignoring her, Lisa made sure a cold shoulder was always pointed towards Rinoa.
When Tim had left for Hogwarts, Lisa often snuck into her parent’s room to borrow books from her mother’s bookshelf and absorbed every piece of information that may have been relevant to her future in magic. On Lisa’s 11th birthday, her wish finally came true. She was swept off to Hogwarts and was then and there sorted into the same house Tim was in.
Her first year at Hogwarts was as perfect as she had imagined it despite the worries of the Dark Lord who was on the rise. Personally, she found the topic interesting and that was what earned her a permanent seat in the library. Despite her immediate seclusion, she found a new love for qudditch and a talent for magic.
But of course; even at Hogwarts, Lisa felt she was as lonely as ever. Daily owls were sent back home to her mother and father telling them cheerfully that she was having the time of her life; when in reality it was the exact opposite. Tim rarely had time to spend with her anymore, and most people thought of Lisa as an easy way to finish their homework. And with people like that around, she had no desire to be with them. That time alone made Lisa become more serious than and she put up walls around her, convincing herself that she had no need of friends.
In her 2nd year, she received news that Rinoa had a nasty tangle with a small batch of Devil’s Snare during an outing to a wizarding greenhouse. This tangle landed the young girl in St. Mungo’s and the experience made Lisa think twice about ignoring her younger sister.
The event gave Lisa something to work towards; an even stronger determination to protect her younger sister Rinoa from the evil in the world. During her 6th year at Hogwarts, Lisa found herself in the position of the Ravenclaw Qudditch captain. A year after that, she graduated and had 4 N.E.W.T.S under her belt plus an offer to work in the Department of Magical Games and Sports at the Ministry of Magic. As a result, Lisa moved out of her parent’s house and into a comfortable flat near the Leaky Cauldron. She kept in touch with all her family members; even Tim who had joined up with the Order of the Phoenix.
Lisa knew that the war had been brewing for some time now; Fudge was just too stubborn to admit it. Of course, her opinions weren’t voiced aloud when she was at work because she was making a steady living off of it. But another event affected the Turpin family. Tim was injured badly when he was doing a job for the Order and ended up in St. Mungo’s too; unfortunately this wasn’t as minor as a Devil’s Snare tussle. They found Tim in a coma and he wasn’t able to be revived. The only thing that Turpin family found they could do was pray. It was then that Lisa became the next eldest child in the family and moved out of her flat and back in with her parents.
Lisa had never seen her parents in such a pitiful state. Lisa urged her mother not to continue being in the Order. But being ever the spirit, Kiera kept on with her duties in the Order even as the war raged on.
Then that one fateful day happened. Peter was out in Diagon Alley with Kiera on a harmless shopping trip. The war was in full blow by then, and Lisa had told them to hold off on whatever they needed, but her parents; ever headstrong went anyway. The day ended with at least 50 people killed because of a Death Eater’s rampage through the town.
Lisa found herself having to care for Rinoa who was only 11 at the time. She threw herself into her work and worried constantly about Rinoa’s life at Hogwarts as a way to cope with the grief. She also worried about Tim even if he was showing some signs of life. Of course, work wasn’t such a bad thing, Lisa reasoned. Because after all, wasn’t that how she had ended up in the position she was in now?
Luckily, Tim soon awakened the day before Lisa’s 21st birthday and that in itself was a birthday present for her. Tim was still shaky and was obviously upset when he had heard what had happened to their parents.
How does he/she feel about the more infamous events and people in the world around him/her? Harry Potter and his victory over Voldemort? Dumbledore and his murder by Severus Snape? Lucius Malfoy's pardon and book publication? Snape's pardon and appointment back to his old job at Hogwarts? The Registry? Werewolf Remus Lupin's job at Hogwarts? Bellatrix' capture, insanity defence, followed by her "cure" and release from St. Mungo's? etc.
