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| Project working title: The Gyaru Exorcist |
It's been my pseudo-mission for a while now to figure out how to combine my two favorite things: horror and gyaru. If I had any artistic talent, I would surely make a manga. Alas, I can barely draw a competent stick figure. The only thing I'm semi-good at is writing, so a compilation of short stories will have to do.
As of right now, the working title for this project is The Gyaru Exorcist. I want to be very deliberate about the production of this story, not for any particular reason outside of... well, it's fun. And it gives me something to blog about.
I always love the process of coming up with characters and the world they inhabit. That's usually a solitary pursuit, but since it's gyaru-related, I felt like I could justify posting it here. From here on out, any posts related to the development of this story and its characters will be tagged as "the creation of TGE."
What you will find below is a very basic character file. I wanted to get a start on my main gal. It's by no means extensive, but it's a foot in the proverbial door. Things are also subject to change as the outline progresses, but I think that's part of the fun. And if you're reading this, you're coming along.
Name: Reina Earnshaw (アーンショウ怜奈)
Age: 27Sex/Gender: Female, she/herEthnicity: Japanese-AmericanOccupation: Exorcist/yokai (ghost) hunterSocioeconomic status: Lower to middle classHighest education: High school
Reina is fiercely independent. She appreciates authenticity and autonomy, frequently challenging social norms and speaking her mind with panache and confidence. Reina is also inventive and idealistic. Her curiosity about other people and the supernatural leads her to uncover new things, unknown powers, and innovative ways to confront evil forces. She is kind-hearted and can empathize with even the most misunderstood beings, humans and yokai alike.
She also has a studious and curious disposition. This aspect of Reina is intense, analytical, and private. She's laid-back and strongly appreciates cuteness and leisure, which gives her personality a softer and more sensual edge.
She is devoted to her loved ones and adamant about her beliefs. This contrasts with her more free-spirited nature, which keeps her from getting lost in her fantasies and allows her to focus on the present moment. Finally, Reina is witty, resourceful, and funny. Her versatile, almost mischievous personality aids her in her exorcism work, mainly when inventiveness and quick thinking are necessary.
Personality Types- Jungian: The Rebel
- ENFP: The Dreamer
- Enneagram: The Investigator
- Taurus (Western zodiac)
- Monkey (Chinese zodiac)
External Motivation - to help others by fending off the yokai and ayakashi of Tokyo
Internal Motivation
Positive Traits- Charismatic, resilient, intuitive, quick-witted, passionate, empathetic
Negative Traits - Capricious, gossipy, stubborn, quixotic, impulsive, impatient
Loves- Suntans, the beach, shopping, dancing at nightclubs, gothic romance
Hates- Cold weather, traditional values, black-and-white thinking, early mornings
Quirks and Mannerisms- Often gives playful nicknames to people and spirits, twirls the charms on her bracelet when thinking, makes exaggerated facial expressions
Fears and Phobias- Fear of being forgotten, losing loved ones, blending into the background
Life Philosophy or Motto- "Live fast, leave a mark."
Basic physical characteristics - Her hair is naturally brown, but she bleaches it blonde. It’s cut into a layered style with sharp side bangs, giving her that classic Shibuya ganguro look.
- Reina’s skin is naturally tan, but she enhances it further with tanning lotions and regular sunning in summer. She prefers looking sun-kissed all year round.
- Her hazel eyes are a dark, warm brown with subtle green flecks. She occasionally uses colored contacts to make them appear larger or to give them a subtle honey hue.
- Standing at about 5'5" (165 cm), she’s of average height but carries herself with a confidence that makes her seem taller. Her build is toned and fit, thanks to her love of dancing and staying active, but she maintains soft curves that suit her style. She often sports big platform shoes, putting her well over 170 cm.
Distinguishing Features- She has a beauty mark under her left eye.
- Reina’s ganguro style and makeup are her signatures—a tan and matte complexion with contrasting white shadow around her eyes, the occasional gems and stickers, and a nude lip.
Physical mannerisms- Reina's gait is bold and dynamic; she struts instead of walks, with a notable pep in her step. She has a knack for commanding people's attention without saying a word.
- When she speaks, she uses her hands to emphasize what she says. It's especially evident when she's excited or telling a story, and her bright-painted nails highlight her gestures.
- When she's feeling mischievous or scrutinizing something, she tilts her head slightly.
- Reina tends to make big, exaggerated facial expressions, particularly in response to something amusing or startling. When someone says something unusual, she enlarges her eyes, lifts her brows, etc. It's involuntary.
Sense of style - Reina’s style is pure, unapologetic 90s ganguro. She favors bright, bold colors, resort/surf wear, platform sandals and boots, crop tops, and mini skirts. Her outfits are eye-catching and meticulously coordinated.
