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Damon King (58)
Project: Comedy film (Western Road Trip)
Known as: The King
Real name: Damon King
Group affiliation: Demon Beasts motorcycle gang (leader)
Physical description: King is likely in his 50ies and is in great shape. He has salt-and-pepper hair and a goatee. He is a commanding presence, with a steely gaze.
Personality: King values obedience and loyalty – at least, when they are pointed at him. He rules the Demon Beasts with an iron fist and a sure way to end up in a world of hurt is to question his authority. He’s smart, though, and the gang has been successful in many nefarious undertakings while he’s been leading it. He’s ruthless and holds grudges, so if you are an enemy it is not a question of if King will strike, but when.
History: King has been trouble since the beginning. Abandoned and raised in foster care, soon enough King started to spend time in juvenile detention. He inadvertently made crime is primary area of study (sadly, he was bright enough he could have done about anything). By the time he reached adulthood he had mastered his craft. Though an active criminal, the authorities regularly failed to catch or convict him on any major crime. This success drew other criminals to him and he was soon running a small organization with fall guys in place.
His group eventually came into conflict over territory with a loosely affiliated gang called the Heretical Monks. While King’s group was larger and better organized, the Monks had one asset King could not overcome: Sun. Sun had founded the Monks and as undisciplined and as unorganized as they were, when he was around, they were unbeatable. Sun’s ability to predict how things would unfold, his gift for improvisation, and his unpredictable moves made him more than a match for King (not to mention Sun’s martial prowess). This enraged King and greatly pleased Sun (many suspected that Sun didn’t finish off King for this reason).
The Monks’ downfall, though, was an inattentive leader. Often Sun would get bored and travel. The Monks never knew when he’d be back. It was during an extended absence (it turns out Sun was in prison) that King finally was able to defeat the Monks at take over their territory. With no other options, more than a few of the Monks joined King and a new gang was formed: The Demon Beasts. Each Beast was to choose one animal to be their totem when they joined the gang, with one restriction – no one was allowed to choose a monkey (Sun was known for his monkey tattoo).
In our film, Whitey will report to King that Sun is back (not knowing that he is only passing through). King will lead the Demon Beasts on a cross-country chase after Sun and his companions. King’s sole focus will be to finally eliminate Sun once and for all but he will be constantly watching for betrayal (since some of the Beasts are former Monks).
Role in the narrative: He’s the main antagonist. The gang will cause problems for the travelers over and over.
Abilities: Smart, good fighter, competent strategist and leader. Exceptional criminal.
Inspirations: In Journey to the West Sun Wukong became the king of the monkeys by entering a cave behind a waterfall. He made this the monkey’s home but left them to learn magic. In his absence, the Demon King of Confusion took over the cave and drove out the monkies. Eventually, Sun Wukong would return and reclaim the monkey’s home. This is the overt inspiration for “Damon King,” though plenty of motorcycle gang characters out there (I think maybe I had Ron Pearlman in Sons of Anarchy in my head while writing this).
100 Characters Blog 