Weekly Winner #4: Wayne Ward by Rachel Cormier
It’s often tempting to make a character sketch narrative. But a character sketch should really be more of a series of small, yet detailed, observations that when taken as a whole give the reader insights into the character. Think of it like a hill of sand. All the different grains of sand themselves are insignificant, but take a shape when put together. The most important thing is to make the character is three-dimensional, and in doing so bring them alive.
And that’s exactly what this week’s winner did. Wayne Ward has a public persona, but we see hints of his private, troubled life. We also get a good idea of Wayne’s past and how he arrived at his particular destination in life (which, per the assignment, is at the offices of Sterling Cooper, the fictional New York ad agency from Mad Men).
So, without further ado, here’s this week’s winner for your reading pleasure:
Wayne Ward by Rachel Cormier
Wayne is a man in his mid-40’s, recently coming to light when he responded to an ad for a medically knowledgeable copy writer. He was from out of town, somewhere in the mid-West, where he grew up and married and then abandoned his high school sweet-heart.
He attended medical school in Texas but could not complete 2nd year assignments and he dropped out. He likes to say he ‘tried medicine, but did not like the demanding expectations.’ He moved to Manhattan when his gambling debts, in Las Vegas, became oppressive and he needed a ‘new start’.
Wayne presents as a very attractive, well-dressed and well-spoken man. He has an air of sophistication which works well in Manhattan. He is residing in a small hotel until he can establish himself. He likes expensive clothes and entertainment. His source of income is not clear as he seems to have no close friends or associates.
While seeking employment, scanning papers, Wayne notices racing reports and thinks he will ‘have a look at this’. From his first time at the track, Wayne is taken with the excitement, the noise, the smells and general ambiance of the racetrack.
Its fun, its casual (it seems), easy to fit in, have casual conversations and watch the beautiful beasts give their best. Women also notice this handsome ‘new’ man at the track. He likes the ease of buying them drinks. He makes a good impression when he is interviewed at Sterling Cooper. He first sees the elderly partner, who enjoys the exchanges with him, and is passed on to the next partner and finally Don Draper is asked for his opinion. Other men in the firm are casting him glances as he is shown from one office to the next. No one is sure who this person and what role he is being considered for.
Turns out the firm is seeking a new medical/pharmaceutical firm’s business and they want someone who can talk ‘their’ language with them. Existing partners have been courting this large company and they are planning on further discussions. This is when they want to introduce this ‘medically educated’ man.
Wayne is hired, provisionally, based on the ability to capture this new business. He is being watched carefully by all. Wayne is well able to present well, speak well and charm generally, both the men and the ‘girls’ of the firm. Wayne also does well in the meetings with the medical/pharma. firm and he is assigned with writing some copy for these presentations.
In first weeks, Wayne wows the team with his skills, presentations and ideas. He always seems to be ahead of others with a freshness that is appreciated, and resented by the ‘older’ middle management of the firm. He is competition to contend with.
However Wayne has a developing habit of frequently disappearing after lunch…..or taking long breaks when no one is quite sure where he is. His secretary is at a loss to always be able to explain where he indicated he would be and when he would be back.
