Stanley

Stanley - a programmer by education and a hacker by life, obsessed with video games, comics, and the internet. He clumsily tries to hide his lack of social skills behind a mask of optimism and friendliness. Stanley grew up insecure; he faced bullying in school and an abusive father at home. This period in his life molded an intrusive inner voice, a kind of defense mechanism to protect himself from the outside world.

Backstory

In the depths of Stanley's restless mind, an intrusive inner voice torments him, an unwelcome companion throughout his life. With each passing year, the intrusive presence in Stanley's mind grew louder. Nevertheless, Stanley never spoke to anyone about his inner voice. Succumbing to the persuasive cadence of this voice during an act of self-defense, Stanley inadvertently takes a life. Shocked by the realization of his actions and feeling remorse, Stanley immediately confessed to authorities, including the presence of the voice in his head. As a result, he was sent to a psychiatric hospital. There, his path crossed with Graham Gould, the chief psychiatrist of the facility, who turned out to be a vampire. Driven by a strong attachment to his troubled patient, Graham soon decided to embrace Stanley. As Stanley's mental state deteriorated, Graham, unable to understand the reason for the decline, long resisted releasing his fledgling beyond the confines of the hospital, trying to comprehend the madness and cure it.

Over the years spent in the hospital, Stanley managed to explore every corner of the institution. This knowledge allowed him to escape multiple times, despite being caught and brought back each time. Graham closely monitored Stanley's progress and gradually became convinced of his fledgling's ability to operate independently within the vampire society without jeopardizing the Masquerade. Eventually accepting the reality of Stanley's mental condition, Graham became more adaptable to his needs, working to strike a balance between granting him independence and ensuring his well-being. After a period of observation and assessment, Graham finally allowed Stanley to venture beyond the hospital walls, trusting that he could navigate the complexities of Kindred society without attracting unwanted attention.

Relationships

Graham

With patient observation of shared progress and occasional setbacks on their journey toward stability, Graham's dedication to aiding Stanley never falters. Despite the challenges, Graham remains a steadfast protector, shielding Stanley from criticism and providing a sanctuary within the hospital's confines. Going beyond the typical therapist-patient dynamic, their bond borders on a familial connection. To Stanley, Graham embodies a father figure—providing stability, support, and a reliable source of guidance. Stanley often seeks Graham's approval and recognition, solidifying the depth of their relationship.