- Reina loves chunky statement accessories—think kukui and shell necklaces, stacks of silver bangles, and oversized hoop earrings. She’s rarely seen without her platform sandals or heels, which boost her height.
- Her appearance is a top priority and key to her identity. She spends considerable time each morning perfecting her look, from hair to nails to outfit, and takes pride in never leaving home less than perfectly put-together. This level of effort isn’t just about style; it’s her way of expressing herself and standing out from the crowd.
- Reina’s makeup is a ritual and a source of confidence. She spends time layering tanning lotions and applying bold makeup. Her signature white eyeshadow and long lashes are non-negotiable, making her look both adorable and a bit intimidating.
Three Formative Experiences- Reina's childhood in Japan consisted of being different—a hāfu in a society that frequently emphasizes homogeneity. Her peers bullied her in middle school due to her "unusual" appearance, notably her half-American heritage, which often set her apart. Rumors in high school about her being "easy" due to her style alienated her even more, but they also helped her develop resilience. These years taught her to build a thick skin and a fiery, self-made confidence and embrace the characteristics that made her stand out rather than blend in.
- Reina was devastated when her mother died at the end of high school, causing an abrupt and dramatic breakdown of her family dynamic. Reina's mother had always been a source of encouragement for her interests and free spirit, thus her loss left her feeling disoriented and devastated. Following this tragedy, she opted to attend college in California to get a fresh start.
- Reina's decision to return to Tokyo at the age of 26 to care for her sick grandma was both selfless and complicated. While she wanted to help, she found herself adrift in Tokyo, without her usual support structure, and frequently working low-wage jobs that permitted her to zone out. She began to use her grandmother’s illness as a convenient excuse for her own lack of ambition.
Childhood- Reina grew up in Tokyo in a mixed Japanese-American household, which made her an outlier among her peers.
- Though frequently visiting her Florida-based family in America, she spent her school years in Japan, where she often struggled to fit in. As a hāfu, she was treated differently, and her appearance made her a target for teasing, particularly in middle school.
- Her parents, particularly her mother, encouraged her to stay true to herself, fostering her love for individuality and bold fashion from an early age.
- Reina's love of old-school gyaru culture and fashion grew as a way to express her uniqueness and take control of her identity.
- Despite the hardships, Reina was a spirited child with a big heart, learning early on to channel her pain into self-expression and develop a keen empathy for outsiders.
Most treasured possession and why?- Reina’s most treasured possession is a vintage charm bracelet that belonged to her mother.
- The bracelet serves as a tangible connection to her mother.
Event or events from their past created their flaw- Reina's bullying and ostracism at school had a significant impact on her impetuous, somewhat unpredictable personality. To cope with the feeling of being different, she developed a habit of seeking the unexpected and living life "in the moment" to avoid overthinking or allowing others' opinions to hurt her. Her mother's death also contributed to an ongoing restlessness, as her desire to start over in America drove her to pursue new experiences rather than confront her grief.
- Returning to Japan to care for her grandmother sparked an internal conflict: while she adores her grandma and wishes to be there for her, she can't escape her bitterness over her stagnated life. This combination of loyalty and disquiet has driven her proclivity for self-sabotage whenever she feels imprisoned, causing her to avoid consistency and occasionally act against her own best interests. This self-sabotaging side is most visible when she selects low-effort professions or fails to pursue her aspirations fully, knowing it leaves her feeling stagnant.
GrandmotherReina's relationship with her maternal grandma is essential to the narrative. After returning to Tokyo to care for her, they form an inseparable but complex relationship. Her grandmother's insights and experiences provide Reina with invaluable advice regarding life, spirituality, and family. However, the demands of caregiving sometimes cause stress as Reina attempts to reconcile her personal desires with her responsibilities.
Maki (High School Best Friend)
Maki has been Reina's best friend since high school, and their friendship offers comfort and security. Maki knows Reina's hardships and has always been there to cheer her up during tough times. They both enjoy fashion and nightlife and frequently spend their weekends dancing and shopping. As Reina's supernatural quest unfolds, Maki becomes a vital support system and ally.
Yoichi (Close Friend and Tech-Support)Yoichi is introduced as a tech-savvy young man who helps Reina with her spiritual cases. Initially, their relationship is founded on a shared curiosity about the supernatural, but it quickly develops into a close friendship. Yoichi's logical and analytical approach balances Reina's impetuous tendency, allowing her to confront issues more effectively.
Family
Reina's family was formerly quite close. However, when her mother's health deteriorated, her parents' marriage strained, resulting in an emotional schism in the family. After her mother died, her father became a shell of his old self, withdrawing into his grief and leaving Reina feeling isolated.
