OOC Information:
Preferred Form of Address on A&A: Jay
Preferred Contact Information: AIM - jsparrowcapn
Other Characters on A&A: Gabriel, Lysander

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IC Information
Name: Kate Dalloway

Avatar: Kate Winslet

Occupation: Holds down a part time job working in a Flower Shop, and is also a maid-servant for her landlady for some extra money

Age: 21

Gender: Female

Appearance:
She has a very calm style; though being a servant and shop worker doesn't allow much give to her wardrobe. Kate is not permiscuious or slutty, and keeps in good taste by wearing things that are flattering, though not too revealing or sensual. Her hair is normally seen down, but held back by a loose bun; it is a light brownish red, and slightly waved, which compliments to her other features. She's about 5'6 to 5'7 in height, and has a slender body. Kate's eyes are blue and her skin is slightly fair from working more indoors at times. Her dresses and gowns are plain; complete with corset, underlaying dress and boots, as well as peasent shirt. The colors are lighter and a bit duller - since she works in them.

Height: 5'6 - 5'7
Build: slender, but has some muscle
Hair: light brownish-red, falls to about her shoulders
Eyes: blue
Distinguishing Marks: A few bruises and cuts occasionally from working in the kitchen or around a house, but nothing extreme or scarring.

Personality:
Kate was raised to be a closed-mouthed kind of girl. She believes in herself and what she is capable of, and believes in the good of other people. That is, because at that point she had yet to experience too much of the bad. Living in Lindebo, it wouldn't take long. But don't be fooled, since this gal is one tough lady, and can defend herself in the need arose. She's fairly automatic about what she does and hopes to achieve some kind of recognition for her servantry and her hard, loyal work. Kate often just keeps to herself; she cares for her ailing father when not working to get them money, so doesn't have many friends outside a few servants within the house.

Kate is a dedicated and hard worker - and believes in good presence and putting up an upright front for one's master. However, Kate has a great love of poetry and lore, and tries to read when she can. Kate is a kind and gentle soul, nice to all and tolerant of others. Her relationship with her father is perhaps a bit sad - he has grown bitter and resentful to most of the world because he knows he is dying... and he ends up taking it out on Kate, who works to buy him the things he needs and wants. Her father is overprotective - he keeps a strict eye on her, observing her behavior and friends. He's something of a tyrrant and overbearing. But Kate still manages to find time to her own peace and comfort. She cares for her father - and though he's difficult, she still loves him.


History:
Kate was born in Oxford, England - to Lyn and James Dalloway, who were both of British descent. Her mother Lyn, fell in love with James -- the two forming a deep and loving bond, which stood strong since their first and only daughter was born. She was a healthy girl, and given the up-most care and affection by her parents. Kate was raised in a fairly good environment, despite the lack of high funds - her parents were middle-to-higher class; which included all influences and teachings from her parents; a slightly sheltered life, one may even assume.

She was raised to believe in mankind and their beliefs. James was intent on teaching his daughter all he believed in; the ways of God, business, education. Her father would pull out his maps, believing every person should know the lands or city in which they live. James had been something of a Geographer and mapper before he'd met Lyn, and James had come to Oxford to pursue more in a higher position with different connections and look for work. He knew such information and knowledge could well benefit Kate should the need arise. While James tended to keep to more of the survival traits -- it was Lyn her mother, who insisted on filling Kate's head with the same stories and myths that her mother had told her... such stories of wondrous places and people; adventures and tales of love.

And so the girl grew; loved and learned, taught by both mother and father -- adapting their qualities for herself. Though most stories told to her by her mother were fair and happy... .her father insisted on telling Kate such disheartening ones as well. Full of grief and trials, all about the hardships of life and hard work for those who didn't deserve to be served; he believed his daughter should know both sides, and never just 'utopia'. From these stories and warnings from her father however, Kate began to develop somewhat of a fear of what lay outside Oxford; outside her shelter and what she knew; a fear, yet curiosity. Her father believed no one should really be trusted since they just ended up walking over you.

Lyn, was a little more understanding, and would reassure Kate such constant overbearing wickedness was not always present, and James tended to exaggerate. Art was present in the world, and it was beautiful. But he would interfere....with, "It's best for her to fear, rather than love what she doesn't understand."

Within time, came Kate prepubescent years -- transcending the ladder toward her potential, and aging a bit and to her full potential -- as well as being finished her schooling and mother's tutoring --- Kate was set out to work in Oxford; by strong need of her parents for some income. Such a stage came hard for Kate; she was plopped into the city, and into a new environment. She had always been shy and a bit reclusive, having few friends. More or less, she preferred to stay around her mother and father more than anything. Subconsciously, her father's stories drew great impact on Kate. She feared to wander too far from their home and into the heart of the city. But Lyn was determined to get Kate active.... and thus, recommended her to a few choice stores within Oxford.

So, Kate was able to get a few short lived jobs at some various shops throughout Oxford; a dress store, a flower store, and a few others. Though working was a dominant thing for Kate, she would still pour over books of poetry and about the world; her curiosity of the outside world and beginning to return a bit, diminishing what great fear there had been. Yet that fear did still remain, and would never disappear. It would only diminish in small quantity.

Upon reaching the tender age of 14, Kate was beginning to develop herself more. Still a quiet girl, she had some friends now, who also worked in the shop, being branded as a listener....not a talker. Which enabled her to try and help others with their small problems -- since most of her friends were now exploring 'love' and social gatherings... at which, Kate still had no place. Among her friends, was a young lad, Bradford. Unbeknowest to Kate, she had developed strong feelings for the boy, but brushed it off to mere affection of a friend. After all, she'd never been in love. The thought frightened her a bit, as there was always the possibility of not being loved back. Bradford only came into the shops a few times a week, merely restocking or helping with some heavy lifting.

