The Canon List
Below are some suggested roles for characters. Most are open-ended, allowing you the freedom to craft your own, unique character but do provide some preset plotting to enable you to jump right into the action. If you have a particular character type you'd like to see added to this list, please PM Lady Liberty.
NOTE: We're really looking for canon spots right now. Please try to make your character fit one of these roles - many characters have a surname, age, and gender only! We're just trying to fill the families first, then open the door to originals. You can go ahead and post an original character, but be warned that you might be asked to tweak a few things to fit into one of the canon families. In addition, original characters must fill a role not provided on the canon list.
There is no need to reserve a character and multiple applications for the same character are accepted. The best application will be chosen. You may not, however, apply for a canon that already has an approved profile. In other words, we will not take away a character from a player just because your application rocks.
The Tory Families
The Tory Drake FamilyWealthy and powerful, Mr. and Mrs. Drake moved to Trenton before the birth of their first daughter. Despite this, their ties to England remain strong and they are quite possibly the most loyal family in Trenton. Other Tory families try to align themselves with the Drakes and Patriot families fear them.
Patriarch -
Drake, __________: 49 years of age
Suggested PB: Alan RickmanThe third son of an earl, Mr. Drake left England to seek his fortune in the colonies. He is a demanding man and expects his family behave in a manner becoming to the wife and daughters of an earl's son. He obtained a powerful job in the administration of New Jersey and is frequently away on business. When he
is in town, however, he has not failed to notice his wife's behavior around a certain
Ashwell male. What remains to be dictated, however, are his actions.
Matriarch -
Drake, __________: 37 years of age
Suggested PB: Miranda RichardsonThe daughter of a wealthy British fabric merchant, Mrs. Drake reluctantly left England with her husband. Beautiful yet easily bored, the attraction she once felt for her older husband has left her and been replaced by a desire for the 19-year-old
Ashwell boy. Will she act on her impulses or will the possible scandal rein her in?
Daughter -
Drake, Annabelle: 20 years of age
Claimed; Played By Keira KnightleySpoiled and beautiful, the eldest Drake girl is probably one of the most influential young women in town, especially in matters of fashion. She gets what she wants when she wants it. She's smart and witty, but what happens when she doesn't get exactly what she wants? With her recent broken engagement to
William Lawrence, what does her future hold for her now?
Daughter -
Drake, Abigail: 17 years of age
Claimed; Played By Romola GaraiBecause her parents have been so busy arranging
Annabelle's marriage, Abigail has been largely overlooked. Now that her sister is no longer marrying
William Lawrence, will she be able to finally receive the attention she has been due? And what of her dear friend,
Joanna Lawrence's, plans to reunited
Annabelle and William? Will this Drake help or harm her sister's chances at a reunion with her beau?
Daughter -
Drake, Alexandra: 16 years of age
Claimed; Played By Rachel Hurd-WoodHaving just arrived home from finishing school, Alexandra is looking for some adventure and much needed flirting. Three years of seminary tends to do that to a girl. When the
youngest Maxwell boy catches her eye, will their politics stand in the way of romance?
The Tory Barton FamilyOwners of the Royal Oak Inn and Tavern, the Bartons are certainly well off and wield a fair amount of power in Trenton. They are loyal to the Crown but might be persuaded to change their tune if times get too tough. As it stands now, however, Patriots are not welcome at the Royal Oak.
Patriarch -
Barton, __________: 54 years of age
Mr. Barton was born in Trenton to British parents, though he himself is only marginally loyal to the King. The Royal Oak was left to him by his father and he dreams of leaving it to his
son. Were it not for a heart condition, he would be behind the bar himself, pouring mugs of ale and breaking up barfights, and it wounds his pride to admit that he is aging.
Matriarch -
Barton, __________: 50 years of age
Son -
Barton, __________: 25 years of age
The older Barton boy is fiercely loyal to the King and if his father's heart was stronger, he would be saddling up his horse and riding into battle to fight the rebels. That being said, he has accepted that he will likely inherit the Royal Oak and understands that he needs to provide for his family. It is he that enforces the No Patriots rule at the tavern, with the help of his best friend
William Lawrence. But what would happen were he to discover his truest friend's deepest secret?
Son -
Barton, __________: 22 years of age
Daughter -
Barton, __________: 18 years of age
Son -
Barton, __________: 16 years of age
The Tory Lawrence FamilyThe Lawrences are noted for their loyalty and are a welcomed addition to any Tory gatherings. Their position as the surgeon's family allows them a fair amount of influence in town and most everyone, Patriots and Tories alike, consider them friends. They moved from England just after their elder daughter's second birthday.
