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[Player name] Maddie
[Age] 25
[Personal Journal] N/A [nerdraeg @ LJ]
[Other characters currently played]

Yamamoto Takeshi / Katekyo Hitman Reborn! / combiplay
Peter Parker / The Amazing Spider-Man / peterparker
Jonathan Crane / Batman / doctorisin

[Character name] Marius Pontmercy
[Age] ~23 [not explicitly stated; taken by context clues and his age at other portions of the novel]
[Canon] Les Misérables [novel]
[Point in time taken from canon] While finishing his recovery from his injuries at the barricade at his grandfather's home, after it has been sanctioned by M. Gillenormand and Jean Valjean that he can marry Cosette.

[Background]

This is a pretty comprehensive overview of Marius' Background.

In addition to this, there are some key moments I'd like to highlight and point out that aren't included in the link.

Regarding His Father: Marius' idol-worship of the man after his death results in Marius taking up both his title and his debts. As such, he re-names himself Baron Marius Pontmercy, based on that title being passed to his father by Napoleon himself before the Emperor's regime ended. (This, by the way, is considered ridiculous by both Monarchists like Marius' Grandfather AND by Republicans like Les Amis de l'ABC. But Marius could not care less about the opinions of others, because he is so socially out of touch that it's physically embarrassing.) Nonetheless, he is so serious in regards to this inheritance that he even prints out calling cards for himself with the title-- despite having no friends/acquaintances at the time. After leaving his grandfather's home, he tries fruitlessly to find the man Thénardier, who had saved his father's life at Waterloo. When he does eventually find him (and learns that he is a criminal), Marius nonetheless begins to borrow money from his friends in order to send it to the man. He is so distraught by feeling he was an ungrateful son that he also spends months in desperate dejection over it, insisting on wearing all black. However, by the end of the novel, he repays the debt to Thénardier in a final way; by giving him thousands of francs and sending him on his way to America. By this time, both his infatuation with his wife Cosette, his forgiveness towards his Grandfather, and his intense dislike of Thénardier gives him the sensation that he has overcome both his debts and his idol-worship. He is no longer interested in being called a Baron by the end of the novel (though, amusingly, his Grandfather finally begins to use the name and Cosette is charmed by being Baroness).

Regarding Les Amis de l'ABC: It is actually through Bousett, another of the 'Amis', that Marius is introduced to Courfeyrac, who takes him to meet the others in the student political group. Bousett covers for him in law school, where they shared a class, after Marius is absent due to a row with his Grandfather. Bousett says he is Marius during roll call, losing his own spot in the class to preserve Marius'. Courfeyrac, who takes him in after he leaves his Grandfather's home (and then again after he flees his seedy apartment at Gorbeau house later in the nover), canonically becomes his best friend. Despite the popular (and, to some extent, true) idea that Marius does not have many friends within the 'Amis', this is due more to his own detachment from them after his row with Enjolras and his overall devotion (read: obsession) with Cosette. He is either on amicable terms or ignored by the others. The fact that he was not written off is proven in the novel when Enjolras reveals that he had saved a task for Marius (speaking about their Republican ideals to citizens), and that he thinks he is "good" on the whole. Only, Marius never returned to the cafe for their meetings after the initial argument.

Regarding the June Rebellion, and his part on the Barricades: Here, it should be noted that Marius comes into his own a little, finally. His gallantry earns the respect of Enjolras and others. He saves both Courfeyrac and Gavroche with pistol shots, then the entire barricade with a powder keg. As such, he is then considered one of the two leaders at the barricade, alongside Enjolras; he is entrusted with difficult decisions and tactical positions. However brave and valiant he is here, it is fueled very much by his largely suicidal state of mind. This is important to note, as half of Marius' growth; becoming vastly responsible, loyal and valiant; is only due to his headlessness of injury or death. For example, as a homage to his father, he goes to collect the body of little Gavroch Thénardier from off of the battlefield-- getting grazed in the head by a bullet in the process and headless of his own defense. Nonetheless, he takes some of these qualities away from the barricade with him after. (Though, due to his injuries and post-trauma, is still largely detached from what happened and the men who died there. It seems to him more like a dream than something that truly happened, and to remember otherwise gives him pain.)

Regarding Javert: It is not explicitly stated in the link, but Marius held a deep respect for the Inspector, based on their one meeting and the encounter he observed in the Thénardier apartment. This respect compounded his horror when he thought that Jean Valjean killed the man, just as he had risen from the barricade with the idea to go and save his life.

Regarding his Grandfather: Marius reconciles with M. Gillenormand after he is brought home with his injuries. Frantic over the thought of losing Marius and grateful when he does not, Marius' Grandfather is transformed into a doting, peaceable man; he gives his consent for Marius to marry Cosette and all is forgiven between them. This is especially so, as Cosette is loyal to Marius throughout his recovery, making bandages for him. He becomes a staple in their little family, and they live with him at his home.

[Personality]

Marius is perhaps best described by these two words: Zealous and Serious.

