Character survey
Body and Appearance
1. Describe the character's height and build. Is she heavyset, thin, short, rangy?
Mika was 5'5" and pear-shaped before her arrival in the apartments, weighing in anywhere between 152 and 159 pounds. She insisted most of it was fat, and almost all of it piled on between her stomach and her knees.
Post-apartments she's 135-139 pounds, and most of the extra fat has melted off her frame from stress, although it's most notable in her face.
2. How old is she?
25 but feels like she should be 26 or older due to time differences.
3. Describe her posture. Does she carry herself well or does she slouch?
She does slouch a little, mostly slumped shoulders from carrying too many heavy bags, but she's trying to correct this.
4. How is her health? Is she fit or out of shape? Any illnesses or conditions? Any physical disabilities?
She was originally a gamer chick suffering from the usual "I sit at my computer too long every week" symptoms, and had a history of asthma and allergies. The only physical disability she had was being unable to run for extended distances, which for wolves is a serious offense.
5. How does she move? Is she clumsy, graceful, tense, fluid?
She's rather clumsy, but can walk with complete silence due to natural instinct. She has grace on the rare occasion, and can be fluid when she's running, but most of the time she's more of a jittery ball of nerves.
6. How attractive is this character physically? How does she perceive herself in the mirror?
Very average. Mika thinks her ears and tail are pretty, and likes her eyes, mouth and hands, but sees herself as overweight (or painfully underweight after canon update) and generally unpretty. She knows she's not ugly, but that doesn't mean she's happy with how she looks, she's just resigned to looking that way. Overall, she's fairly certain she will not be getting any dates on looks alone. Ever.
7. Describe her complexion. Dark, light, clear, scarred?
Light with a Mediterranean tan that shows up when she's been in the sun, and scarred by the time she's come back to the apartments. The gunshot wounds left nasty puckers along her right side, and she has a variety of other scars from various mishaps, but she likes to think they give her character.
8. Describe her hair: color, texture, style.
Frizzy, frizzy wavy light brown. Which will curl in on itself at certain lengths.
9. What color are her eyes?
Hazel. They look either green or blue-grey with reddish brown around the pupil
10. Does the character have any other noteworthy features?
Aside from wolfish features?
11. What are her chief tension centers?
Base of the skull, neck, and between her shoulder blades.
12. What is the character's wardrobe like? Casual, dressy, utilitarian? Bright colors, pastels, neutrals? Is it varied, or does she have six of the same suit?
She usually wears t-shirts and jeans in neutrals or earth tones, but she has a fondness for bright colors and secretly wishes she had a body type that looked good in cute clothes. There is a lot of wistful sighing at gothic lolita fashion or the high-end dress shops.
13. Do her clothes fit well? Does she seem comfortable in them?
They do, but mostly because they're so well-worn. Mika can rarely afford new things, so everything has to last her at least three years, if not much longer. Unfortunately, and much to her unhappiness, she's only managed to get a pair of jeans to last five years of almost constant wear.
14. Does she dress the same on the job as she does in her free time? If not, what are the differences?
Considering she doesn't have a job? Basically the same.
If she's actually doing work with paints or mediums that will ruin clothes, she'll wear the shabbiest things she has or whatever she won't be upset over splattering with inks or acrylics.
15. You knew it was coming: Boxers, briefs or commando?
Boy shorts. She wears square-cut boy shorts.
And sometimes really frilly girly panties if it's a special day. But she usually saves those to keep them nice. Just in case. :T
Speech
1. What does this character's voice sound like? High-pitched, deep, hoarse?
To herself she's got a fairly mid-range voice, but it sounds a bit higher when she's recorded. She doesn't get mistaken for a teenager for nothing, after all.
Her singing range spans from alto to soprano, however. But she usually got stuck in the second-soprano section in her choir classes.
2. How does she normally speak? Loud, soft, fast, evenly? Does she talk easily, or does she hesitate?
Mika has a bad habit of talking loud. Or perhaps her voice just carries. Also she will chatter incessantly when nervous, with her voice rising in pitch. Usually when she's not upset she is fairly laid back, with the occasional verbal tic of repeating herself.