Patriarch -
Lawrence, __________: 44 years of age
The local surgeon, Dr. Lawrence moved his family to Trenton after hearing about the city's need for a surgeon. He has military experience and should any skirmishes break out, he will likely be needed on the battlefield. He is a loyal citizen of His Majesty's and had sought to improve his family's social standing by marrying his son to
Annabelle Drake.
Matriarch -
Lawrence, __________: 42 years of age
Son -
Lawrence, William: 24 years of age
Claimed; Played By Hugh DancyWell educated and attractive, the oldest Lawrence boy still doesn't know what he wants out of life. He currently works at the
Barton's Royal Oak Tavern and Inn alongside his childhood friend, the
oldest Barton boy. Little does his friend know, however, that William has gone behind his family and friends and signed up as a spy for the Patriot army, alongside
Betsy Tanner. He fears what the
Drakes might do to his family should anyone discover him, as his family and theirs have become intimately acquainted in the last year due to his (recently failed) engagement to
Annabelle Drake. As if that wasn't enough, he finds himself attracted to
Elizabeth Neely, who his parents would consider both politically and economically an unacceptable match.
Daughter -
Lawrence, __________: 23 years of age
Daughter -
Lawrence, Joanna: 17 years of age
Claimed; Played By Natalie DormerThe younger Lawrence daughter idolizes
Annabelle Drake and was quite put out when their engagement was broken. She seeks to reunite the couple through her dear friend,
Abigail Drake, yet she can't help but notice that her friend doesn't seem quite as enthusiastic at the potential renewal of their sibling's betrothal.
The Tory Buckingham FamilyNew to the area, the Buckinghams are a military family that have just arrived from England and been warmly welcomed by the Tories families of Trenton. Their loyalties lie with the British, but will they be able to do what they need to survive in a new country and stand by their beliefs at the same time?
Patriarch -
Buckingham, __________: 43 years of age
Matriarch -
Buckingham, __________: 39 years of age
Son -
Buckingham, Isaac: 21 years of age
Claimed; Played By: Bradley JamesHaving just arrived in colonies, Isaac Buckingham isn't enjoying his new home. Back home, the love of his youth has betrayed him and married another, but surely Cupid will strike again for this broken-hearted young man?
Son -
Buckingham, __________: 19 years of age
Daughter -
Buckingham, __________: 15 years of age
The Tory Raleigh Family -
WIPAs the priest for the Episcopal church in town, the Raleighs are tied quite closely to England. They arrived in Trenton only five years ago, after Father Raleigh received his orders to take over St. Michael's. Luckily, Mrs. Raleigh already had family in the colonies - a married older sister with children living in Boston. The Raleighs are quite Tory, as are their children. Will the addition of a Patriot niece into their midst cause trouble for this faithful family?
Patriarch -
Raleigh, __________: 39 years of age
Father Raleigh is a pious but kind man, secure in his faith, his family, and his king. His family leads a simple life, governed by prayer. He is hesitant about welcoming his wife's niece into the household, concerned she will bring dangerous ideas from the city to his family, but Christian generosity (and his wife's stubborness) will not allow him to turn
Lucy away.
Matriarch -
Raleigh, __________: 37 years of age
Mrs. Raleigh has adjusted well to life in Trenton. She misses England, of course, but it helps having her sister relatively near in Boston. When her older sister wrote, asking if they would mind taking her oldest daughter
Lucy in, for fear of war in Boston, Mrs. Raleigh readily agreed, despite concerns from her husband. She is anxious to see
Lucy again, as it has been nearly four years since the Raleighs traveled to Boston.
Daughter -
Raleigh, __________: 17 years of age
The oldest Raleigh child is excited for her cousin's arrival. She knows her cousin will be very cultured, coming from Boston, and hopes that they will be the best of friends.
Son -
Raleigh, __________: 15 years of age
Son -
Raleigh, __________: 13 years of age
The youngest Raleigh couldn't care less whether or not
Lucy joined the family. More interested in riding horses and catching frogs than anything else, this Raleigh spends his days hiding from his tutors and fishing in the stream near his family's house.
Niece -
Bramwell, Lucy: 25 years of age
The Aaron Ashwell FamilyThe Ashwells used to be quite the popular family in Trenton, with their house always full of people, music, and laughter. Nearly twenty years ago, however, Mrs. Ashwell died giving birth to the couples twins and Mr. Ashwell has become a recluse, rarely leaving his study and only speaking when he must. The Ashwells are a Tory family, but probably only because Mr. Ashwell hasn't heard that a war is brewing.
Patriarch -
Ashwell, Aaron: 47 years of age
Claimed; Played by: Ioan GruffuddMr. Ashwell has been in mourning for his wife for nearly twenty years. Some say he was driven mad by sorrow, but others wonder if his insanity is hiding something. He left the care of his twin children to nursemaids and tutors and rarely leaves his study. He has not been outside the Ashwell house since his wife's funeral.