Harry Potter and his victory over Voldemort? - Considerably happy that Voldemort was now gone and the reign of terror had stopped. In a way, Lisa felt that when Harry did this all the families who suffered had been avenged.
Dumbledore and his murder by Severus Snape? - It was a total shocker for Lisa. She found it hard to believe that the person who had taught her potions could kill Dumbledore. All along, she had thought that surely Snape had been on the Order’s side but obviously Lisa thought wrong. She was saddened by the thought, and said that Dumbledore died far before he was supposed to.
Lucius Malfoy's pardon and book publication? - Privately thinks it’s a bunch of dragon’s dung but Lisa knows better to say anything aloud. When she read the announcement, Lisahad surprised herself when a slight splutter of laughter escaped her lips.
Snape's pardon and appointment back to his old job at Hogwarts?
- Anger was what first popped into Lisa mind, but she had always a small soft spot for the teacher. She is trying to come to terms with her feelings on the topic.
The Registry? - Lisa has no concern of it because she isn’t on the registry in the first place. But overall, she thinks it’s quite a silly concept.
Werewolf Remus Lupin's job at Hogwarts? - Lisa only briefly met Remus but doesn’t think that he was dangerous in any way. He has the talent so why not let him teach?
Bellatrix' capture, insanity defence, followed by her "cure" and release from St. Mungo's? - Lisa fears not for herself, but more for Rinoa. It seems that Kiera’s motherly instinct has taken a toll on Lisa. As for her own protection, Lisa could care less because she hasn’t had much time to dwell on the subject herself.
What plots would you like to pursue with this character? What short and long-term goals does the character have for his/her future?
Lisa for the most part seems very…work oriented. I would really like her to get to know others more and maybe break out of her fenced in world. If anything that’s the thing that I want this character to do the most; just to be socially active in the wizarding community and realize that there is life outside her little office. If at all possible, I want to find someone who can help her speak her mind as well.
After writing my third person post, I realized that she was in denial. To face the reality that she is a person and that she has feelings is one more thing that I would like her to accomplish. Besides work, I want Lisa to become passionate about something else whether it may be a person or a thing.
I’m actually quite warm to the idea of throwing her out into the dating world. The thought of who Tim and Rinoa set her up with is amusing in my mind XD.
Once you start playing the game and get a feel for your fellow players and characters, assuming the interaction is favourable, how long could you anticipate staying with this character and this game? What is your usual pattern of longevity in role-playing games?
Usually, I only leave communities if they’re really bad. But before I join anything I usually read through things quite a few times so I can get the feel of the community. I think I could stay here for quite a long time if I’m allowed to play. The longest that I have stayed in a roleplaying community is probably…15 months?
What is your usual pattern of availabilty and play-time for a character and game which you enjoy?
When I apply for something I always feel like I have a commitment to the game itself. Of course, I am aware that there is school and such to be dealt with; but even during the school year I try to get on as much as possible and do whatever I have to do.
Now that we've got a sense of your characterization, this is where you get to really showcase your writing style! Give us everything you've got! Remember--this sample must be a 'fresh' sample relevant to our game and the current setting.
Sample Journal Entry:
To Rudiger Shingleton; Minister of Magic
Thank you for your utmost concern in the matter of the planning of the Triwizard tournament. My department is happy you’re taking an interest in our business, but I must implore you to please at least put your ideas out on parchment before confronting us about what sort of activates we will be planning for the tournament in question. I’m sure once you have those ideas finalized, my department can start on our half of the event.
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to send me an owl or memo.
- Lisa Turpin
Senior Undersecretary for Diplomatic Sporting Relations
[Private to self]
Sometimes I think Shingleton is asking for far too much. He hasn’t even gotten the preliminary plans for the Triwizard Tournament down and he wants to know how far I’ve gotten in my department! Honestly. At least get things down on paper before coming to bother my department about the things we’ve been doing.
