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Finley Butler (94)
Project: TV Series (Rent Control)
Known as: Fin (sometimes)
Real name: Finley Butler
Group affiliation: Butler family; formerly Billings High School
Physical description: Arlo is 77 and a bit of a silver fox. He has dancing blue eyes and the kinds of wrinkles that suggest a life well lived (e.g., smile lines). He’s one inch shorter than his brother and dresses well though casual.
Personality: Finley is charming and beloved. He makes friends easily in part because he is very optimistic and supportive of others. He was often voted favorite teacher during his years as a high school speech and drama teacher. He is quick to help and quick to forgive. Perhaps his biggest flaw is that he can be a little sensitive to judgment (especially his own). His parents’ favoring of his brother still rankles him (though he wishes he could let it go).
History: Finley was born Arlo’s little brother. Finley himself would resent his history starting out that way but it is how even he defined himself for a lot of his life. Arlo was his parents’ favorite and in fact had trouble connecting with Finley who wanted to spend his time drawing, watching films, or acting. Arlo did better in school and was much more driven. It’s not like people did not like Finley, he was simply the nice-guy younger brother (and we know where nice guys finish).
As covered in the Arlo entry, their parents were not open to giving Finley the ranch even when Arlo seemed reticent. They were probably right – though dutiful, Finley would have been miserable running the ranch. When Arlo’s machinations resulted in the loss of the ranch, Finley was furious with his brother. He was mystified how he could not end up the favored son. Arlo’s eventual financial success and care of their parents only made it worse.
Especially since his brother was a little free about lording success over Finley (from Arlo’s perspective, they were all offers to help Finley out). Finley had gone to college dreaming of being an actor but ultimately decided to be a teacher. He was an amazing teacher, beloved by students, administrators, and parents. The vast majority of the time this was more than enough for Finley. Still, his brother appearing in the paper or pulling up in his latest car caused Finley twinges of resentment.
Finley met a single Billings parent (Katie) and fell in love. An instant family, he was a fantastic father to his two step children. They were very happy together.
Now, Finley is retired. He lost his wife, but his children (and grandchildren) are a big part of his life. While he had taught school, his student productions were quite a draw. After retirement, he started a community theater largely staffed by retirees. He believes that the theater keeps people active and builds confidence and runs his theater mostly for the benefit of the participants. In truth, he loves the theater and simply couldn’t imagine retirement without it in his life.
Arlo and Finley have a very complex relationship. They have been trying to reconnect. Finley is motivated by trying to let go of many of the issues he’s had with his brother. Additionally, he now feels sorry for Arlo who seems a little lost and lonely. Unfortunately, Arlo knows that their meetings are partially out of pity and in retirement the tables have turned, and Arlo has begun to resent his little brother. Finley is surrounded by friends and family and with Arlo’s reduced fortunes Arlo has begun to wonder which brother worked life better.
Then Arlo came to Finley with an offer: $100,000 for Finley to use to put on a top-shelf production of RENT. Finley initially declines as it seems to him another time Arlo wants to lord his money over Finley (he would somewhat be Arlo’s employee). He does not trust his brother’s motivations (why RENT?).
Ultimately, however, Finley can’t pass up the chance to provide such an opportunity to his theater troupe. At another level, his dreams of stardom are stirred, and he dreams of creating something great. Unfortunately, the brothers will lock horns many times – over casting, direction, and more. Fortunately, this might help them exorcise their sibling demons.
But Arlo won’t be the only relationship affected by the production. Finley just might find new love, deal with some prejudices he didn’t know he had, and come to a new understanding about his relationship with theater.
Role in the narrative: Protagonist.
Abilities: He’s fantastic with people and a wonderful teacher. He is also an above-average director (at least as community theaters go).
Inspirations: Under-appreciated, nice-guy brother? Where to start? I know the Elfstones of Shanarra had an elven prince that is an influence here. Weird Science? Faramir? Probably the latter is a big influence – I was always a fan and couldn’t understand why Denethor so preferred the elder.
100 Characters Blog 