Will's Insight | Opt-In Post

[empathicfault]

In the series Hannibal, Will Graham is shown to have a unique ability- he calls it 'interpreting the evidence', whereas Hannibal calls it 'pure empathy'. It lets Will know what the people around him are feeling, often to Will's detriment. Will frequently appears to be overstimulated by the outside world, slumping in chairs and avoiding eye contact. He finds comfort in dogs and being alone.

However, this ability can often be extremely useful for determining motivations, desires, and fears. When he uses it at crime scenes, the series shows murders taking place as if Will were the culprit. He sees fantastical visions and metaphorical imagery as he places himself in his target's place, seeing the world as they see it.

I'd like to write out some of this imagery in narration as I roleplay, but I also don't want to infomod. So if you are interested in letting Will into knowing your character through this ability, please reply here.

What I'd like to know (feel free to copy+paste, or just write out what you'd like)--
<b>1. What would you like him to be able to suss out about your character? </b> He works in emotions, so fears, desires, motivations, immediate wants, all that sort of thing is good. <b>2. Is there a character trait or emotion you absolutely do NOT want brought up?</b> Will isn't magic and he's not always right with this ability. It's easy to veer off of any topic you might want to avoid. <b>3. Is there any visual imagery you associate with your character, and/or is there anything specifically that you'd like Will to visualize?</b> Sometimes he sees things that don't seem to make a whole lot of sense until later- I tend to interpret that as him integrating evidence that he hasn't logically noticed yet. <b>4. Any plot threads or development you'd like to actually get going through this mechanic?</b> Let me know, I'd love to plan with you! Will could be a good way to weasel info or feelings out of someone who would otherwise keep them hidden, if that's something you'd like. I'm also very happy to just see where things go.

Thanks, and please let me know if there's anything else you'd like me to know or talk over with you.

Comments

cw child abuse

[cigsandbeer]

1. What would you like him to be able to suss out about your character? Gojyo, for all his cursing, shouting, crassness former criminal lifestyle and multiple murders, is a very kind and soft-hearted person. With a load of untreated childhood trauma and abandonment issues. Also he's lowkey in love with his bff (Hakkai) but is too deep in the closet to realise that.

2. Is there a character trait or emotion you absolutely do NOT want brought up? No.

3. Is there any visual imagery you associate with your character, and/or is there anything specifically that you'd like Will to visualize? RED RED RED. Gojyo's crimson hair and eyes are a sign that he's the result of a taboo relationship between human and youkai; it's (presumably) why his father and mother committed suicide; he was bullied for his hair; his stepmother makes his hair the reason for her abuse. Gojyo himself associates his hair only with blood. Red flowers (maybe daises? idk) canonically symbolise his relationship with his stepmother as well as his older brother - Gojyo loved them both; his stepmother hated him, and his brother abandoned him at a young age. Additionally, any symbolism associated with his Journey to the West counterpart is fair game.

4. Any plot threads or development you'd like to actually get going through this mechanic? Seeing where things go is good! But... potential bonding opportunity over loving people who abused you? He could probably also use some help with that internalised homophobia. And, unlike Sebastian, he will happily pet Will's dogs (very important).