Just the other day he came in to talk to me and kept jumping from one subject to the next. Really, if I didn’t know it was the nerves I would have called him scatterbrained. I suggested (quite subtly of course) that he writes down his ideas and then go through to finalize them. But of course, it seemed to have gone through one ear and out the other.
Everyone in my department is going mad over it. Memo’s have been flooding the room and its hard to get anywhere without getting smacked in the eye by one. Stress is getting to me; just the other day I found a grey hair in my head. A grey hair!! If anybody (especially my co-workers) catches word of it I suspect much teasing in my future.
Sample Third Person Writing:
Lisa jolted awake in her chair and quickly removed the piece of parchment that had been stuck to her face. She cast a glance at her watch and sighed looking around the darkened office. From the look of things, she had been the one to work late…again.
“This can’t be good for my health…” Lisa mumbled as she pushed herself away from her desk and collected her things. It had been the third time that week that she had fallen asleep at work and already she could hear the once distant worried tones of her mother.
”Lisa,try and take better care of yourself darling.” Lisa nodded dumbly and rubbed her eyes as she examined her desk. A faint smile spread onto her face; not a quill out of place: Just the way she liked it. Satisfied, she grabbed her bag and rushed out of the office anxious to get back to her flat to sleep.
To get back to her flat was a tempting experience that Lisa never liked doing. And while she tried to convince herself that she was very good at controlling her urges, the fact still remained clear that she was very much tempted to stop at the Leaky Cauldron. That same temptation bugged her as she passed through the crowded bar.
”Just keep walking Lisa. No need to stop. There’s absolutely no need to stop.” Her inner voice and conscience were working overtime tonight and Lisa was trying to listen to them. The last bar experience she had was unnaturally….unpleasant and she would rather not; if she could help it, have to go over those details again. It wasn’t that she couldn’t hold her drink; but it was the fact that when people usually sat down for a drink they usually sat down with friends; as in people.
Lisa mentally sighed. If she did sit down for a drink, she would be alone and it would only make the fact that she was lonely more prominent. Laughter caught her attention and she looked to see a group of wizards her age laughing and chatting over drinks. Maybe she should have taken up Rose’s suggestion for a drink after work…but no, she had had work to do. Setting her mind straight, Lisa walked past the bar and out the door breathing in fresh air.
”I’m not alone. Not at all. I’m just busier than most people that’s all.” the girl thought to herself determinedly as she walked up to her flat and unlocked the door. Her hand blindly found the light switch and she stared for a moment at the vast emptiness of her flat. The blank expression on her face was set in stone, but for a moment her green eyes softened. It took all of her will power just not to cry right there at the front door.
The softness in her eyes vanished to be replaced by tiredness as she turned to lock her door with her wand. Lisa kicked her high heeled shoes off and proceeded upstairs to her room. People called her many things: stuck up, sly, cold, intelligent, secluded; those things, Lisa could handle because she blocked it out. But if anybody had ever called her vulnerable they would have another thing coming.
Because the one thing that Lisa Turpin wasn’t; was vulnerable.
Name: Amanda
Character's Name: Lisa Turpin
Email: snowboard_gal (at) hotmail (dot) com
AIM: None
Other Instant Messenger Programs:
MSN: snowboard_gal (at) hotmail (dot)com
Yahoo: frozen.flower or tehlittle_kitty
AGE:(Must be 18+) 18
Past Rpg Experience: I’ve roleplayed mostly on Winglica (+2 years) or Capturedwings (3 years). On the side, I have done some work on MSN or Yahoo. Most of the roleplays that I have been involved in are various anime/manga series, but on CWF, I have participated in Harry Potter threads as either a main character or an original character.
Where did you hear about our RPG? I was searching for a post-war HP community and happened across this one =]
The following situations may or may not arise over the course of the game. You, as a player, are never required to participate in anything you do not wish, but the situations might arise around you. This is an adult game set in a fantasy world where there are definite bad-guys out there.