Having grown up in a socially stifling environment; surrounded only by bitter Monarchists who were in old age, home-tutored, with no comrades of his own age, forced to see the world through the sterile and sneering lens of his Grandfather, cut off from his father and with no mother; Marius is, understandably, a little awkward. He thinks deeply, but often consults no one on his thoughts, leading to a narrow viewpoint that he becomes absorbed in. --On the other hand, when a new viewpoint is introduced, he can take to it almost too fanatically; for him, it as if the world has been turned upside-down, when he actually hears a point he never considered before, or takes in a perspective he never imagines. (For example, when he forgoes his Grandfather's royalist teachings and delves into the Bonapartist leanings of his father.) Marius can therefore bounce from one opinion to its total opposite in a heartbeat and will berate himself for being so foolish as to have had his original opinion; he's hard on himself.

The combination of being both reserved in his manner and passionate in his beliefs gives Marius another unique quirk. Namely, that he has a propensity to take almost anything either too seriously, or not seriously enough. He does everything 'greatly', in other words: when he is obsessed, the obsession is total and absolute and without question. When he is offended, the offense does not fade and cannot be easily reconciled; sometimes taking years, a revelation, or never at all. When he is in pain, he takes it to absurd levels and assumes he will never recover (Protip for Marius: getting yourself intentionally killed because you think the girl you love is moving to England is not a rational response to the situation.) When he is interested and absorbed in one thing, he simply forgets others that may be important. (For example, when he becomes absorbed in his father, he does not bother to think that his Grandfather might miss him; when he marries Cosette, his passion for his father begins to wane.) Marius does not leave things/people wayside on purpose, as he is on the whole a caring person with a good heart and a strong sense of morality. But, again: zealous and awkward, not always a winning combination.

As a result of his 'greatness of feeling', Marius can often be naive or blind to obvious facts that either contradict or play no part in what he is interested in. He can also be unsympathetic or hypocritical, though it is never his intention to be. (Just as he doesn't notice what isn't important to him, he often doesn't notice when his negative traits are running wild; he wears blinders, too absorbed in whatever it is that has touched his heart.) His main fault, caused by his blind obsessions and the introspection born of his lonely childhood, is that he is often really, really oblivious. Be it of other's doings, feelings or just life in general. (When he's absorbed by something, he can often forget to eat for days.)

While this has illustrated quite a few of Marius' flaws, he's certainly not all bad; not by a long shot. In fact, he tries so hard to be good, that it almost defines him. His obliviousness is sometimes due to his innocence (ie. when his Grandfather suggests he make Cosette a mistress and not his wife, the concept needs to be re-explained to him before he understands), or his tendency to daydream. Often, his daydreams relate to how he can be a better man. 'Being a better man' changes for him over time; be it how to repay his father, how to be worthy of Cosette's love, or what to do about Jean Valjean and still be in the right; but the cause doesn't leave him.

Marius is charitable to a fault, often giving away the only money he has, refusing to accept pity-money from his family, and lending out to friends. He is morally upright, preforming no ills intentionally and being a man who follows laws of both decorum and of the state (revolution aside... which he only joins last-minute, as a means of dying in body because his heart has died at the thought of losing Cosette). He is horrified by the idea of theft, murder and greed. He is overcome by tales of bravery and greatness, and is capable of feats of gallantry, loyalty and courage himself. (When you have his loyalty, it is absolute.) He stands for what he believes is right, tirelessly, but tests himself on whether he knows what is right often enough. He almost is his own worst tormentor, putting moral questions to himself constantly and wondering what the best course of action is. He isn't quick to condemn anyone and is slow to forgive himself any trespasses.

He is also somewhat shy. It takes him ages (and a lot of stalking) to finally speak to Cosette; it takes him a while to stand up for his beliefs against those of the 'Amis' as well. While he might often come off as foppish, absurd and day-dreamy, Marius does what he thinks is right, is brave enough to stand up to family and friends to defend it and ultimately, funnels all of his energy into the joy of true love via Cosette. Granted, a lot of what he thinks is right is often really silly... but at least he doesn't see it that way. (Re: Oblivious.)

By the end of the novel, loving Cosette is part of what defines him, what finally transforms his personality from a melancholy, reserved, energetic dreamer into a bold husband and a decision maker. These are traits he always had in him, that were sown at the barricades, and bloomed when he was reunited with Cosette.

[Abilities]

Marius is an average human. He speaks English and German in addition to French, and just happens to be a lawyer. He can fire a pistol (and if you own one, he probably accidentally stole it from you.)

If being oblivious was an ability, he's have level 100 stats in it.

[Other important stuff] N/A

[Sample post]
[First Person]

- What do you think of your home world?