She only hesitates to talk when she's really flustered, gobsmacked or just doesn't have anything to say.
3. Does the character have a distinct accent or dialect? Any individual quirks of pronunciation? Any, like, you know, verbal tics?
Being from southern California, she is inflicted with the abuse of the words 'like,' 'you know,' and a whole lot of 'ummmmm.' She's also prone to repeating herself if interrupted or if she's gotten side-tracked, and she doesn't realize when she's doing it.
4. What language/s does she speak, and with how much fluency?
English, and she's fluent enough to be able to understand a variety of dialects and can bust out some Ye Olde King's Englishe when she feels like it. She also knows a bit of a few other languages, but it's not enough for her to understand what anyone else is really saying.
5. Does she switch languages or dialects in certain situations?
To be snarky or make a point, she can. Or if she's asking basic questions. Or, of course, if she's quoting Shakespeare.
6. Is she a good impromptu speaker, or does she have to think about her words?
No, she's horrible at it. There are the times when she can strike gold, but usually she's the one that can only think of something really good to say three days afterward and feel really stupid about it.
7. Is she eloquent or inarticulate? Under what circumstances might this change?
She's eloquent if she's speaking from experience or book knowledge, but when she's out of her element she's in trouble.
Mental and Emotional
1. How intelligent is this character? Is she book-smart or street-smart?
Book-smart, but don't expect her to go Ivy League. She's actually fairly intelligent, but her speech says otherwise. Her street-smarts are kind of lacking in key places, though.
2. Does she think on her feet, or does she need time to deliberate?
It depends on the situation, but she can do a little of both.
3. Describe the character's thought process. Is she more logical, or more intuitive? Idealistic or practical?
Again, this is a bit of a mixed bag. Usually she's intuitive and a bit idealistic, but sometimes she has to buckle down and sort things out.
4. What kind of education has the character had?
She's escaped from college (re: dropped out) and never wants to go back. It was a horrible, money-devouring experience that didn't do her a lick of good in her mind.
5. What are her areas of expertise? What, if anything, is she interested in learning more about?
She's interested in art techniques, the latest trends in videogames and movies, music, the latest good books (not those pieces of junk that mysteriously became ridiculously popular), mythology and folklore, horror, and fashion. If you want to know any spontaneous or random trivia in any of those areas (except fashion, she just likes looking at the clothes), she's more than likely able to rattle off a list of quotes.
As she puts it she's a fountain of useless information. Also she does know some medical techniques that aren't quite just first aid. She learned that from her dad.
6. Is she an introvert or an extrovert?
An introvert in extrovert's clothing.
7. Describe the character's temperament. Is she even-tempered or does she have mood swings? Cheerful or melancholy? Laid-back or driven?
Mood swings like nobody's business. Moreso now than ever thanks to being stuck in a haunted ghost town for a year.
8. How does she respond to new people or situations? Is she suspicious, relaxed, timid, enthusiastic?
She's a bit of an odd mix. If she's by herself she'll be fairly timid and anxious, unless being asked questions she knows answers to. If she's out of her element she'll be a nervous wreck. Especially if an attractive male is involved.
But if it's something interesting and fun she'll be the first one to jump on the ball.
9. Is she more likely to act, or to react?
Again this is one of those things that really depends on the situation.
10. Which is her default: fight or flight?
Fliiiiiiiight unless she is really angry or backed into a proverbial (or even literal) corner. Then she will attempt to shred somebody's face.
11. Describe the character's sense of humor. Does she appreciate jokes? Puns? Gallows humor? Bathroom humor? Pranks?
Bathroom humor is so overdone she will usually lineface at it. Puns (especially bad ones) earn groans, but the others are usually good for a few giggles from her.
12. Does the character have any diagnosable mental disorders? If yes, how does she deal with them?
After her year back home and re-entry into the apartments she has post traumatic stress disorder. And she doesn't deal with it well. At all. Mostly because back home there was no way to cope with it, and no way to get therapy. So she would take the escapism route and hope it worked.
Also her friends say she's a bit obsessive-compulsive and paranoid.
