Character Concept: Matt Hales

Background:

Matt Hales is a former investigative journalist turned reluctant informant in Veridion. Once dedicated to exposing corruption and unraveling the web of lies gripping the city, Matt’s pursuit of the truth brought him face-to-face with powerful forces—forces that shattered his career and nearly cost him his life. Now, he works from the shadows, feeding secrets to those still willing to fight. He’s resourceful, street-smart, and morally torn, caught between survival and the lingering hope of redemption.

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Appearance:

Age: Mid-30s

Build: Lean but hardened from years of survival in Veridion’s streets

Clothing: Worn leather jacket, tattered shirt, and fingerless gloves. His attire suggests someone used to blending in and moving fast.

Features: Sharp, angular face with perpetual stubble, tired but piercing eyes. A faint scar runs across his left cheek—a reminder of a past investigation gone wrong.

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Personality:

Resourceful: Quick-thinking, always staying two steps ahead.

Determined: Despite his fall from grace, he still hunts for the truth.

Cynical: Disillusioned by Veridion’s corruption but can’t ignore his drive to expose it.

Loyal: Protects those he cares about, though he struggles with trust issues.

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Role in the Story:

Connection to Emily Irons: Matt and Emily share a complicated alliance. He believes she might be the only one strong enough to take down Veridion’s power players, though he’s wary of her past.

Conflict with Jenn Power: Jenn sees Matt as a dangerous liability—he knows too much about her rise.

Ties to The Last Light: Matt often meets contacts at The Last Light, operating from its hidden backrooms.

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Voice and Dialogue Style:

Tone: Gritty, weary but sharp; speaks with the weight of someone who’s seen too much.

Sample Lines:

“Secrets built this city… and I know where they’re buried.”

“I don’t trust you, but I trust what you want… for now.”

“Every deal in Veridion comes with a knife in the back. Question is—who’s holding it?”

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