30 Days of Character Development

29.) How does your character smell? Do they wear perfume or cologne? 

It depends on the day. Some days Leo has a hint of vanilla to his scent, other days mint or possibly floral scents from reading out in the garden. More often than not Leo smells of mint as he enjoys both eating peppermints and their scents for bath soaps. Usually Leo doesn’t wear cologne since he deems is unnecessary and a waste of money given how expensive some brands could be. Despite this, he has a bottle among his belongings that Elliot bought for him. Given that many male colognes have a similar smell I would say that Leo’s is more subtle. Unlike the stronger scents that smacks someone in the face Leo’s is not immediately noticeable so it’s easy to be led to think that it’s merely his natural scent. The valet has to admit that Elliot knew very well what he would like in cologne to buy him one with that quality. Leo doesn’t wear this often, only on certain days he deems special enough to do so.

As a Baskerville, however, he frequently wears cologne. Again, he opts for the scents that aren’t strong but he wears this more often. Without this, Leo would have the very faint smell of tea leaves to his person both because he drinks tea daily and that he uses unscented soaps and so he no longer smells of mint. 

30 Days of Character Development

26.) Second day of favorites! Favorite comfort food, favorite vice, favorite outfit, favorite hot drink, favorite time of year, and favorite holiday. 

Leo has a number of favorite comfort foods. One is Shepherd’s Pie as it is merely a childhood favorite. A second would be pudding. In actuality he has a fondness for most comfort foods because he isn’t choosy when it comes to the food itself as he is with the manner in which it is cooked.

Because a vice is something immoral Leo’s favorite vice would be the simplicity of loving another man, as this is found to be a horrible, depraved sin in Victorian England. It’s a vice he keeps to himself, however, as he knows better to be public and open with who he courts.

Leo doesn’t have a favorite outfit in particular but he does enjoy the comfort of baggy clothing. He has a number of shirts and sweaters that are two sizes too big and loose pants that make it easier to move around. He enjoys the comfort and simplicity to those clothes and the ease of not having to care too much about his outward appearance.

His favorite hot drink is tea, specially Earl Grey or Rose Hip. Green Tea is an occasional enjoyment of Leo’s as he finds this beverage to be rather relaxing and tasty. Nonetheless he almost always sweetens his tea with honey.

Leo’s favorite time of year is Winter. It’s his favorite holiday and has been since childhood. It’s a mixture between the cold weather — that he finds more comfortable — and the snow itself. For one reason or another he feels more comforted by the snow because when he watches it fall everything seems to fall silent. There’s an added peace because the voices grow silent as well while Leo watches the snow. On top of that, there’s the added joy of trying to get his master to play in the snow and participate in a snowball fight. 

His favorite holiday is a tie between Christmas and Valentine’s Day for different reasons than one may expect. For Christmas, Leo enjoys this holiday mainly because of Elliot. That time of the year — before the Headhunter cases began — was when Elliot could enjoy time with all of his siblings and his parents. Though dull get-togethers were bound to happen between all of the nobles, Leo enjoys this holiday because of the happiness it seemed to bring his master. That was really all the reason he needs. As for Valentine’s Day, it’s become one of Leo’s favorites. Though he could live without the grandiose cards, flowers and commercial chocolate men bathe their women with, Valentine’s Day is a fond memory for Leo because it’s the day he proposed to Minato. When February 14th nears Leo becomes more preoccupied with the fond memory of asking for his beloved’s hand than he is caught up with the holiday itself. Because of how cheesy this is Leo prefers to keep this to himself.~

27.) Pick two songs that describe your character at two different points of their life, and explain why you chose them. 

I tried to find a happy song for at least for when Leo was a valet but then I realized the only happy songs on my playlist are parodies and, unfitting and/or utterly ridiculous. LOL.

“Confession” by Red

“I confess that I’m always afraid, always ashamed of what’s inside my head”.

I think this song is good to describe feelings towards Glen’s voices. In the 1800’s madness was considered to be a “disease of the soul”, stemming from evil within. It was later in the century where this began to change and treatment towards the mentally ill started to better from what it once was. Despite this, I imagine the stigma of mental illness being a “disease of the soul” was still apparent, especially in poorly educated, poor communities. That being said, early on in his life when Leo claimed to hear voices and see the golden flecks of the Abyss his mother thought his son had a mental illness and encouraged his to hide and keep this to himself.  Mental illness was shameful and, according to numerous villagers “evil”. This became something to be ashamed of but also something Leo was afraid of as a child because he didn’t know what to do or how to make it stopped. For some time he became both afraid and ashamed of what was inside his head until he just learned to shut them out entirely and deny the existence of these voices. What else was a young child to do? As the years went on, he just got used to this way of living. There was the apprehension of being the only one trapped in this world and being unable to share it with anyone. To be alone with the unknown was frightening indeed. Glen’s voices became a constant fight inside of Leo in his aim to keep to himself and shut out these voices he detested so much. He wanted to escape the voices and to have someone take them away somehow. That is, until the day he actually stopped resisting and embraced this voices instead.