Matriarch -
Ashwell, Clara: Deceased
Son -
Ashwell, __________: 19 years of age
Impulsive and handsome, the
Ashwell son is intelligent and desirous of adventure. He loves his sister
Mary but thinks she is too protective of him and is determined to prove he's a man. Whether this proof will come in the form of joining the army or in the softer form of
Mrs. Drake remains to be seen.
Daughter -
Ashwell, Mary: 19 years of age
Claimed; Played by: Lucy GriffithsAfter her mother died,
Mary took over her duties as woman of the house. It is she that goes to the market, keeps the servants paid, and the house in order. She has acted as a mother to
her brother, despite the fact that they are the same age and worries about him. She doesn't care too much for politics, but has fallen none the less for the
second Maxwell son. Will their blossoming relationship be allow to flourish or will
his radical politics snip this flower in the bud?
The Patriot Families
The Jem Franklin FamilyThe Franklins are an established family in Trenton and as such, are very protective of their land. Mr. Franklin is a vocal support of the Patriots' cause, much to his wife's distress. Mrs. Franklin tries to keep her husband under control, as she fears what the authorities might do should they catch wind of his views.
Patriarch -
Franklin, Jem: 52 years of age
Claimed; Played By Stephen ReaA widower, but now remarried, Mr. Franklin is the owner of the
Golden Swan Tavern & Inn. A vocal supporter of the Patriots' cause, he welcomes any and all Patriots in his Tavern. His main competition in Trenton comes from the
Barton family's inn, but because they attract a different crowd, he isn't too concerned for his livelihood.
Matriarch -
Franklin, Jessamyn: Deceased
Matriarch -
Franklin, __________: 36 years of age
Mr. Franklin's second wife and the mother of his two younger children, she worries for her husband's politics. She doesn't like the idea of war breaking out, but if the worst comes to pass, will she stand with her husband or do what she feels is necessary to protect her children?
Son -
Franklin, __________: 21 years of age
The son of
Mr. Franklin and
his first wife, the elder Franklin boy's political views follow his father's, much to his step-mother's dismay. He is close friends with the
oldest Maxwell boy, who is trying to convince him to join the
Sons of Liberty. He hasn't yet decided but is certainly leaning toward fighting for his country, though he worries what effect his actions may have on his
half-brother.
Daughter -
Franklin, __________: 15 years of age
The daughter of
Mr. Franklin and his first wife.
Son -
Franklin, __________: 13 years of age
The younger Franklin boy idolizes
his half-brother and dreams of being just like him.
Daughter -
Franklin, __________: 11 years of age
Suggested PBs: Shailene WoodleyThe youngest Franklin child knows of her eldest sibling's political leanings and of the
Maxwell family's ties to the
Sons of Liberty, just as younger sisters are prone to do. What she will do with this information remains a mystery.
The Patriot Tanner FamilyThe Tanners are one of the oldest families in Trenton, rivaled only by the
Bartons. They are well respected, but it is an open secret that they have fallen on financial hardtimes. They believe in patriotism and freedom, but can't afford to raise too much ruckous and cause too much trouble for the cause. After all, even before the war making ends meet was rough.
Patriarch -
Tanner, __________: 49 years of age
Mr. Tanner's late sister,
Catherine, was the first wife of
Mr. Mayhew.
Matriarch -
Tanner, Susannah: Deceased
Son -
Tanner, __________: 24 years of age
Daughter -
Tanner, Betsy: 22 years of age
Claimed; Played By Sienna MillerAfter the murder of her fiancé last year, Betsy suffered from a deep depression, awakening only when she realized that by aiding the Patriot cause, she could avenge his death. After some double agents for the Patriot cause arranged for her to have a position as a maid in the
Buckingham household, Betsy keeps her eyes and ears open for any information that could. She regularly meets with
William Lawrence to pass on information she has learned, leading to rumors of a romance amongst those who know not of their activities. Of course, these are strictly rumors, as her heart still belongs to her late fiancé. Can anything, or anyone, save her from herself or is she too far gone?
Daughter -
Tanner, __________: 19 years of age
Son -
Tanner, __________: 17 years of age
Daughter -
Tanner, __________: 16 years of age
The Patriot Maxwell FamilyThe Maxwell family is the most vocal of the Patriot families. The second wealthiest family in Trenton, they are a passionate bunch and own the Maxwell Mercantile, the main store in Trenton. Mr. Maxwell and all of his sons are members of the Sons of Liberty and Mrs. Maxwell supports them. They are all excited about a war with England and refuse to stock British goods in their Mercantile.
Patriarch -
Maxwell, __________: 49 years of age
Matriarch -
Maxwell, __________: 46 years of age
Suggested PBs: Miranda Richardson, Laura LinneySon -
Maxwell, __________: 23 years of age
A good friend of the
oldest Franklin boy, he is devoted to the cause and willing to die for democracy. He is one of the main recruiters for the Sons of Liberty and is currently trying to convince his friend to join the cause.
