CHARACTER CONTEXT
An important part of this series is that the plot is not some random storyline, but a story that instead pulls from many areas of my life, my grandpa’s life, and the life of his screenplay. Each character is a unique blend of many elements. In an ideal world at the end of season 1, their individual persona's would emulate the things we love and the things we hate about ourselves and our loved ones. With only one episode developed, there are important elements of each main character that I want to elaborate on:
VICTOR
Victor is a 78 year old retired doctor with a simple life. Victor has a lot of money from his years of successful work in medicine, but he has no interest in spending it without his beloved wife Judy by his side. The couple worked long hours for most of their lives together, and enjoyed their small apartment in their quiet Upper West Side neighborhood. Back in his med school days, he was scrappy and mischievous. He worked himself out of debt and was able to win over his pretentious father-in-law. When he lost Judy nearly 15 years ago, he lost his spark that he had been so known for.
CALEB
Caleb is a smart 22 year old kid who worked hard throughout his life academically and athletically, thanks to a lot of pressure. He got into Columbia as a basketball player, but after one year at the Division 1 level decided to pursue other passions; also known as partying. As Caleb got more and more involved in drinking and smoking, he slowly left behind his plans to also go attend med school like his grandparents. After failing one too many courses, he must complete an extra year before he can graduate. With no money of his own, his parents have given him one option; live with grandfather during your fifth year.
JUDY
Judy was also a successful doctor. She came from a wealthy family and despite being an ambitious woman in a time where that was outside the norm, her family’s wealth carved her path into med school. Once she was there, she became an active feminist and proponent of equality for woman in the workplace. While hesitant to let herself fall in love with Victor, she ultimately couldn’t help herself. She died too young and while she'll never be a part of the present day, her legacy in the apartment will be a critical character. She will also appear in occasional flashbacks that highlight the parallels between Victor and Caleb’s lives.
LARRY
Larry is a goofy, fun loving, and lighthearted old man who has been by Victor’s side since med school. The two have been friends since undergrad and suffered through med school together. Larry refuses to let Victor push him away despite all Victor's efforts. When he sees what has happened to Victor’s golden grandchild, he feels optimistic in their ability to heal each other. Larry is the classic sidekick to the grumpy old man character. He brings joy and comedic relief to every moment he is a part of.
LIAM
Liam is the 2021 version of Larry. Liam has been by Caleb’s side since the start of college. He’s not always a good influence, but he is always an influence. Like Larry, Liam has a light-hearted attitude towards decisions. Unlike Caleb, Liam has worked against a lot of forces to get to Columbia. He came from a family who didn't provide any kind of support to him financially or emotionally throughout his life. He loves his friend, but also harbors a small amount of resentment towards the privilege his friend unknowingly carries.