“Better Think Again” by Submersed 

“You make me … you break me. You build me up to tear me down. Just let me go …”

I find that this song discuses multiple different sides to Leo after his transformation to a Baskerville. Though he has embraced his new identity of Glen Baskerville he is also trying to hold on to his old self, but he’s holding on to “Leo” by a thread. He’s boasting that no one could possibly take him down as he is the new head of the Baskervilles, claiming to be a “king” rather than a pawn. Of course, he would be something like a “king” as far as his new allies are concerned but Leo is also a pawn in something much bigger. He, like the rest in Pandora Hearts, have a set role to play and once that role is fulfilled they are cast aside or killed. There’s a chance that if one little thing goes wrong and if he becomes too much of a nuisance then he stands a damn good chance of being killed by Jack. “Just let me go” feels like a plea to forget about “Leo” as he is now Glen. “Leo” is broken and he has been built up into someone entirely different that he has come to accept. Most of him has given up on resisting Glen yet there’s still that part of him that tries to hold on to his old self. I could dissect each and every lyric for you but I’m not going to do that (LOL).

“When You’re Evil” by Voltaire

And this one is just for shiggles. I think of Leo when I hear this song because he’s a poor antagonist so far.

28.) If your character’s life was a genre, what would it be? 

Drama. Up until the Second Coming of Age Ceremony, then it becomes a Drama/Action mix. Probably mix some suspense in there occasionally.

30 Days of Character Development

22.) If your character could time travel, where would they go?

If it was something for himself: Leo would go back a few decades to meet Mozart and to see the first showing of The Magic Flute. For more practical reasons there are some elements of the past worth changing if it meant a better future for Elliot. 

23.) Is your character superstitious? 

Not quite but Leo expresses interest and keeps an open mind to superstitions.

24.) What might your character’s ideal romantic partner be?

Someone strong who could be Leo’s rock. They don’t need to have similar interests to get along and fall in love however, Leo becomes more attracted to those far different than himself. Noble, unyielding, headstrong — much like Elliot. Heroic, compassionate and determined — much like Minato. There are qualities that would be good for a romantic partner but it’s difficult to determine what would be ideal. It’s the bond he develops with that person itself that truly determines who’s his ideal partner or who will be friend-zone’d.

25.) Describe your character’s hands. Are they small, long, calloused, smooth, stubby?

Leo, in general, is rather petite and thus his hands are as well. They are smaller than one may expect for a male. His fingers are thin and nimble, similar to a woman’s. He doesn’t have a single callous — not even the typical “writer’s bump” many students have — and his skin is smooth to the touch.  Leo can have a gentle touch but that touch could just as easily be rough and painful. One shouldn’t mistake his hands for being frail.

30 Days of Character Development

17.) What’s your character’s desk/workspace look like? Are they neat or messy?

It’s surprisingly neat and organized. While the territory of Leo’s bed is an absolute mess Leo keeps his desk organized. Writing utensils and paper are kept in a drawer and he doesn’t leave unnecessary items on top of the desk, only what he’s using or plans to use. His desk is by the window in his and Elliot’s dorm room and while he’s working he usually sets his glasses off to the edge of the desk to entirely focus on his task.

18.) Is your character a good cook? What’s their favorite recipe, whether they’re good or not? (Microwave mac-and-cheese applies.)

Yes, actually.  Because  other servants and workers are readily available to do so for Elliot, Leo doesn’t cook very often. However, Leo is a good cook. His favorite recipes are typically desserts, not only because he has a sweet tooth, but because they are just easier to master than dinner foods. As for actual main course meals Leo’s favorite to make would be Shepherd’s Pie as he enjoyed it quite a bit in his childhood. He also has a soft spot for learning French recipes though they’re rarely even put to use.

19.) What’s your character’s preferred means of travel?

Given the limited options Leo has, his favorite would be through carriage. This is due to the fact that he could read in a carriage ride without concern of running into anything as he would if he just walked and read. Also in a carriage ride there’s the freedom to sleep on the way home if he’s tired, as he had done on the way back from the tea party.

20.) Does your character have any irrational fears? 

If one would count losing his loved ones as an irrational fear then yes. At the prospect of losing Elliot or Minato Leo would panic at the mere idea and the possibility. At one point of his relationship with Minato he became desperate to push him away since he thought Minato’s mere being physically close to him may cause harm to befall on him. Though Leo can’t bear the thought of losing those he holds close to his heart the fear isn’t so irrational that it completely rules his life. That is, until Elliot’s passing where Leo underwent a drastic change.