Having said that, please tell us you you feel about:
Het, slash and femmeslash: I’m pretty open to whatever people throw at me.
NC-17 material: Our characters aren’t children so I would expect some of it to pop up here and there. I’m fine with it overall, but would prefer to stay away from it if possible.
Violence: Totally fine with it.
Part Two- Character Info
Character Name: Lisa Turpin
Age: 21
Birthday: October 5th 1980
Wand: 11 inches Ivy wood, Unicorn hair
House in School: Ravenclaw
Bloodline: Half-blood
Political View: Lisa disapproves of what the Ministry is doing and would rather distance herself from the issue; however she finds herself in an uncomfortable position because of her job in the Ministry of Magic office. On a side note, she believes that everyone should be treated as equals and things shouldn’t be based on blood alone.
Appearance
Height: 5’ 6”
Weight: 119lbs
Build: A slim build. Although Mandy does enjoy running and a good game of Quidditch on the side, she would never think of body building.
Eyes: Green
Hair: Long blonde hair with ringlets at the end; most of the time though, her mess of hair is swept into a loose bun.
Dress style:
Lisa doesn’t like extremely tight clothing that constrains her movement. But with a job at the Ministry, she has been forced to at least wear something ‘presentable’ which usually includes a pair of black dress pants, and a white button long sleeved or short sleeved shirt weather depending. During meetings she wears high-heeled shoes but as soon as she steps into her office, a comfortable pair of sneakers awaits her under her desk. Her closet is mostly full of jeans and t-shirts along with the occasional cloak. Hidden at the back of her closet is an assortment of clips and barrettes which Lisa has a fetish for. Unfortunately, she cannot wear them because she has an odd habit of losing the accessories.
Discerning Marks: Her green eyes are always framed by a set of half rimmed black glasses. They give her an air of intelligence and slyness. Her eyesight had been ruined ever since a period when she decided reading in the dark without a good light was fun. Although urged by people to try contacts, Lisa profusely refuses.
PB: Scarlett Johansson
Sexuality: Lisa is straight but has sworn off relationships for a period of time because of her past experiences with the blind dates that Rinoa had set her up on. Ever being the one to deny things though, Lisa keeps telling herself it isn’t because of her immense fear of being in a relationship but because of her work.
Psychology
Introvert/Extrovert: Introvert. Lisa hates presenting or speaking to a large group of people at once and would much rather stay at her desk and work. If she does engage in conversation with those at work it would not be of trivial matters but those of utmost importance. When she’s alone of course she becomes more energetic and somewhat hysterical.
When confronted with the opposite sex, Lisa either becomes cold or quite flustered. Because of her past experiences, she isn't able to talk to men unless it is something work related.
Boggart is? Explain: Her little sister’s or brother’s dead body. During the war, her mother, and father had died leaving Lisa look after her little sister. Tim at that time was coping with the loss and was in no condition to look after Rinoa. To lose either would be horrific for Lisa. She is overprotective of her little sister and when issues arise about her, she will often act like a worried mother. When it comes to her brother, Lisa pretends to be cold towards him but actually worries about him a great deal.
Patronus--can they produce one? What is it and why does it have that form?
Lisa’s patronus takes the form of a dove. The dove for Lisa, shows her wish for peace and unity in this world. She believes that it is also represents her dead loved ones that are always there to protect her.
Personality
Include strengths, weaknesses, quirks, general outlook on life.
Strengths
Lisa has an uncanny ability to remember facts and figures very well which was a skill that evidently helped her with her O.W.Ls and N.E.W.Ts in Hogwarts. She excelled at Arithmacy, History of Magic, Transfiguration and Potions during her school years at Hogwarts. She is able to hide what she’s really feeling behind her professional exterior at work. With that skill, Lisa has adapted to the workings of the Ministry. Lisa was a chaser prior to leaving Hogwarts and has an extensive knowledge of the sport hence the reason she was appointed the job.