My home world? Paris, you mean. It is... in upheaval. In was in upheaval. [Had it been? Was it still? He looks unsure; in fact, he can't be particularly sure, as it is like a dream for him. Those months, that barricade. Almost confusedly, but voice growing steadier as he goes, he mechanically rattles off, while looking puzzled and a bit distressed,] There are this-and-that faction, there are these-and-those beliefs, but... but I think it could stand to be improved. I believe that there was a certain grandeur during the rein of Bonaparte that has not been replicated since. There is famine, there is disease and the people... they stave and they die.

But I cannot dislike it. For if you ask me where my home is, truly, I would say it is in Cosette. My house is built in her smile and its walls are tended to by her love. Wherever Cosette might be, there are no shadows and no cobwebs. There is no malice and no darkness. She is like the dawn.

I am not certain how to reconcile Paris with Cosette; they are each my home, they mingle with one another, and yet...

[He trails off, shaking his head. He would rather think on Cosette than on Paris, right now.]

- If you could go back home, would you? Why or why not?

I would. I would return at once. They have said I must wait, but a few weeks, until the day of the wedding. Oh! But weeks will seem like centuries, and I am eager to have it done. To be monsieur and madame, to share the same name as we share the same soul.

The time passes quickly when she tends to me, yet still; I wish to speed it up and slow it to a halt both at once.

- What were you doing before now?

Recuperating. I have been informed I was in a bad way after... after the battle, if I may say it. [The wounded had been granted amnesty by the government, but anonymity was wisest. Still, as anonymity was a lie, he wouldn't abide by it.] My memory of it is altered and I do not know what to make of it, mostly. Only that a man brought me hence, from the barricade, with a tenderness I cannot fathom and can only pray I might one day repay. I was delivered, as if by an angel, and the recovery was long and feverish. I know that there are scars, that bullets must have traversed me, that my wounds were coated in mire from the sewers through which I was carried.

I know all of this simply because I was told it. My recollection is faint.

The dawn arrived in my mind only when Father told me I might have her as my wife. At last.

- Would you consider yourself a power hungry individual?

No. I do not see the point in hungering for something in-absolute. Greater men than I have fallen father to pursue a path of glory.

I do not need to wield an army, a nation, or my fellow man.

Being beside Cosette, being warm, seeing her happy; that is the most sublime feeling and it gives me the power to breathe. It is the only thing I seek.

- Murder. What is your opinion?

Heinous. Unforgivable. A stain upon the soul that cannot be rubbed out or worn down. To take another life, outside of the just causes of battle... it is to sell your soul to a dark place and to renounce the goodness of life. You become a spectre, even as your victim rises to meet the good God.

I should never condone a murder, nor commit one by my own hand.

[Third Person]

[Using Sample Prompt #1]

Marius hardly noticed the rain. The decrepit state of his umbrella went almost wholly disregarded, as he held it by his side while he walked, having not bothered to open it. Around him, the gray skies that wallowed down upon the earth gave him not the slightest hint of bother; he was lost in thought.

Not days ago, he had been the happiest creature in all the world. He had been in the presence of Cosette again, his adorable Cosette, and he knew that they would be joined in law as they were fused by their very souls. Now, in this strange place, he was alone in a way he had been many times before; and worse for it, as he always was. Absorbed by it.

It was only once he noticed the ache in his collar bone emanating due to the chill of the cool weather and dampness that he took notice of the rain. Almost out of habit, and not necessity, he paused his shuffling steps and looked for a place to take shelter.

There, not any great distance from him, stood a little shack. It was modest, if not odious. He barely recognized the state of it and certainly didn't turn up his nose at it; shelter was shelter, and it fulfilled his duty to find it, and that was all. Seemingly, it was abandoned also-- thus, if anything, it would do nicely that he should not startle a family inside.

Heading in that direction, Marius made it to the entrance in no great hurry. He was already wet and additional wetness would not effect the time it took to dry. Planting a hand upon the door when he arrived at it, he pushed inside with a little effort and followed into the gloom with an air of unconcern.

Yes, it was dark. Yes, it was dank. Yes, it was a cantankerous old dwelling. But he feared not darkness, not old moisture, not creaking walls. What he feared was to be alone, to be apart from Cosette, to have only the phantoms of memory of those men who had become his brothers and then had died.

He could wile away some time here; a good ten minutes passed before it even occurred to him to walk in further than the first few steps.

Yes, the dwelling suited his needs just fine. It was dry, the rain was placid on the rooftop, and Marius' clothes would drain themselves onto the floor the same way his thoughts drained from his mind; overflowing, irregular, shuddering.

[Why do you want to play this character in Somarium?] Honestly? Way back when Som was on LJ, I was tempted to play him, but 4 characters was my limit. Now, this would make him my fourth, so I know I can handle it. Also, ngl, I'm just terribly excited about the idea of possibly having a Som!Wedding for him, should he be accepted and be lucky enough to have a Cosette. I love this derp.

[Which rule was your favorite and why?] It's always the 'be nice!' rule! Because this game literally has the nicest people, and that's pretty cool.

[Where did you hear about Somarium?] It's my 2nd year anniversary here and I don't remember. But whoever told me about it, thank you.

[Any questions?] None, thanks!