This piece depicts a character I created years ago named Mia. She was to have a crucial role in my story, although I never did end up developing a solid plot.
Once I came up with the mechanics within her fictional universe, I got lost in the character design. Afterward, instead of writing the story, I ended up drawing several renditions of my story's different characters. I hoped that drawing the characters would inspire me to develop a plot. But, that was as far as my account got.
Before creating this piece, I was inspired by another artist to start creating visual art depicting the different ideas and dreams I've had throughout my life. So I figured I'd start with this unfinished story. My beautiful wife was kind enough to allow me to use a photograph I had taken of her as a basis to re-create Mia.
Below is a bio, describing what I can remember about my character Mia.
Character Name: Mia
Race: The Hidden aka The Hidden Forest Tribe
Home: The Hidden Forest
Disposition: Curious, adventurous, compassionate, impulsive, protective, Shy, dedicated.
Inherited Attribute: Light
As a people, The Hidden are unique in that they have a common inherited Attribute* genetically linked to each individual. This inherited Attribute allows them to harness and manipulate visible light in a variety of ways. Most notable is their ability to bend and refract light around their bodies (and nearby objects), rendering themselves invisible, thereby earning their tribe's namesake.
Many speculate that The Hidden may also be proficient in other wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum. However, a complete understanding of their attributes remains a mystery. Such knowledge is hidden from outsiders. Further, it is unknown just how The Hidden became genetically linked with their inherited Attribute. Another carefully guarded Hidden secret.
Character Bio:
Amongst vibrant and radiant people, Mia shines. From an early age, she excelled beyond her peers, earning her praise and recognition. With this, though came added responsibility and many, many expectations.
At first glance, many assume she enjoys the attention she receives. On the contrary, however, she could do without it.
Mia exists in a somewhat perplexing social paradox. Her furious dedication moves her to give each task her absolute best. Her drive coupled with her extraordinary talent brings significant prominence within the tribe. However, her shy nature makes such popularity very undesirable.
Ironically, her shyness is a result of her impulsive nature. Words sometimes come too easy to Mia and sometimes not quite easy enough. Thus, Mia lives in constant fear of what she might say, how she might say it, what she might not say, and what face she will be making, although not saying it. As can be imagined, each social interaction leaves her numb with anxiety.
When Mia senses someone has become offended because of her, worries about the hurtful damage she may have caused plague her. As a result, she will work tirelessly (and often awkwardly) to make amends, which has a way of further endearing Mia to the tribe. All the while, ensuring the likelihood of future uncomfortable interactions. Nonetheless, as nervous and uncomfortable as she may be, Mia truly does love her tribe.
When Mia was 13, she discovered that she had the rare ability to link to Attributes in addition to her inherited Light Attribute. In an effort not to draw more attention to herself, she resolved to hide this unique trait. She would have buried it forever if circumstances permitted...
In a lot of ways, Mia embodies the light common to her people. In one sense, she shines with unparalleled radiance. In another, the very light that makes her bright can render her completely invisible.
*Attribute - Attributes are powerful bio-mechanical quantum computers. Usually, they are housed within colorful gemstones. Using sophisticated algorithms, Attributes can perform a variety of functions and essential tasks.
Each society has the technology, knowledge, means, and resources to create Attributes.
On rare occasions, an Attribute will genetically link to a living organism, often enhancing and changing the physiology of the being.