Weaknesses
Most would view her as a work-a-holic and to put it bluntly, they’re right. She is somewhat of a perfectionist but often finds herself failing at the goal. Often, she will repel herself from groups and is actually very shy. People often misinterpret this as a sign of being stuck-up. Lisa has a habit of over-reacting sometimes to the simplest things. For example, she thought she had lost an especially flamboyant hair clip when in actuality the clip had been borrowed by Rinoa for her own uses at Hogwarts.
Quirks
Her fetish for hairclips is only known to Lisa younger sister. Lisa adapted this likeness when she was taken on her first shopping trip to Diagon Alley by her mother. Often, Rinoa teases her that in a past life Lisa was surely a magpie.
Because of all the hours she puts in at work, Lisa drinks a large amount of caffeine. While most drink it right off the bat, Lisa tends to delay drinking the coffee until it is cold. This saves her money because whenever she wants an iced coffee she can just do her regular routine.
General Outlook on Life
The war had left Lisa a jaded, shell of a person. She prefers to keep to herself and adored writing in her journals - until of, course the Ministry decided to monitor them. Now, she sees it more of a burden, but grudgingly writes in it out of pure habit. The only spark in her life would be her sister, Rinoa. During her sister’s summer holidays, Lisa will leave work earlier to spend time with what remains of her family.
When Rinoa is at school Lisa works overtime and is often plagued with owls from either Tim or Rinoa about dates that they have set up for her.
Family
Parents?
Peter Turpin (Deceased) - A muggle teacher who adored teaching history. He passed his sharp mind onto Katherine. Instead of reading her fairytales before her bedtime, Peter read her history books which suited the young girl just fine. He had a carefree personality and an optimistic view of life.
Kiera Turpin(Deceased) - Kiera came from a distinct pure blooded family who wasn’t so crazy about the He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Kiera attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and was sorted into Ravenclaw. She was intelligent and had a knack for Potions and DADA which she passed onto her son. Later after she graduated, Kiera entered the Ministry and became a well known Aurour. Soon after, Kiera fell madly in love with Peter over an argument over who would get to buy the last copy of a certain book.
Siblings?
Tim Turpin; Older brother by 3 years - Tim is very much the social butterfly. Despite the sibling rivalry, Tim looks out for Lisa. He was the first of the Turpin children to go to Hogwarts and he fit in quite comfortably unlike Lisa. Tim was sorted into Ravenclaw. Enjoys teasing his sister and likes to plan things with Rinoa.
Tim lives in a much smaller flat than Lisa and has a job at a Quidditch sporting shop. Both he and Lisa pass Rinoa from flat to flat during her summer holiday.
Rinoa Turpin; Younger sister Age: 12 - Rinoa is the youngest of the Turpin’s family. Unlike her older sister, Rinoa seems to have taken after Tim and is very social at Hogwarts. She had been hoping to follow in the family footsteps and ended up in Ravenclaw but due to the new sorting order she is disappointed that she will be moving to Gryffindor in her third year. Rinoa looks up to Lisa, but tries too hard to help her with her love life.
Family dynamics
When Peter married Kiera, he never found it a shock that she was a witch. Peter had always been the type of guy who just loved a person for who they were and all the mattered to him was that Kiera was there.
The Turpin family is a very close knit one. They keep in touch with far away relatives and always come together for whatever sort of reason - just as long as they can celebrate. Some of course, on Kiera’s side of the family disapproved of the fact that she had married a muggle and wouldn’t see her children as part of the family. After the death of both Lisa’s parents, Kiera’s side of the family seemed to loose contact as well with the exception of her grandparents.
Lifestyle
Occupation: Senior Undersecretary for Diplomatic Sporting Relations
Residence: A large comfortable flat located nearby the Leaky Cauldron
Financial Status: A comfortable salary, most of which she saves into her bank account.
History from student days at Hogwarts to the present time: include any affiliations since Hogwarts, jobs, family life, significant events in the character's recent history, how was this character affected by the war, how does your character feel about the present political climate?
