Mr. Dwight D. Kelly, 40
Exuberant Car Salesman
Dwight had always tried to turn a blind eye to the negative connotations associated with his profession and eventually managed to embrace the role of a salesman with an innovative mindset. What had started out as a necessity to keep food on the table – Dwight had failed to make the grades while in school, leaving him with very few options for a prolific career choice – had quickly evolved into a personal crusade. He became determined to break through the dissenting opinions and persistent stereotypes to make a name for himself. Of course, it didn’t hurt that fast money was always a possibility under the right conditions…and Dwight had a habit of following the money trail. Adopting a cheerful disposition, and with a little patience and perseverance, he was able to connect with his customers through empathy; to reach out and feel as the other fellow does in order to sell him a product. Not only did this garner him respect and trust among his peers, but it allowed him to accumulate a growing list of satisfied customers. He came highly recommended for his knowledge and developed a reputation for being one of the few ‘honest’ salesmen left in the business. If a citizen of Probity wanted a fresh look that would turn heads, they knew to seek out Dwight for a brand new car.When Dwight is not trying to proffer a potential sale, he is usually at home, sitting beside the radio or before the television cheering on his favorite sports teams. According to his wife, Dotty, the same tired ritual has turned him into quite the sports commentator, something Dwight himself tends to scoff at. In truth, the only commentary he regularly provides is to his son, Greg, who plays for the varsity football team at Probity High. Dwight hopes to one day hear the name of his son over the same radio he obsesses over every day. He is damn proud of his boy and likes to flaunt about that fact while out in public, especially at church on Sunday, where the townsfolk are usually greeted by Dwight’s smiling face and upbeat personality.
Insatiable Egotist
On the flip side, one could not be a successful salesman without a healthy ego, but in Dwight’s case, it is anything but healthy. In fact, it borders on destructive narcissism. His desire to make a sale for his own personal gain contributes to his ‘trophy’ complex, or the need to use material objects to feel more adequate about himself. He has a real fixation over being the first to own all the best and latest gadgets in town to elevate his self-importance, even at the expense of his family’s financial situation. But the real damage occurs at home behind closed doors. Due to his own underachieving childhood and subsequent career, Dwight lives precariously through his son to fulfill his unrealized dreams. He pushes the young man to his limits, often coming across as cruel and unreasonable in what he demands from his boy. At first, Dotty tried to intervene and act as mediator, but she quickly learned to back away and simply go with the flow. While she would never tell another soul, she also falls under the scrutiny of her oppressive husband, something which routinely leads to verbal abuse, but on occasion, it has also turned physical. Dwight never mentions these encounters, and Dotty carries on as if nothing is out of place. After all, isn’t divorce considered the ultimate sin?Dolores “Dotty” Kelly - Wife
Dolores, or Dotty as she was known around town, is a mild-mannered housewife with a gentle smile and an infectious attitude. She prides herself in being the busy bee who frequently volunteers to organize social gatherings and various church functions around town. Some suspect that she is just another gossip, but in truth, Dotty feels ‘at home’ around other people and excels at catering to their needs. But despite her hospitality, her gaze always seems distant, almost sad...a peculiar notion for someone who is so outgoing. She is also known for her curious fashion sense, most notably the silk scarves around her neck and overcoats of a tasteful design.
Gregory Kelly - Son
Like any typical teenager, Greg values his freedom and prefers the company of his friends over the prevalent shadow of his parents. The soda shop and the vacant lot adjacent to the schoolyard remain popular hangouts for Greg and his buddies. He also holds a solid part-time job at the local thrift store. While he never intentionally tries to cause trouble, Greg still harbors a rebellious streak. This is evident through the many battles he often fights out with his father, who believes that he must attend college on a football scholarship. Being a senior quarterback on the team has its quirks, but he aspires for something better...perhaps political science, or even the military. The day he breaks that news to his father is the day he will leave the house forever. In fact, after he graduates high school, he plans to do just that.