Clarity of thought based upon logic, reason and measurement. Precise and practical, Quant works with facts and details. S/he possesses impressive powers of concentration. S/he explains the universe in terms of numbers, charts, graphics, trend analysis, but s/he is able to explain complex ideas through metaphors, analogies and stories. Sometimes, Quant misses subjective/social implications. Shares family passion for numbers and analysis: The Count (Sesame Street) and Spock (Star Trek) can be found on Quant’s family tree.
To build sample scripts, we required a full set of characters. We started with personality characteristics representing a wide range of perspectives and ways of thinking (skeptic, internationalist, change agent, protector of status quo, big picture thinker, detail person, America first right-or-wrong, spiritualist, etc.). Then, we used the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to add structure, and to identify similarities, differences, and likely relationships between characters.
Currently, we believe that three characters will be adults; the other twelve will be puppets. In the video performances, there are only humans in colored t-shirts because we have not yet visualized any puppets. (If you use your imagination, and read the notes next to each video, you’ll see what we have in mind.) For more information and visual concept boards for each puppet, click on MORE in each description.
Each character represents and advocates for a specific way of thinking. Some character names and descriptions ring true; others require development. (All characters are property of Independence Media; all rights reserved.)
Download Characters 3.2 as an eBook here.
Characters: Work-in-Progress
Always thrilled to be a part of it—like a lap dog and a curious pup. Hands on, learns more by observing than by thinking, favors common sense. Loves the variety, fun, spontaneity. Enthusiastic about everything. Future is a hazy concept—the present day is what matters. Wonderful intentions; valuable, practical contributions. Works hard, loves every minute of it. Thinks on his/her feet. Able to break through difficult situations, get others to communicate. Follow-through? Not so much.
Snap operates at two levels: high and detailed. Snap is able to compartmentalize emotions in ways that others find shocking and unfathomable, but deep down, there is a great heart (just not one that Snap chooses to expose). Insists upon uniform standards and measurement, fair play. S/he is logical, efficient, focused, and rational. By injecting reason and process, Snap comfortably adds value to every original idea.
Spark is spontaneous, a catalyst without a particular plan, a character who laughs easily and believes that anything is possible. An energizing presence with a wonderful sense of humor, he or she relies upon instinct. There is no deep study, no careful research here, just a sense that if it feels right, it probably is right. Have fun, involve everyone, make a difference. Sees or finds humor in everything. Not flaky or lightweight, but may seem that way. Terrific advocate. Jumps in without thinking, but manages to escape consequences.
Does the best he or she can with anything or anyone that’s available; interested in just about everything. Good at anything practical and tangible, but struggles with theoretical, intellectual, big ideas. Constantly learning, improving, practicing, asking questions, pursuing technical mastery. Requires, and often crafts, clear directions and plans. Physically active, wants to be outdoors and independent. Requires constant challenges.
Easily copes with immense stores of details. Wants the team to succeed. Genuine interpersonal relationships at a deep level; clear on priorities of heart and mind. Relies upon expectations, highly cooperative environment where roles are clear and involvement as a specialist is highly valued. Gets discouraged, but challenge and relationships always results in a bounce-back with superior results. Often saves the day. (She’s Abby on NCIS.)
High energy, always seeing possibilities. Often shapes the discussion, directed toward an achievable, powerful end goal. Gets along with everyone. Fast-paced, exciting, active life. Never tires of working through new or different ways of thinking. Always conflicted between the theoretical and the practical, can often combine the two. Not into details, but insists upon an efficiency (lack of it wastes valuable time). Casual. Comfortable with powerful people. Tells a terrific story, but the story’s fine points change with each telling.
INFP
FAITH*
Harmonious beliefs, deep values, beauty of expression. Thrives on uninterrupted time, flexible structure, creative and caring individuals who express originality and individual growth. Understands what makes people tick. Takes criticism personally, not wild about rejection, puts off making decisions.
INFP
FAITH*
True Blue is exhilarated by high expectations. Motivated by profit, power. Rigid, American right or wrong (but always right). Makes decisions quickly and completely. Stable, predictable, reliable, traditional. Owns property, keeps others away from that property. Loves the reality of the Armed Forces (in part because they are well-organized, clear in their intentions), and movie version, too--the whole idea of a well-organized force of people who take action is extremely appealing to True Blue. Much as he loves his own country, True Blue does not possess a crystal-clear understanding of life in other countries (except those visited while in the service). True Blue’s heart carries a soft secret: family members who he adores, but run contrary to his view of life and the way the world works.
Deeply committed to ethnical correctness and a big history view. Internalizes and energizes complex ideas. Genuine empathetic interest in helping others to understand, to thrive as their authentic selves. Takes long view, sees the big picture. Focused and single-minded, but singleminded to the point of inflexibility. Dislikes tension. Tends toward judgmental. Moves slowly and thoughtfully.
Naturally curious, practical. Loves variety. Wants in on the action. Probably a former beat reporter. Solves problems via instinct, investigation, observation. Sorts it out easily. Been there, done that. Handles complicated, simultaneous interactions. Absorbs, remembers facts. Observes like a predatory bird, no less active. Handles unplanned situations, organizes on the go. Lives in the practical, real world, not in a land of theories and intangibles and what-ifs. Perceived as unpredictable; sees himself/herself as pillar of reliable thought and action.
Treats the whole person, the whole situation. Natural creative problem solver, but a warm-hearted one. Encourages open sharing of ideas in a tolerant, non-judgmental way. Ask more questions; don’t accept situations at face value. Charismatic and easy-going; knows how to please others. Often surprised by guile or other self-interested motives. Sees the world in terms of heart and soul, not power or money. Positive world view is easily shaken; does not do well with criticism or negativity. Knows how to wield power and control.
Careful observation, meticulous accuracy, remembers facts and details and uses them to help others. Works hard, but behind the scenes. Traditional, stable, structured, orderly world. Focus on one idea at a time, present, neither future nor theoretical. Best one-on-one. Private, quiet workspace, limited interactions. Values harmony. Lacks flexibility, spontaneity. Generous to a fault; loves to be of service. Demands little from others, takes responsibility for their inadequacies.
INTP
ROARK
Develop, analyze, critique new ideas. Engaged by complex problems, and original solutions. Let me think, spend quiet time with thoughts and ideas to see possibilities that may not be immediately apparent to others. Logic, reason, instinct and ideas lead the way. Envisions and imagines clearly. Relies upon self-confidence, personal judgment. Prefers to interact with chosen few. Let others handle details—allows time for the next intellectual challenge.
Focused on strong inner values, something I care deeply about. Loyal, cooperative team member. Attention to detail, practical benefit to real people, strong service orientation. Courtesy and aesthetics matter as much as a cheerful, cooperative experience. Keep things simple and out of the public eye. Careful about providing negative feedback. May ignore or misread ideas that are inconsistent with beliefs or world view. Present-oriented. Difficult to imagine the big picture.
For a closer look at our character development process, see the research documents developed for possible animal characters in the Archive section: dog, cat, squirrel, turtle, owl, bee, ant, pigeon, dolphin.