From a young age, the kids in Lisa’s close knit neighbourhood had teased her because of last name. It was a close enough spelling to ‘turnip’ and everyone seemed to think Lisa resembled a turnip at a young age. Hence the reason she was christened ‘Turnip Girl’ by the other children. This nickname unfortunately was picked up by others at Hogwarts too even if Lisa had grown out of looking like a turnip.
Tim, her brother, teased her about not having friends, but in the end always spent time playing with his younger sister even if he always complained that it was boring. Secretly, Lisa appreciated how much Tim cared for her but never expressed it knowing that it was best if she didn’t.
At age 9, Lisa became an older sister. Everyone instantly turned their attention Rinoa, more or less leaving Lisa to herself. Although Lisa insisted that everyone go spend time with the new baby she refused to spend time with her younger sister herself. Lisa resented the fact that Rinoa had stolen the only people who paid attention to her. In exchange for everyone ignoring her, Lisa made sure a cold shoulder was always pointed towards Rinoa.
When Tim had left for Hogwarts, Lisa often snuck into her parent’s room to borrow books from her mother’s bookshelf and absorbed every piece of information that may have been relevant to her future in magic. On Lisa’s 11th birthday, her wish finally came true. She was swept off to Hogwarts and was then and there sorted into the same house Tim was in.
Her first year at Hogwarts was as perfect as she had imagined it despite the worries of the Dark Lord who was on the rise. Personally, she found the topic interesting and that was what earned her a permanent seat in the library. Despite her immediate seclusion, she found a new love for qudditch and a talent for magic.
But of course; even at Hogwarts, Lisa felt she was as lonely as ever. Daily owls were sent back home to her mother and father telling them cheerfully that she was having the time of her life; when in reality it was the exact opposite. Tim rarely had time to spend with her anymore, and most people thought of Lisa as an easy way to finish their homework. And with people like that around, she had no desire to be with them. That time alone made Lisa become more serious than and she put up walls around her, convincing herself that she had no need of friends.
In her 2nd year, she received news that Rinoa had a nasty tangle with a small batch of Devil’s Snare during an outing to a wizarding greenhouse. This tangle landed the young girl in St. Mungo’s and the experience made Lisa think twice about ignoring her younger sister.
The event gave Lisa something to work towards; an even stronger determination to protect her younger sister Rinoa from the evil in the world. During her 6th year at Hogwarts, Lisa found herself in the position of the Ravenclaw Qudditch captain. A year after that, she graduated and had 4 N.E.W.T.S under her belt plus an offer to work in the Department of Magical Games and Sports at the Ministry of Magic. As a result, Lisa moved out of her parent’s house and into a comfortable flat near the Leaky Cauldron. She kept in touch with all her family members; even Tim who had joined up with the Order of the Phoenix.
Lisa knew that the war had been brewing for some time now; Fudge was just too stubborn to admit it. Of course, her opinions weren’t voiced aloud when she was at work because she was making a steady living off of it. But another event affected the Turpin family. Tim was injured badly when he was doing a job for the Order and ended up in St. Mungo’s too; unfortunately this wasn’t as minor as a Devil’s Snare tussle. They found Tim in a coma and he wasn’t able to be revived. The only thing that Turpin family found they could do was pray. It was then that Lisa became the next eldest child in the family and moved out of her flat and back in with her parents.
Lisa had never seen her parents in such a pitiful state. Lisa urged her mother not to continue being in the Order. But being ever the spirit, Kiera kept on with her duties in the Order even as the war raged on.
Then that one fateful day happened. Peter was out in Diagon Alley with Kiera on a harmless shopping trip. The war was in full blow by then, and Lisa had told them to hold off on whatever they needed, but her parents; ever headstrong went anyway. The day ended with at least 50 people killed because of a Death Eater’s rampage through the town.
