Citizens: Pilot Episode
aaroncook for Rod
-DESCRIPTION-
Rod, short for Roderick, is the older half-brother of Augustine. He's a bit of a loner, and distances himself from others because he can't stand the territory that comes with being a criminal. Of all the jobs to do in a drug circle during an uprising, he does the books. It causes a fair amount of tension between him and his sister, and he tends to be passive in the resulting conflict. There are a few things he enjoys about the job. Top-shelf liquor, upscale nightclubs, and five-star villas being a few examples. Rod is an alcoholic, though this won't be a point of focus (or really, mention) in the pilot. Either way, this seems like a life he's been dragged into, rather than one he chose.
He's the only member of the group with exceptionally outstanding intellect, but he doesn't often get to use it apart from crunching numbers. When he does get the chance, it's in his own company, and through music. Rod is a musical genius, and has a sizable range of instruments that he's able to play at an expert level. He prefers the kalimba (or a hand-held piano) above everything else. It's small, it's quiet, and it's easy to hide. All of those are traits that he's learned to embody in the presence of those who are much stronger and far more aggressive than he.
Rod doesn't really hold a position of leadership, and most of the members in the group have a neutral opinion of him. He doesn't exactly have the reputation of being strong and bold, but he is the one that deals out the cash. Rod tends to interact with people outside of the group a little bit more, characters who have no involvement in criminal behavior. It's a breath of fresh air, and he's able to relax more around them.
-VOCAL DIRECTION-
Rod's often tired, but in the sense of emotional exhaustion rather than physical fatigue. His voice is deep, with a possible, very light rasp to it. He's only a couple of years from being middle-aged, around 5 years older than Augustine. We're looking for a mid-low to low ranged voice.
When mentioned that he's 'passive' in conflicts between him and his sister, it means that he'd rather let her have her way than rile her up. There is a level of fear there, but it's not quite absolute terror. He's more wary of her than he is frightened, kind of like treading in a minefield, and the voice should reflect that. However, he does have scenes with characters outside of the main group. At these times, he doesn't have to be on his guard. He can let down the mental wall and open up a bit more. When he does, there's a warmer personality not unlike a big brother. In the script he has dialogue with another character named Lucy, who he knows well enough to be personable with and comfortable around.
You can choose which one of the first two (or both!) lines to express this personality. It could go either way. The third line, however, is during a dialogue with Augustine. So it should follow the first few directions.
Believe me, you've proved your point.
I'm going back. I have more work to do at the office. Probably going to be working through the night.
Don't you think it would be a good idea to consider all of your options? Instead of launching into an all-out war with a Cuban drug lord, you could try just sitting down and talking with him. Maybe you should try to resolve things peacefully with the man who has an actual militia at his disposal... Maybe. I don't know.