13. What moments in this character's life have defined her as a person?
Being dragged into a haunted apartment has officially screwed her up for life, in her mind. Also she's convinced that she will die the crazy dog lady, and lives like she will never be accepted for who she is and is resigned to that. She's become very much a defeatist in mentality but a survivalist in action. She expects everything to never work out for her, but that doesn't mean she isn't going to fight for it with everything she has.
14. What does she fear?
Everything.
15. What are her hopes or aspirations?
To not die. To get over her almost crippling insecurities. To hopefully get married to someone who will help her get over her trauma or at least be willing to help her through it when it gets really bad. Did she mention not dying? Because she doesn't want to.
16. What is something she doesn't want anyone to find out about her?
How much of a useless sack of lard she really is. A dependent useless sack of lard who is terrified of everyone abandoning her because of it.
Relationships
1. Describe this character's relationship with her parents.
Rather rocky when it comes to her job status, she often gets into arguments with her mother, but mostly everything's okay. Despite the shouting and the times she hides in her room to escape the maternal wrath she really does love her parents.
2. Does the character have any siblings? What is/was their relationship like?
It's a bit strange. She's the youngest of three, but they're both so much older and left the house so early that they almost feel like strangers. It's detached, but her relationship with her sister has been getting closer in recent years.
3. Are there other blood relatives to whom she is close? Are there ones she can't stand?
No blood relatives that she hates, but some of her cousins are definitely ones she considers herself close to.
4. Are there other, unrelated people whom she considers part of her family? What are her relationships with them?
Any of her small group of friends are considered family. They watch out for each other and keep each other safe and healthy as much as possible. It's a 'pack' in its own right, whether it's the one back home or in Jigoku, she finds all of her friends irreplaceable and precious.
5. Who is/was the character's best friend? How did they meet?
There are two. Both of them, oddly, are cats. One is Zac, and the other is her Beth. She met both of them in college on orientation day. In the beginning she had a crush on Zac, only to find out that he was already in a relationship, and later found out he was fully gay when he came out of the closet. Beth actually went to her high school town rival, and they carpooled to college.
6. Does she have other close friends?
Yes, a small group of people she met while she was in college (very small, only a handful), plus some she met online that she thinks of as long-distance friends. Then there's the group from the apartments.
7. Does she make friends easily, or does she have trouble getting along with people?
Both. She has horrible trouble fitting in, but when she makes friends she gets attached quickly.
8. Which does she consider more important: family or friends?
Neither are more important than the other when you desperately need both to function.
9. Is the character single, married, divorced, widowed? Has she been married more than once?
Single, and she is scared that it'll be forever.
10. Is she currently in a romantic relationship with someone other than a spouse?
She wishes.
11. Who was her first crush? Who is her latest?
First crush she tries to block from her mind, since he turned out to be a complete creeper. Her latest? Dante. Even if she knows it's painfully hopeless.
12. What does she look for in a romantic partner?
Sadly, she's not sure anymore. Someone who won't abandon her when she has a complete breakdown or when she needs them most.
13. Does the character have children? Grandchildren? If yes, how does she relate to them? If no, does she want any?
No, but a part of her wants a lot of kids.
14. Does she have any rivals or enemies?
Aside from the ghosts? No.
15. What is the character's sexual orientation? Where does she fall on the Kinsey scale?
She's heterosexual, with a healthy appreciation for her own gender. On the Kinsley scale she's between a 0 and a 1. She will admit when another girl is hot and boggle appropriately.
16. How does she feel about sex? How important is it to her?
Sex is the one thing that ruins her relationship life. As much as she wants to try it, she knows better than to make the attempt because lifebonding is not something to sneeze at. Mika is actually fairly comfortable talking about it...as long as she doesn't have to sit through other people's personal stories. There are some things she doesn't want to know about her friends. Their history of sexual exploits and conquests are the biggest one. Her imagination is much too active for it not to squick her out at the thoughts and implications.
She is very much an extremely frustrated puppy in some aspects, but there isn't a thing she can do about it.
