Work Text:
Adult James Hiller — Updated Visual & Character Profile
Hair: Now blond, thick, and grown to knee-length.
Long curtain bangs that fall into his eyes whenever he’s irritated (which is often).
Usually tied low with scrap cloth or ribbon when he works the press; loose at home.
Eyes: Blue, sharp, restless, and always scanning for movement — the same intensity he had as a teenager.
When he’s angry, the blue looks almost metallic.
Face & Expression: Still has that furry, volatile teen temper, but set into an adult face with harder edges.
Jaw often clenched; speaks quickly, cuts people off when impatient.
Eyebrows tilt in a way that makes him look perpetually two seconds from shouting.
Spectacles: He uses wire spectacles for close reading and typesetting.
He hates admitting he needs them; pushes them up with the back of his wrist while ranting.
Clothing: Ink-stained waistcoat, sleeves rolled, hair caught under the collar.
Boots scuffed from running stories.
Often looks like he slept in his work clothes.
Temper & Behavior: Still explosive, still fast to bristle, still boyish in his fury.
Shouts first, apologizes later (usually because Sarah gives him a look).
His children cling to his long hair when scared — the only thing that calms him down instantly.
Adult Sarah Phillips — Updated Visual & Character Profile
Hair: Split-dyed in an 18th-century style:
One side black, glossy and severe.
The other side red, echoing her old canonical color.
Eyes & Face: Clear, composed expression; the calm counterweight to James’s volatility.
When she’s irritated, she tightens her mouth rather than raising her voice.
Spectacles: Uses spectacles for close editing and reading long manuscripts.
She’s not embarrassed by them — unlike James — and will perch them on her head like a hairband when talking.
Clothing: Elegant 18th-century gowns with a slightly modern edge (contrasting ribbons to match her split hair).Styled in period fashion — rolls, pins, occasional powdered streaks — maintaining historical believability while keeping the dramatic split.
Ink on her cuffs from correcting proofs.
Demeanor: Sharp, articulate, impossible to intimidate.
Carries British poise but American resolve.
Often the one who steps into danger with a quiet steadiness while James yells about it.
Dynamic with James: She tempers him. He fuels her.
She corrects his sloppy articles with silent efficiency.
He melts when she slips her hand into his hair to calm him.
Lydia Hiller–Phillips(Age 4)
Appearance
Hair: Bright red, soft curls to her shoulders.
Eyes: Wide blue, always a little watery when startled.
Build: Small, delicate, usually half-hidden behind someone’s skirt.
Spectacle note: Occasionally copies her parents by putting on small wooden play-spectacles she pretends help her “read the letters.”
Temperament
Very shy, quiet voice, almost whispers.
Sensitive, startles at raised voices — especially James’s temper.
If a door slams or someone argues, she jumps and runs straight for Sarah.
Behavioral Notes
Clutches notebooks and small quills like her mother; keeps them tucked in her pinafore.
Loves watching her parents work at the press, but from a safe, quiet corner.
Will not interrupt adults — she waits, even if she’s holding a question so tightly her hands shake.
Has a habit of crawling into Sarah’s lap whenever the room gets too loud.
Future Aspiration
Wants to be a journalist, just like James and Sarah.
Practices “interviewing” her dolls in whispered questions.
James Hiller JR. (“Jamie”) — Age 2
Appearance
Hair: Strawberry-blond, fluffy curls that stick to James’s long blond hair when carried.
Eyes: Heterochromia — one blue, one green, bright and expressive.
Face: Round cheeks, dramatic pout, a little prince of fussiness.
Temperament: Fussy, emotional, always seconds away from tears if he doesn’t get held.
Extremely clingy to James — will scream if anyone else tries to take him during a bad moment.
Still carries the memory of colic — cries louder and longer than most toddlers.
Smarter than he looks; will point at ink bottles and try to draw on walls.
Behavioral Notes: Climbs onto James’s knee-length hair like it’s a rope; often buried in it.
Throws himself against James’s chest when scared.
Obsessed with colors, chalk, smudging ink on paper — early signs of artistic interest.
Cannot sleep unless James paces with him.
Future Aspiration: Doesn’t want journalism — he wants art, painting, colors, anything he can smear.
Henri LeFevbre — Family Friend
Appearance
Hair: Dark brown, slightly shaggy, always falling into his face.
Eyes: Warm brown, wide and expressive.
Build: Small, wiry, fast-moving; even when older, he stays slim and boyish.
Style: Loose shirts, rolled sleeves, boots always scuffed; ink smudges because he hangs around James at the press.
Personality: Loyal and energetic — a little whirlwind.
Deeply attached to James, almost like a younger brother; trusts him more than anyone.
Loves Sarah as well, but in more of a “she keeps me alive and fed” way.
Makes children laugh without trying; natural with Lydia and Jamie.
Role With the Children
Best babysitter for keeping Jamie. entertained — he can match the toddler’s chaotic energy.
Lydia adores him because he’s gentle and never raises his voice.
Will sit on the floor drawing with Jamie for hours.
Will whisper silly “secret missions” to Lydia to make her feel brave.
Occasionally teaches them French words, mostly the funny ones.
Dynamic With James: Extremely close — almost brotherly.
They argue, but it’s always affectionate.
James trusts Henri with the children more than anyone except Sarah.
Udney Wolf-Hutchison — Soldier / Family Friend / Babysitter
Appearance
Hair: Dark blond, tied back neatly or left lightly tousled after drills.
Eyes: Brown.
Build: Broad-shouldered, disciplined, little shorter than James.
Style: Continental Army tones — faded blue coat, earth-toned waistcoat, boots polished to military shine.
Personality
Steady, serious, a little awkward with emotions.
Respectful toward Sarah, borderline rigid around James.
Not nearly as playful as Henri — better for “quiet guardian” moments.
Children see him as “the strong one” but also “the man who doesn’t smile often.”
Role With the Children: Keeps them safe, not necessarily entertained.
Lydia behaves perfectly around him — sits up straight, folds her hands, whispers.
Jamie tends to stare at him like he’s a giant soldier statue.
Will try to help but becomes stiff when handed a crying toddler.
Dynamic With James: Still a small rivalry lingering from the past.
Nothing explosive — just sharp glances, tense remarks, competitive instincts.
James resents how calm Udney is around Sarah.
Udney secretly believes James is too reckless, especially with his temper.
Dynamic With Henri: Udney finds Henri chaotic.
Henri finds Udney boring.
Children see them as the “fun uncle” (Henri) and the “protective uncle” (Udney)
Didn’t I forget Moses and Cato? Well they are friends too, Dr Franklin is still here.