And such in her case, was true. Bradford had fallen in love with another shop girl, Sarah. Kate learned this, since Bradford had come to speak with her; asking for advice. At such an age, a first lost love was hard to recover from. This pain of heart - combined with her growing stages, caused Kate to become a bit more of a reclusive and untrusting. She spent many an hour, dealing with it in her own ways; alone, reading, perhaps at times with her mother and father. Kate would take long walks, or sit; simply listening to what was around her, and communing her in own comforting way to whoever and whatever was within her niche.

As Kate grew more and more over the summer, her questions became more vivid and plentiful toward her father; of his duties of a geographer and ship mapper, the outside world, the arts world, jobs, music, what he'd seen. James tried to brush off such questions from Kate -- trying to dishearten her and tell her that such a calling from the sprouting colonies was not intended for her. But within his heart, James knew his daughter had a good chance of making more money in someplace like London. But his fear of loosing his only child struck deeply in his mind. There were always dangers involved -- perhaps one could venture too far or meet up with the wrong people, and be forced to fend for themselves without help. He didn't want to see Kate hurt, like he knew some of the other girls were experiencing; turning into whores or beggars.

James explained this to Kate, and emphasized all risk of going to work in the colonies with the high bloods. Instead, he tried to encourage her to perhaps take up finding a husband; someone well-off, perhaps in the Ministry or Politics, who could take care of her. He wanted her safe, and within his grasp; not in a demanding controlling way of course....but a grasp that any father should like to have upon his daughter. Although such a talk had indeed made Kate think harder about the decision to become anything in the city, upon reaching the age of 18 ....her mind had been made up. Fear wouldn't allow her to wander into too much danger, or unknown areas around the city.... but curiosity would enable her strength to explore all she could. Taking the journey, she moved to Lindebo – immediately finding work in a small flower shop, but also, as a maid-hand to her landlady; mostly to clean or perhaps serve dinner should the need arise.

Since her disheartened experience involving Bradford, Kate has rarely opened her heart to others, save those very few she trusts; the romantic within her, inspired greatly by Lyn, hopes to one day find such a love (like all people hope for). Since arriving, and now at the age of 21 -- Kate’s father has come over to Lindebo after Lyn passed away. James' health has diminished since Kate last saw him.

He is now a pale and sickly man - and for some reason, has decided to intrude on his daughter’s new life – his overprotective instincts rearing their ugly heads. He now lives with Kate in her small flat; she has to care for him, and now her hard earned money is going straight to her father… buying him things he wants and needs. What little fortune or wealth the family had is quickly diminishing, due to James' shameless squandering on selfish pleasures now that he is older and more sickly.

This has severely dampened Kate’s attitude, but she would never speak of it. While Kate has never been truly happy being reduced to servitude (after having a fairly decent education) she knows she doesn't really have a choice. And her work in a small flower shop brings a bit more light to her day. Due to her education (being able to write and read) Kate is able to hold down her part time job working at the flower shop, and for the extra money, lend herself to help her landlady in some of the household chores.

Strengths:
A dedicated and hard worker, Kate hopes to one day make something of herself. Her dreams and aspiritions are high. Kate tries to think positive, and ahead to the future when she hopes most will be better. She has a fair education and loves to read poetry and lore. Kate is resourceful, and a survivor. She cares a great deal for family and what friends she has. She has a fair education and can read and write, which doesn't limit her to do much as far as jobs go.

Weaknesses:
She doesn't have a lot of physical strength and probably wouldn't win in some sort of hand-to-hand fight. Kate is somewhat emotionally fragile, though she doesn't let on. She always feels a need to impress and bend to everyone's will -- which makes her something of a push over. Quite a shy girl, and really doesn't speak up or defend herself too much in a verbal context. Her shy tendancies tend to make her a bit reclusive and untrusting - but she's generally a nice person, perhaps too nice, and a bit niave.

Picture: *see avatar/signature*

:) *Waves* Nice charry, Jay.

Only thing I was wondering about is the thing with her parents. Her father left her mother back in Oxford and since Kate is supporting him it doesn't really seem like they're middle-to-higher class anymore (the higher parts of the middle classes could be filthy rich). How is her mother supporting herself if her husband left her to live off their daughter? It could be quite a scandal for him to leave his wife like that if he had no good reason for it.

You could simply kill the mother off. That would be an easy solution. A young girl Kate's age would be expected to take care of her old, sick father if he couldn't afford a nurse.

Also, minor detail: Your age says 22, but your history says

;)

Ooh, another one of yours! Good deal. :twothumbsup:

I’m going to have to agree with Kris on what she said. What’s happening with the mother? Also, I would like to know why the father left the mother when you say this about them:

Then my nitpick (you knew it was coming!):

Headbands don’t exist at the time. ;) Also if your hair is uncovered as a woman you will be considered a whore, or at least of highly questionable morals.

Oh, and one more thing. Being a maidservant was usually a full-time job, and the girl would live in the house of the master or mistress. There really weren’t part-time maids, as far as I understand. Could you maybe change this to working part-time as a servant for your landlady, to help pay for rent?

Okie, edited to say that her mother had died and she works mostly in the flower shop, occasionally working for her landlady for some extra money.

:mjinga:

:banana:

*Goes to switch, add to lists, etc*