First impressions can be wrong...

"First impressions are important, but everyone deserves a second chance."

—Anonymous

Have you ever met a person that gave you every indication that they were a complete @#$&%*!? But over time you find they are sort of a sad case? Misunderstood possibly due to a tragedy that changed them beyond repair? No? Well, you're about to—

Without giving too much away, I’ll be letting you in on one of my secondary characters’ backgrounds. Secondary, yes, yet very important. So, here we go...

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Name: Albert Breeden.

Role in story: Butler; Initial antagonist of the main character.

Age: Late 40’s, maybe early 50’s.

Height: 6 feet tall.

Hair: Graying sandy blonde.

Skin: Fair.

Eyes: Black.

Appearance: Impeccable personal hygiene and smart, clean, tailored uniform.

Voice: Tenor.

Fragrance: Port wine and laundry starch.

Clothing:

Day: Black breeches, white knee stockings, high cut, cream coloured waistcoat, white cravat tie, forest green dress coat with black lapels.

Evening: Black trousers, low-cut black waistcoat, black dress coat, white cravat tie.

Background:

Education: Boys school. Training in service since the age of sixteen. Starting position as second footman.

Personal experience: Orphaned at age six. Taken in by aunt (now deceased). Once engaged. Never married. Butler to the Lord Russell’s late father.

Character traits:

Strongest trait: Integrity and loyalty.

Worst trait: Judgemental and temperamental.

Philosophy: Servants should remain in the background. Everything must be in order and nothing short of perfection will do.

Significant event that molded the character’s personality: You’ll find out, dear reader.

Is the reader likely to have stereotypical expectations about this character? Absolutely, right from the start.

How does the character defy the stereotype? A change occurs within the book triggered by the main female character.

Relationships:

Closest to: The cook, Mrs. Gates.

Family: None.

Enemies: Anyone who defies him.

Core needs:

To remain dignified and in control, whatever situation arises. To be loyal to Lord Russell. To live down his demons.

I thought it best to include a couple of quotes from Mr. Breeden:

“Yes, yes,” he quieted her excuses. “Well, now you are here, I am to show you to the mistress. If, and I say if, she finds you acceptable, then I am to take you to your room.” He shut the door with a thud and bolted it.

 “This is the servants quarters,” He spoke over his shoulder and happened to see her dress. “Oh—I believe your new attire has been arranged. You’ll have to smarten yourself up a bit, your appearance is shamefully plain.”

“You should feel very lucky to have this position, my girl—being a personal servant, like myself, the cook, and my lady Russell’s maid, you have your own sleeping quarters, which is unusual in the best of households. The men’s quarters are down the other end of the hall—” He stopped walking and turned back at her. “I need not tell you there is to be no man in your room, for any reason. If you are found consorting with the male staff, you will be dismissed immediately.”

“Always, remember to honor the family and at all times know that you are invisible to them and their guests. I do not take kindly to servants who cannot remember their place.”

“You’ll lie in until six, and finish at nine prompt. Your various duties will be given to you tomorrow. I will have someone send up your supper. What you are to wear from now on is in that trunk there.” He pointed to the trunk sitting at the foot of the bed. “Make sure you have sufficient rest and report to the kitchen no later than six twenty tomorrow morning, else there’ll be no breakfast for you.”

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Now, I don't want you to get the wrong idea, so I've included a detailed disclaimer below.

This character is not Mr. Carson from Downton Abbey—do not think he is because I never intended him to be—so don’t go there.

And to put emphasis on the fact that Mr. Breeden is not based on Mr. Carson, please see included photos.

Nope not him...

Think more like this guy... Here's an image exercise for you, reader:

Take this Alan Rickman, with his annoyed look—and that fierce raised eye-brow...

And put it on this Alan Rickman without the long black wig. Now, you have a Mr. Breeden worth writing and reading about.

Now, have you ever met someone who you disliked immensely at first, but gradually, as you got to know them, you realized they weren't really all that bad?