21.) What would your character’s  cutie mark be?

This or this. Something to tie together his love of music and his love/devotion towards those close to him.

note: I don’t watch My Little Pony. Soooo I’mma just give a vague answer. xD

30 Days of Character Development

15.) Is your character an early morning bird or a night owl? 

Both, actually. Leo can stay up at odd hours of the night and wake up rather early without showing any signs of fatigue. It’s rather useful given that Leo spends his nights watching over Elliot in case he has a nightmare. Since he would have to wake up early in the morning for classes it comes to his advantage that he doesn’t end up tired and sluggish all day.

16.) Are there any blood relatives that your character is particularly close with, besides the immediate ones? Cousins, Uncles, Grandfathers, Aunts, et cetera. Are there any others that your character practically considers a blood relative? 

The only biological family Leo knew was his mother so he could not possibly be close to any extended family. He considers the orphans at the House of Fianna his siblings so they may as well be his blood relatives. He loves them like he would any other little brothers or little sisters and tries to maintain correspondence on a regular basis since he can’t visit them often.

30 Days of Character Development

12.) How is your character with technology? Super savvy, or way behind the times? Letters or email?

As far as technology of his own era goes, Leo’s somewhat acquainted with it and knows what he needs to. As far as the technology Minato is acquainted with Leo finds himself very confused by it. Something simple in modern society like a car would cause Leo to look at it with a great deal of interest as he wonders how on Earth it could operate. Technology can entertain Leo easily because of his want to learn more about it so if he spots something new he would want Minato to show him and explain to him how it works.

13.) What does your character’s bed look like when he/she wakes up? Are the covers off on one side of the bed, are they all curled around a pillow, sprawled everywhere? In what position might they sleep?

Leo’s own bed is covered with books from the library and the bookstore. So, he would usually sneak on Elliot’s bed to sleep. When he does wake up, however, the covers are usually off to one side while Leo’s curled up snuggling with one of the pillows. He normally sleeps on his side or on his stomach since he finds sleeping on his back somewhatuncomfortable.

14.)  How does your character react to temperature changes such as extreme heat and cold?

Leo can handle the cold very well. Winter is his favorite season, after all. He has a high tolerance towards the cold weather and it would take quite some time for him to want to find shelter inside to warm up. Despite this, Leo doesn’t read outside when it’s snowing because he knows he would lose track of time and end up getting ill from being out in the snow all day. As for the heat, he doesn’t handle it well. Given what he wears all-year long — which consists of a number of layers of clothing — he can’t last long in the summer heat without feeling light-headed. During the summer months Leo prefers being indoors more than ever. He would prefer to only step out in the evening when it cools off but if Elliot ever wants to go into town he would do so without complaint like a proper servant.

30 Days of Character Development

9.)  Who does your character trust?

Leo’s trust goes to Elliot and Minato. He doesn’t place his trust in just anyone  and so gaining it could be a difficult task. At the most, he has faith that other people could be competent to do what they say they would do or told to do. As a Baskerville Leo places a certain amount of his trust in Vincent.

10.) Can you define a turning point in your character’s life? Multiples are acceptable.

There were two turning points in Leo’s life. The first was his meeting Elliot. The scion was the person who he was closest to and held closest to his heart. Everything seemed to change when the two met. Leo became happier and just a little less closed off to everyone around him. After they sparked up their friendship Leo seemed to smile more and was even able to be more friendly and brotherly to his fellow orphans in the House of Fianna. Having Elliot as a friend was a turning point in Leo’s life. He gave Leo happiness he hadn’t felt in a while.  The second turning point in Leo’s life was Elliot’s death. It hit him very hard, clearly, and he became more vulnerable and unstable. Thus, he stopped putting up any fight against Glen’s voices and decided to give in to them instead. Once Elliot was gone Leo no longer had anything left to lose, nothing worth putting up the fight to remain himself.

11.) Is there an animal you equate with your character?

Mainly felines. A black cat makes me think of Leo. One in particular I see around my neighborhood is quiet and keeps more to itself. Whether it’s day or night that cat’s bright green eyes shine once a little light hits it and so it’s the most noticeable and beautiful part about that cat. Leo’s the same. He keeps more to himself and his eyes are easily his most beautiful feature only he’s able to hide it. Also, like a cat, he can have a bad temper and odds are it’ll hurt if you piss him off too bad.

Also he kinda likes fish.

So he’d make a great fluffy black cat.

30 Days of Character Development

8.) Day of Favorites! What’s your character’s favorite ice cream flavor? Color? Song? Flower?

