EDDIE HISAKAWA

While Eddie Hisakawa was originally inspired purely by canon and fanon depictions of his face claim, some aspects of his character have been further inspired by the concept of identity. He's spent much of his early life being someone that he thinks he should be rather than being someone that he wants to be, and it's a pain that he's tolerated up until his arrival in Hoenn. Now that he's free from the shackles of his old life, it's time to confront himself and figure out who he is meant to be.

Goals for his characterization include exploring who he is on the surface versus who he is underneath the facade of oafishness he likes to put on. Is he really just a big ol' meathead, or is there something more? And is he going to like what he sees beneath the surface?

Character inspirations include, as previously mentioned, Kaito Masaharu of Judgment/Lost Judgment, as well as Ichiban Kasuga of the Like a Dragon franchise (something something the heart is a muscle, too.) He's also inspired by themes of masculinity/masculine gender identity, as well as the idea of deconstructing the 'himbo' archetype.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

Eddie is a lover of many things; of good company, good food, and of good drink. He's a little too down-to-earth to be considered an epicurean or bon vivant, but he relishes the physical, tangible things that he can touch and taste and feel. He also loves just about any form of physical activity, particularly weight-lifting and jogging. Much of it is tied to the bodily sensations and physicality involved, but he also likes to maintain his physique just to look good. He takes some level of pride in his appearance, but is careful and self-aware enough to keep himself from slipping into outright vanity. None of that is to say that he's solely preoccupied by transient pleasures, though. Eddie places great value on people and of developing lasting friendships and bonds. He's outgoing and always excited to meet new people, and for those that come to be close to him, he will prove to be a doggedly loyal friend for the long haul. Eddie also feels a general responsibility towards his fellow man, an almost custodial duty to protect and provide that has only been reinforced by his upbringing. As such, he's always willing to help someone in need, even if it comes at some sort of inconvenience or expense to himself.

On the other hand, the influence of his father especially has instilled Eddie with a strong sense of morality, and the propensity to hold himself to an almost impossible standard of conduct. As such, Eddie can be hard on himself if he feels he's falling short of the man he thinks he's supposed to be. One of the big things he thinks he's supposed to be is someone who can come to the defense of those that need it, but as a result, he's more than willing to sacrifice himself to spare those around him. And for all of his love of people and loyalty to his friends, it can prove difficult to really learn who the real Eddie is. He plays himself up as something of a meathead but it's often to obfuscate his own personal insecurities. Some such insecurities include the fact that his self-worth is tied solely in the things he can do for others rather than qualities he himself possesses, and the fact that, at his core, he's deeply sensitive and lonely.

MOTIVATIONS

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE: Eddie's here for a good time AND a long time! He's always on the lookout for new places to travel to and new people to meet. Despite the dangers that the region presents, Eddie's excited to see the sights, meet the locals, and catch some Pokemon in what he sees as a fascinating locale.

INTROSPECTION: Having spent years trying to be the person his father and others in his life want him to be, Eddie is tentatively starting to look inward and figure out what he really wants in life. The first step was getting out of Paldea, but the next? Well, he'll have to figure that out along the way.

CURRENT PLOTS

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD
During his typical nine-to-five, Eddie is hard at work in Rustboro, trying to eke out a living in an unfamiliar city. However, Eddie is eager to take what money he's got after the bills are paid and have a fun night on the town! Once his rainy day funds are looking a little more robust, Eddie also has his sights set on neighboring towns to experience what life in Hoenn has to offer, from the stunning Meteor Falls to the scenic island of Dewford.

SEEKING:

• Residents of Rustboro, other civilians, and the like for casual social interactions. Alternatively, any locals that'd be willing to help a somewhat clueless newcomer to the region get his footing, especially during his weekend excursions out of town

SAVING PRIVATE EDDIE
After nearly dying on excursion to the Great Chasm, Eddie resolved himself to do what he could to prevent others from meeting the end he nearly faced at the hands of a particularly vicious Walking Wake. With the help of the man who saved his life, Eddie has found himself a new recruit for the League's armed forces. Unsure of where this new path will lead him, but determined to protect the people of Hoenn, Eddie is ready to do his part to keep those around him safe from whatever calamity may befall the region next.

SEEKING:

• Folks in the League that Eddie might either naturally run into with his new set of responsibilities as a military recruit, or those who may take a personal interest in whatever potential they might see in him.

OTHER PLOT HOOKS

PAST CONNECTIONS

• Former classmates, neighbors, and others who might recognize him from his hometown of Cascarrafa
• Past romantic flings
• Family members, particularly his three brothers

NEW CONNECTIONS

• Coworkers, neighbors, and others living nearby in Rustboro
• Members of the League's armed forces, especially those that work with foot soldiers or new recruits

CODE BY GUNSMILE