Too human to live in the sea. Too fish to live on land.
That’s the core tension of my character, currently nicknamed “Fish Guy.” I’ve built a bit of a backstory for him, but it needs more development-so he doesn’t feel too much like Namor or Aquaman.
Here’s a summary of his origin so far:
Triton is a human / merman hybrid. He can live and breathe both in and out of the sea. He was born underwater but had a human form, so he was given to a human couple to raise.
Gradually, his body transformed to help him survive in the water.
One day, he emerged from the waves at Kathisma Beach in Lefkada, Greece. His almost luminescent blue skin and bulbous eyes sent the crowd running. He just watched them flee, walked up to the things they’d left behind, ate a sandwich, drank some iced coffee, picked up a smartphone with earphones, and walked straight back into the sea.
The only evidence he was ever there? A drawing made days later by a child, signed
“Haris.”
That’s what I have so far. Hopefully all these pieces will combine into a character that feels fresh and interesting.
Below is another drawing of him-this one unfinished-showing him enjoying the sea.
What would you add to Triton’s story to make him stand out? Let me know in the comments.
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