Lisa found herself having to care for Rinoa who was only 11 at the time. She threw herself into her work and worried constantly about Rinoa’s life at Hogwarts as a way to cope with the grief. She also worried about Tim even if he was showing some signs of life. Of course, work wasn’t such a bad thing, Lisa reasoned. Because after all, wasn’t that how she had ended up in the position she was in now?
Luckily, Tim soon awakened the day before Lisa’s 21st birthday and that in itself was a birthday present for her. Tim was still shaky and was obviously upset when he had heard what had happened to their parents.
How does he/she feel about the more infamous events and people in the world around him/her? Harry Potter and his victory over Voldemort? Dumbledore and his murder by Severus Snape? Lucius Malfoy's pardon and book publication? Snape's pardon and appointment back to his old job at Hogwarts? The Registry? Werewolf Remus Lupin's job at Hogwarts? Bellatrix' capture, insanity defence, followed by her "cure" and release from St. Mungo's? etc.
Harry Potter and his victory over Voldemort? - Considerably happy that Voldemort was now gone and the reign of terror had stopped. In a way, Lisa felt that when Harry did this all the families who suffered had been avenged.
Dumbledore and his murder by Severus Snape? - It was a total shocker for Lisa. She found it hard to believe that the person who had taught her potions could kill Dumbledore. All along, she had thought that surely Snape had been on the Order’s side but obviously Lisa thought wrong. She was saddened by the thought, and said that Dumbledore died far before he was supposed to.
Lucius Malfoy's pardon and book publication? - Privately thinks it’s a bunch of dragon’s dung but Lisa knows better to say anything aloud. When she read the announcement, Lisahad surprised herself when a slight splutter of laughter escaped her lips.
Snape's pardon and appointment back to his old job at Hogwarts?
- Anger was what first popped into Lisa mind, but she had always a small soft spot for the teacher. She is trying to come to terms with her feelings on the topic.
The Registry? - Lisa has no concern of it because she isn’t on the registry in the first place. But overall, she thinks it’s quite a silly concept.
Werewolf Remus Lupin's job at Hogwarts? - Lisa only briefly met Remus but doesn’t think that he was dangerous in any way. He has the talent so why not let him teach?
Bellatrix' capture, insanity defence, followed by her "cure" and release from St. Mungo's? - Lisa fears not for herself, but more for Rinoa. It seems that Kiera’s motherly instinct has taken a toll on Lisa. As for her own protection, Lisa could care less because she hasn’t had much time to dwell on the subject herself.
What plots would you like to pursue with this character? What short and long-term goals does the character have for his/her future?
Lisa for the most part seems very…work oriented. I would really like her to get to know others more and maybe break out of her fenced in world. If anything that’s the thing that I want this character to do the most; just to be socially active in the wizarding community and realize that there is life outside her little office. If at all possible, I want to find someone who can help her speak her mind as well.
After writing my third person post, I realized that she was in denial. To face the reality that she is a person and that she has feelings is one more thing that I would like her to accomplish. Besides work, I want Lisa to become passionate about something else whether it may be a person or a thing.
I’m actually quite warm to the idea of throwing her out into the dating world. The thought of who Tim and Rinoa set her up with is amusing in my mind XD.
Once you start playing the game and get a feel for your fellow players and characters, assuming the interaction is favourable, how long could you anticipate staying with this character and this game? What is your usual pattern of longevity in role-playing games?
Usually, I only leave communities if they’re really bad. But before I join anything I usually read through things quite a few times so I can get the feel of the community. I think I could stay here for quite a long time if I’m allowed to play. The longest that I have stayed in a roleplaying community is probably…15 months?
What is your usual pattern of availabilty and play-time for a character and game which you enjoy?
When I apply for something I always feel like I have a commitment to the game itself. Of course, I am aware that there is school and such to be dealt with; but even during the school year I try to get on as much as possible and do whatever I have to do.