Son -
Maxwell, __________: 22 years of age
Originally the most strongly patriotic of the Maxwell boys, falling in love with
Mary Ashwell has changed him and made him question the sense in his radical politics. But are things too far along for him to back out and seek a simple, calm life with
Mary or will pressure from his brothers keep him going down a path he's not sure he still wants?
Son -
Maxwell, __________: 19 years of age
Son -
Maxwell, __________: 17 years of age
Being the youngest family in such a passionate family can be a little frustrating at times. Especially when the older boys are going off to war and the father is always talking about freedom and democracy. The youngest Maxwell son wants to join his brothers in battle, but with a father like his it's hard to convince him that 17 is old enough. And with the new arrival of the very pretty
Alexandra Drake, will his mind change? Or will he still be willing to die for his freedom?
The Isaiah Neely FamilyThe Neely family is respected by both Tory and Patriot families, largely because of the memory of Isaiah Neely, a respected member of Trenton politics. The Neelys have lived in Trenton for generations and own a large farm just outside of town known for its beautiful, mature apple trees. Just because the family is financially comfortable, however, doesn't mean that they aren't hard workers, even more so after Mr. Neely died last year of pneumonia. The Neely family is best known for their generous nature, helping out any person in need.
Patriarch -
Neely, Isaiah: Deceased
Matriarch -
Neely, Anne: 49 years of age
Claimed; Played By Laura LinneySon -
Neely, __________: 26 years of age
Daughter -
Neely, Elizabeth: 20 years of age
Claimed; Played By Kirsten DunstA true country girl, the oldest Neely girl isn't afraid of a little dirt and has learned to be independent and keep up with her brothers. It is probably her uniqueness in Trenton that has drawn the eye of
William Lawrence boy. Unfortunately, he's a Tory which gives her pause, despite her own attraction to him. But if secrets come out, will her opinion of him change? And what of
Annabelle Drake, the Lawrence boy's ex-fiancee?
Son -
Neely, __________: 16 years of age
Suggested PBs: Charlie CoxThe Patriot Fitzgerald FamilyBeing a part of the Presbyterian Church doesn't mean the Fitzgeralds aren't desirous of freedom. They dream of everyone living in peace and have decided that the only way a lasting peace will come is through war. As such, they were one of the first to support the revolutionary cause.
Patriarch -
Fitzgerald, _________: 48 years of age
Hailing from Scotland, Reverend Fitzgerald saw a need to bring God and Christianity to the colonies. It can be difficult spreading the word of the Lord, however, when most members of his congregation are more worried about earthly concerns, like an impending revolution. Sometimes he spends more of the service breaking up arguments than preaching the Gospel. And when his
daughter returns home, unmarried and pregnant, will this holy man still find his strength in the Lord?
Matriarch -
Fitzgerald, __________: 45 years of age
Suggested PBs: Miranda Richardson, Laura LinneyDaughter -
Fitzgerald, Cecelia: 23 years of age
Claimed; Played By Natalie PortmanBeing swept off your feet by a dashing young man can be a little overwhelming when you're a doe-eyed young girl. The eldest Fitzgerald ran off with a boy only to be left in the middle of Boston, pregnant and without any money. Will her family accept her back and forgive her for running away or has this Fitzgerald set out on a long and difficult road?
Daughter -
Fitzgerald, __________: 20 years of age
Son -
Fitzgerald, __________: 18 years of age
The Others
The James Mayhew FamilyA prominent Quaker family in Trenton, the Mayhews are comfortably situated. Though they are very generous and always ready to help another, their refusal to take a stance on the war has caused some conflicts with those who are in favor of rebellion as well as those against it. who has provided for his family a very comfortable living.
Patriarch -
Mayhew, James: 51 years of age
A firm believer in the Four Testimonies and one of the town's most generous citizens. His first wife was
Catherine Tanner, sister of
Patriarch Tanner.
Matriarch -
Mayhew, Anne (Howard): Deceased
Mother of
Edward Mayhew.
Matriarch -
Mayhew, Rebecca (van Buren): 38 years of age
Suggested PBs: Miranda Richardson, Laura LinneyMother of
Harriet,
Samuel,
Eliza, and
Tess.
Son -
Mayhew, Edward: 20 years of age
Claimed; Played by: James D'ArcyDaughter -
_________, Harriet (Mayhew) : 19 years of age
Recently married. *If interested in this canon, please select a blank male role to marry her to.*
Son -
Mayhew, Samuel: 16 years of age
Daughter -
Mayhew, Eliza: 14 years of age
Daughter -
Mayhew, Tess: 13 years of age
CANON LIST, a work-in-progress
