Kathryn

20’s, female

Kathryn is a PhD student in a biology department of a prestigious university. She’s worked hard to get there and overcome adversity on her way. When she was a teenager, her father died; her mother, an ex-dancer, went through an addiction relapse and left Kathryn alone for a while. Now, as an “adult” Kathryn is driven to control her life and achieve her goals. She maintains a rigorous schedule, she works hard in lab, and she’s involved in ALL the committees. She lives with her boyfriend, Paul, a tech guy who might be a bit of a wet noodle, but at least he does what she says. She doesn’t have many friends, but one that’s hung around is Davey, a buddy from college who she can enjoy free ranging conversations with.

Kathryn’s mom, Paige, is living her own life. She’s remarried and has a young adopted child. She likes traveling, holistic/alternative lifestyles, and soaking life in. Kathryn has never quite managed to forgive Paige over what happened during her childhood, and can’t help but feel a little abandoned. They still talk, but Kathryn is frustrated by Paiges flakiness, her lifestyle choices, and her worries that her daughter is getting embroiled in an unhealthily competitive field. But, she’s set to prove her wrong.

Davey

20’s, male

Davey is out for adventure. He’s a photographer- though he plays it like he has more prestigious gigs, he mostly shoots kid sports teams and low-tier corporate events. But, he’s sure he’ll get to more artistic things soon. His lifestyle is breaking away from that of his family; his parents (conservative, divorced) are wealthy, successful business people; his twin brother, Harry, is an exec at their dad’s media company. Davey doesn’t really talk to his parents, especially his dad, who wouldn’t pay for Davey’s art school when he wanted to go. He just broke up with his long-term girlfriend (something about him being “emotionally distant”, whatever that means) and is living in his car. He’s all about the experience of life, and not concerned with “accomplishment” or climbing any social ladders. He likes talking in obscure movie references, which only Harry can really decipher. He makes spur of the moment decisions, and, often, could benefit from thinking through his actions more.

Internally, Davey feels somewhat stalled and empty, but it’s not something he would admit. He’s lonely, and looks forward to his weekly dinners with Kathryn, who will engage in his philosophical tangents and isn’t afraid to give it back to him. Looking ahead in life, he sort of know what he wants to do, but feels like it’s a slim shot that he can actually be successful as an artist- so he pretends like he doesn’t really care about making it sometimes.

The Hitman

middle-aged, male

Mysterious, efficient, and rational. He’s the go-to corporate assassin of Silicon Valley, preying on the CEO’s of startups and giant companies alike. He works without flash, wearing a hairnet and gloves, and never carries a weapon. He’s more introspective than his job title might suggest.