Now that we've got a sense of your characterization, this is where you get to really showcase your writing style! Give us everything you've got! Remember--this sample must be a 'fresh' sample relevant to our game and the current setting.
Sample Journal Entry:
To Rudiger Shingleton; Minister of Magic
Thank you for your utmost concern in the matter of the planning of the Triwizard tournament. My department is happy you’re taking an interest in our business, but I must implore you to please at least put your ideas out on parchment before confronting us about what sort of activates we will be planning for the tournament in question. I’m sure once you have those ideas finalized, my department can start on our half of the event.
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to send me an owl or memo.
- Lisa Turpin
Senior Undersecretary for Diplomatic Sporting Relations
[Private to self]
Sometimes I think Shingleton is asking for far too much. He hasn’t even gotten the preliminary plans for the Triwizard Tournament down and he wants to know how far I’ve gotten in my department! Honestly. At least get things down on paper before coming to bother my department about the things we’ve been doing.
Just the other day he came in to talk to me and kept jumping from one subject to the next. Really, if I didn’t know it was the nerves I would have called him scatterbrained. I suggested (quite subtly of course) that he writes down his ideas and then go through to finalize them. But of course, it seemed to have gone through one ear and out the other.
Everyone in my department is going mad over it. Memo’s have been flooding the room and its hard to get anywhere without getting smacked in the eye by one. Stress is getting to me; just the other day I found a grey hair in my head. A grey hair!! If anybody (especially my co-workers) catches word of it I suspect much teasing in my future.
Sample Third Person Writing:
Lisa jolted awake in her chair and quickly removed the piece of parchment that had been stuck to her face. She cast a glance at her watch and sighed looking around the darkened office. From the look of things, she had been the one to work late…again.
“This can’t be good for my health…” Lisa mumbled as she pushed herself away from her desk and collected her things. It had been the third time that week that she had fallen asleep at work and already she could hear the once distant worried tones of her mother.
”Lisa,try and take better care of yourself darling.” Lisa nodded dumbly and rubbed her eyes as she examined her desk. A faint smile spread onto her face; not a quill out of place: Just the way she liked it. Satisfied, she grabbed her bag and rushed out of the office anxious to get back to her flat to sleep.
To get back to her flat was a tempting experience that Lisa never liked doing. And while she tried to convince herself that she was very good at controlling her urges, the fact still remained clear that she was very much tempted to stop at the Leaky Cauldron. That same temptation bugged her as she passed through the crowded bar.
”Just keep walking Lisa. No need to stop. There’s absolutely no need to stop.” Her inner voice and conscience were working overtime tonight and Lisa was trying to listen to them. The last bar experience she had was unnaturally….unpleasant and she would rather not; if she could help it, have to go over those details again. It wasn’t that she couldn’t hold her drink; but it was the fact that when people usually sat down for a drink they usually sat down with friends; as in people.
Lisa mentally sighed. If she did sit down for a drink, she would be alone and it would only make the fact that she was lonely more prominent. Laughter caught her attention and she looked to see a group of wizards her age laughing and chatting over drinks. Maybe she should have taken up Rose’s suggestion for a drink after work…but no, she had had work to do. Setting her mind straight, Lisa walked past the bar and out the door breathing in fresh air.
”I’m not alone. Not at all. I’m just busier than most people that’s all.” the girl thought to herself determinedly as she walked up to her flat and unlocked the door. Her hand blindly found the light switch and she stared for a moment at the vast emptiness of her flat. The blank expression on her face was set in stone, but for a moment her green eyes softened. It took all of her will power just not to cry right there at the front door.
The softness in her eyes vanished to be replaced by tiredness as she turned to lock her door with her wand. Lisa kicked her high heeled shoes off and proceeded upstairs to her room. People called her many things: stuck up, sly, cold, intelligent, secluded; those things, Lisa could handle because she blocked it out. But if anybody had ever called her vulnerable they would have another thing coming.
Because the one thing that Lisa Turpin wasn’t; was vulnerable.