17. What are her turn-ons? Turn-offs? Weird bedroom habits?
Flirting, flattery, and dominant males that smell good are very big turn-ons. As are light touches, especially along the inside of her wrists or the palms of her hands. Biting the back of her neck, putting pressure on or scratching the base of her tail are as well. For being kind of a nerdy tomboy, she loves being treated like a lady, and making her feel like she's pretty vastly improves anyone's chance with her.
God help you if you make one snarky comment about her species, however. Just because she's got a canine soul doesn't mean she'll take a line like 'hey baby, lemme give you a bone' with anything less than pure ire. A little respect goes a long way...unless you really did feel like having your arm torn off at the joint with her teeth.
She whimpers, barks and whines with an occasional moan, and is incredibly embarrassed about it. The biting? Not so much. But she will try to be careful with her dentition. Just please try not to tease her mercilessly about the way her tail wags, or you'll never get her comfortable enough to get naked around you again.
Beliefs
1. Do you know your character's astrological (zodiac of choice) sign? How well does she fit type?
She's a Pisces and an Ox, yet she's not a born leader and likes to think she's not too demanding, but she can also be prone to laziness. She does really fit into the Pisces type, though, if you don't mind her outbursts.
2. Is this character religious, spiritual, both, or neither? How important are these elements in her life?
She's both, and thinks that you can't be properly religious without being spiritual. This is part of what keeps her sane.
3. Does this character have a personal code of morals or ethics? If so, how did that begin? What would it take to compromise it?
If she does, it's very vague. But Lord help you if you hurt her friends.
4. How does she regard beliefs that differ from hers? Is she tolerant, intolerant, curious, indifferent?
She is a bit curious, and will wonder, but she is a firm believer that everyone is entitled to their beliefs and no one should try to forcibly pound it over other people's heads. She holds herself to that.
5. What prejudices does she hold? Are they irrational or does she have a good reason for them?
Daily Life
1. What is the character's financial situation? Is she rich, poor, comfortable, in debt?
She dropped out of college and lives at home with her parents. She's in a lot of debt, and can't get a job. Her family lives rather comfortably, even if things do get a little tight. They still own their own house, so they can't complain.
2. What is her social status? Has this changed over time, and if so, how has the change affected her?
Geeky art nerd. This hasn't changed much at all.
3. Where does she live? House, apartment, trailer? Is her home her castle or just a place to crash? What condition is it in? Does she share it with others?
In a house with her parents, it's well lived in, but it's home, even if she does feel like she desperately needs to escape it on occasion.
4. Besides the basic necessities, what does she spend her money on?
Art supplies. Reference material (including art books, manga, movies and video games).
5. What does she do for a living? Is she good at it? Does she enjoy it, or would she rather be doing something else?
Draws and hopes she can get another job because as her father keeps joking to everyone "if she were on her own, she'd be starving!" Needless to say it's a bit of a sore point, even if she does love it.
6. What are her interests or hobbies? How does she spend her free time?
On the computer, in front of the tv, or hunched over a pad of paper sketching. She does take a break to go for a walk and appreciate the sun shine or read a book.
7. What are her eating habits? Does she skip meals, eat out, drink alcohol, avoid certain foods?
Mika cannot skip a meal or she turns into a surly bitch for lack of a better phrasing. She's got a horrible tolerance to alcohol that usually lands her with a migraine and nausea, and until she got to the apartments she had a nasty habit of hitting the snacks too hard.
Now she prefers fresh meat and vegetables and is suspicious of anything processed or canned.
Associations
Which of the following do you associate with the character, or which is her favorite:
1. Color? Green. But her favorite colors vary. She really likes purples, pinks and blues.
2. Smell? Vanilla bean and honey, but she loves the smell of cooking meat
3. Time of day? 8pm
4. Season? Fall
5. Book? World War Z, or Revelations
6. Music? Her music list is big enough to get its own post
7. Place? Living room, most notably the couch
8. Substance? Loam (i am totally calling that a substance, stfu. 8|)
9. Plant? Rosemary
10. Animal? Wolf (durrrrh), but she loves dogs. Mostly huskies, because they're fun to talk to.
END
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