August's Bonus Content: Character Values

This month's Bonus Content is a look into two competing values within the Romantic Options. People are all different shades of gray, and I take that to heart while writing my characters, giving them strengths and weaknesses designed to test them throughout the story. While I do not consider this a complete list, and there is more than one sin and virtue that could be assigned to each, I tried to keep them unique and focus on what defines them best.

Fox: Wrath & Temperance

There is rage within Fox, a fire that threatens to consume them completely. It smolders just beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to ignite, and if not for their restraint, it would destroy all in its path. It has already burned enough.

Temperance is Fox's saving grace, the virtue that lets them keep their rage in check and prevent it from wreaking havoc, because self-control and moderation allow them to maintain a precarious equilibrium. They consume only as much as they need, despite the many opportunities to indulge in excess; manage their finances wisely; have a self-awareness of their own capabilities, measured in their speech and actions; and, above all, prioritize long-term planning over immediate gratification. It allows Fox to approach conflicts with a level head, avoiding, for the most part, unnecessary destruction.

Rabbit: Sloth & Chastity

Rabbit is a daydreamer with no ambitions or motivations. They are lost in life, drifting along with a heady indifference, for they feel there is nowhere else for them to go but in circles. They lack the drive to pursue any type of personal development, leading to a stagnant and unfulfilled existence with no sense of direction or purpose. It is a miserable life that could be so much more if only they could break free from their self-imposed limitations and take charge of their life. The MC could be the push they need to finally make a change for the better.

Though Rabbit may be virginal—which is by no means due to a lack of desire—but this has no bearing on their virtue of chastity. Instead, I view that their chastity comes from their fidelity to their personal values and how they deliberately steer clear of situations that might lead to what they consider to be moral compromise. It is not even that they fear temptation, but that they have no interest in being near anything so improprietous. And yet, they attend the Bacchanal…

Butterfly: Pride & Patience

It was no challenge to assign them their sin, as they are quite the epitome of pride. It is evident in the way they carry themself, always seeking to be the center of attention and never missing an opportunity to remind others of their accomplishments. They are boastful, not even trying to hide it through a facade of humility, yet continuously seek excessive admiration from others to validate this sense of superiority. They are condescending and occasionally entitled, feeling they are always right. Overall, they may come off as arrogant and self-centered, but they do have a capacity for letting someone in and showing vulnerability, even if it isn't easy.

For the MC, they can be patient, for this patience is often reserved for those they deem worthy or important in their eyes, as they can be quick to dismiss or ignore those they feel are beneath them. Despite their flaws, there is a glimmer of humanity within them that allows for moments of genuine connection. They will listen without rushing the MC, appreciate the process and not just the destination, and then take the time to teach them the art of physicality, if need be. It is up to the MC to get them to open up and show their vulnerable side, which can be a challenging task; however, once the MC earns their trust and respect, they will find a loyal and reliable ally.

The Uninvited Guest: Lust & Dilligence

Perhaps it is not surprising that they are given lust, but I must say that I had a bit of trouble choosing between it and gluttony. I must point out that the two have many similarities, as gluttony also involves selfish indulgence and lust also involves selfish excess. But since their excesses are so specialized in nature, I chose lust. It is a compulsion for them, something they actively seek, and they're obsessively planning new encounters and experiences without any regard to the consequences of the objects of their focus, as they have no qualms going after those who are already taken or otherwise engaged. In fact, they take it as a personal challenge and receive much gratification from getting someone to switch loyalties. They will charm, they will flatter, they will seduce, and they will manipulate, all in the name of their desires.

Whatever else they may be, you cannot call them idle. They are committed to their objectives, put in a consistent effort, take pride in their work, and pay close attention to detail. They are always learning and improving themself, making them extraordinarily skilled. These appear to be great characteristics, yet they are all motivated by their sin, as their desires drive all of their actions. They are never satisfied and always crave more.

Edith/Edward: Greed & Charity

Their sin of greed began innocently enough, as they saw how poverty killed their mother. Their father tried to instill good values in them, saying that even though they were poor, they must act honestly, but E disagreed, unable to comprehend why they should suffer as paragons of virtue when others might advance by any means necessary. Following their father's death, they channeled their grief and anguish at the loss of both parents into honing their methods and accumulating fortune. One could try to rationalize their hoarding by recalling how little they had as a child, but that doesn't excuse their exploitation, corruption, manipulation, and other unethical actions, which have brought ruin to many victims of their envy. Instead, it only highlights the lengths they were willing to go to in order to secure their place, which they are in constant fear of losing. This has isolated them from forming genuine connections, viewing every interaction and relationship as an opportunity for profit.

They do, however, take pity on those who are in dire straights, such as they were once, and particularly with children, whom they often give alms to in return for loyalty. As such, it is not entirely charitable, as they do expect something in return, but they have had a bit of an impact on the marginalized in the city. Compared to their disproportionate amount of wealth, however, the impact they have is minimal.

Tamsin/Thomas: Envy & Kindness

If they hadn't fallen in love with the MC, they might not have fallen victim to this sin; yet, they can't ignore the class inequalities that conspire against them. As a result, their resentment toward these divisions has grown over time. They envy the elite's perks and possibilities, simply because they find them undeserving of it. To feel better about their own situation, they look for flaws in people who can freely connect with the MC.

Because they dislike feeling that way and are innately compassionate, they try to channel their emotions into helping others. They are the first to intervene when someone is in distress, and they sincerely care about the well-being of others. Regardless of their envy, they prioritize relationships over materialism. It's just that materialism is blocking them from the one relationship they really want.

What do you think? What other sins & virtues do you fit with them? Let me know in the comments!