Leo doesn’t quite have a favorite flavor of ice cream as his preferences switch based on his mood on the day. He does, however, have a particular fondness for chocolate, blueberry and strawberry ice cream. He has a sweet tooth, and a non-discriminating one at that, so he’s more than likely to enjoy any type of flavor of ice cream.

As for a favorite color, that would be dark violet. It’s a color that has a majestic, regal feel to it while also being more calm. Leo’s liking for the color has nothing to do with his own eye color but it’s the reason why the ribbon he wears is purple. That being said, Leo also enjoys the color blue in all of its forms. This would have to do with both Elliot’s and Minato’s eye color and the latter’s hair color.

Leo’s favorite song is Statice and the song Minato gave him on White Day. Lacie comes in a third.  

His favorite flower is the Statice, for obvious reasons.

30 Days of Character Development

7.) Is there one event or happening your character would like to erase from their past? Why?

The event Leo would erase from his past is the day Elliot was forced to become an illegal contractor. Leo regards that incident as being his fault. It was the beginning of the chain of events that lend to the entire Nightray family, Elliot included, meeting their demise. If that day were to disappear then Elliot would still be alive and well. That’s all Leo could ever want.

30 Days of Character Development

6.) Describe your character’s happiest memory.

Leo’s happiest memory is, undoubtedly, when he met Elliot. Though they did not get off on the right foot that day was the beginning of their friendship. After that day Elliot kept pursuing Leo for one reason or another no matter how many times Leo would mouth off or rebuke him until eventually they developed the bond they shared for two years. The scion was someone who he bonded with in a way he never had with anyone else. They were friends and equals and though Elliot could get on his nerves sometimes Leo always loved each and every day he had with him. The day they met was the beginning of all of that. Though the day he became Elliot’s servant was just as memorable and a fond memory to look back to, Leo looks back to when he met Elliot as the happiest memory.

30 Days of Character Development

5.) What’s your character’s ranking on the Kinsey Scale?

( Three: You scored 33 Homosexuality!

As accurate as it could be. Leo’s uncaring as far as gender goes. Whether you’re male, female or anything in between he stands an equal chance of liking you, hating you or just tolerating your presence. Despite this, Leo has never found himself attracted to a female. He’s never been able to bond with them the same way he bonds with Elliot as they typically stay away after he rebukes them. When Leo is in love that person basically becomes the only person he’s attracted to. Everyone else suddenly becomes more bland and less desirable than they already were.

30 Days of Character Development

4.) How vain is your character? Do they find themselves attractive? 

 He’s not vain at all. Leo’s neutral to how he regards his own physical appearanc. He has a liking when Minato gives him cheesy compliments about it for one reason or another but that isn’t due to some need to have his ego stroked. Leo’s uncaring to how he looks in public and doesn’t mind going out messy and untidy. As Elliot’s valet, however, he has to mind at least a little so he takes some time to make sure his appearance is neat and fitting for a servant of a noble. Nonetheless he would always go out with his hair as a mess. As a Baskerville Leo’s just more mindful to his appearance, though isn’t quite vain. After Vincent gave him a haircut Leo just takes the time to brush his hair in the morning and fix it properly. Vincent ties his bows, ties and cravats for him so there isn’t a messy thing left about his appearance. As the next Glen he shouldn’t be walking about looking slovenly.

30 Days of Character Development

3.) Name one scar your character has, and tell us where it came from. If they don’t have any, is there a reason?

As of now, Leo would only have two scars. If he makes it out of this whole confrontation then the only scars he would have at the moment comes from where Jack impaled him on the chest and where it exited on his back. They would be small, however, and a faint yet noticeable discoloration of his skin in the narrow shape of the chain. There has been times where he has fallen and scrapped his knee, cut himself with a letter opener or something to that effect but those wounds were always quick to heal entirely as if nothing had been there in the first place. As a Baskerville Leo’s always been capable of healing quickly and recovering from illness as a decent speed. The only scars he’s left with are from serious injuries and therefore, his only scars come from Jack.

30 Days of Character Development

2.) What are your characters most prominent physical features?

As one would expect, Leo’s eyes gain a considerable amount of attention regardless of whether or not he hides them. They are a very beautiful hue. The center around the pupil is a deep violet that eventually fades out to black on the outside. His eyes reflect the golden flecks of light of the Abyss so they can even appear gold to the untrained eye. Leo’s glasses hide his eyes but because they’re big and essentially reflect rather than allow people to see through they end up being a prominent feature. When his eyes are unhidden they can attract with their beauty or repel due to their strangeness.

 Another feature that tends to stand out is his hair. Whether it’s messy or fixed it tends to stand out, particularly his antennae on top. The length of his bangs alone used to be enough to draw attention from his fellow orphans in the House of Fianna. His strong reactions in preventing others from touching his hair (even worse: threatening to cut it) also brings more attention to it.