Part three: charictor discription

1. Describe your character physically, from head to toe.

Amelia Walters aged 76, short and wrinkly. Immigrated from Poland when she was 2 months old, has no accent. Currently wearing her good hat, white with a bouquet of silk petunias red blue purple and pink on the right side wispy lace slightly hiding a band of ribbon, shot brim. No glasses, she should get some but there such a nuisance. Small pearl earrings, with a matching necklace from her dear departed Tobias, and a full set of her original teeth. Nice simple lace summer shawl over a light brown dress with soft purplish brow polka dots, not to ostentatious but a little fun cinched at the waist with the included matching belt. Small black purse on the end of a thin strap, contents: pair of white gloves, walk-around jewelry, ten dollars in small bills and coins, make up, pictures of her husband, children, and grandchildren, one pair brass knuckles given to her for free by the resident thug in the building (10 year old Jimmy Smitts) for protection. Nylons, and short black heels polished every second Saturday along with her church shoes. She walks slowly but upright, determined to be dignified despite the challenge of aging. Left knee prone to act up when the pressure drops to quickly. Always a smile.

2. What relationships are important to your character?  Why?

            She has lived in the same apartment building in various units her entire life. Has group of friends who did the same, tea every Sunday after church rotating houses. Her late husband Tobias, met and fell in love in the second grade happily married. Three children grown and living in the suburbs, seven grandchildren they all have dinner every Friday during which time they insist that she move in with one of them. Twelve surrogate children living in building who she “practically raised” after she felt unoccupied when her three children had gone off to collage and beyond, she was very proud of every one of them. Best friend Beatrice sister of departed husband lives at the end of her hallway with husband Sam, best friend of the late Tobias. Always popping over to each others apartments, doors never locked like sisters.

3. What does your character do?  Profession?  Pleasure?

            She has been a homemaker her entire life, enjoyed  every minute of it though she would never tell her children or husband that. She plays piano nicely, and also paints every now and again. Teaches piano to supplement Tobias’s pension, just to have a little walking around money. Enjoys listening to the radio, knitting, talking with friends and strangers, walking around on fine summer days, and going to her children’s houses to visit with her grand children which she does by catching the train once or twice a week.

4.   What does your character want?

            She has always wanted to see the great pyramids, and will next year when her and all of her children and grandchildren take a steamer to Egypt as her birthday gift (two doctors and a lawyer). After this she feels she is content with life and keeps living another twenty five years.