application for ophiuchus

[insiding]

✖ PLAYER:
Name & DW Journal: Brandon & episodic
Plurk: badinages
Birthdate & Age: 1988 & 25
Characters played in Ophiuchus: Damon Salvatore

✖ CHARACTER:
Name: Daniel Humphrey
Canon: Gossip Girl
PB/Image:



Info links: WIKIA.
Canon Point: 4x9 "The Witches of Bushwick"
Gender & Sex: Male
Age: 19
Birthdate/Sign:

April 20, 1991/ Taurus

Dan's birthday is canon. He fits both sides of the Taurus coin well. He can be a very calm person and often he doesn't let on if something is bothering him. He's artistic, a writer (and later in canon, he even writes a novel which gets optioned into a screenplay). He's very attentive when he wants to be, resourceful and he's dependable when the going gets rough. There are exceptions (often when he's double-booked or has to choose a friend in a pinch) but there are with anyone. On the surface, he does indeed have an enduring loyalty. There are guys and people that earn it from day one - when the writers remember Dan has friends. (Because this is Dan Humphrey, that too fluctuates.) But, with good attributes come bad. He can be very stubborn and slow to change his mind about someone. He has been insensitive both as Gossip Girl and as himself. His materialistic qualities come out in seasons 3, 4, and 5 when he becomes accustomed to Lily's (and his father's) money. Too often he feels he is stuck in a rut. (Writing rut, Milo rut, some days he just lays there - stuck. And part of the reason he becomes Gossip Girl in the first place is that feeling of being stuck (being invisible.) As much as he tries for grand romantic gestures, he is extremely self indulgent. He lies at other's expense to make his life easier (before being caught shortly after.) He can be easily embarrassed. But, he takes it in stride. To sum up, Dan is both the good and the bad of what a Taurus can be.

Tattoo: ♉ Taurus sign on his right wrist under his palm, the size of a dime.

Suitability:

Dan has had sex (with multiple partners.) He's dealt with high society scandal, a pregnancy scare, a Ponzi scheme, and several of Blair Waldorf's taking down schemes. Not to mention his sex life has been plastered all over Gossip Girl since junior year. That is, he's also a very calculating person and blackmail material he's witnessed and been sent could make anyone blush. Honestly, what won't be suitable are his surroundings. He'll hate them.

Power:

While Dan has no canon powers (besides working the Upper East Side into a frenzy and fooling everyone ever), he will be getting...

Manipulation » Growth

Personality:

Despite whatever he strives for, wherever he ends up in life, Dan Humphrey will always be the boy from Brooklyn. This will always be a stigma to him. He assumes people judge him for this and adjusts accordingly. Because of this stigma, he learns from an early age that he has to strive that much harder to get half of what those on the Upper East Side do. He wields words as weapons. He gains whatever knowledge he can, reading both the obscure and well-known. On the surface, Dan can be a very sarcastic, very dry humored, clever intellectual. Along with that, he can be very condescending. He sees himself as cultured, preferring an obscure foreign film over a mainstream hit when it comes to film preferences and indie music. Despite all this, he's not the most well-spoken. He rambles, preferring the occasional run-on sentence. His mother used to say there was never a word he'd met that he didn't like. He can still sound intelligent (and in ways he is) but he tends to leave a less than stellar impression because of how he gets caught up in his own thought. (Much like the previous sentence.)

Despite his verbose nature, he has a way with words when it comes to writing. Professionally, he writes what he knows, choosing exposés and insider novels over real fiction (and nonfiction for that matter). Secretly, he maintains the premier website that tracks Upper East Side gossip and rumors. Yes, the titular Gossip Girl is and has always been Daniel Humphrey. To understand Dan, you need to know that despite his claims to not want anything to do with the Upper East Side, all he's ever wanted was to make it into that world. He manipulates, he lies, he sends out what everyone calls "blasts" - updates of the latest rumor. Spotting someone somewhere (or a couple), posting pictures, videos. He's developed an anonymous persona and a network of informants. Though this is revealed in the final episode, I still have to reconcile this side of him to when I'm taking him from.

Dan Humphrey works hard. He has the good work ethic of a type A college student even if he has to kick himself in the ass to do so. He maintains the blog every day, updating several times a day. Ontop of that, he's gone out for magazine internships, articles and ends up writing that novel I mentioned. It looks to everyone else like he has principles especially after being screwed over a few times writing-wise. He makes opportunities for himself. He introduces himself to famous writers to convince them he's worth talking to. He's good writer, too. He writes a New York best seller. But, make no mistake, he'll do whatever needs doing. At one time, he was even a cater waiter to help pay for college. When it comes to work, Dan isn't afraid to get his hands dirty if he needs to. He also went to college and might still go though we haven't seen much of that in the fourth season on...

Daniel Humphrey has cultivated the persona of the put-upon poor kid. As much as Dan has been put down many a time for living in Brooklyn, it's a source of pride to him. This could be debated as his constant striving to be more than that comes off as both self deprecating and tragically narcissistic. He sits and looks at his own posts. He dubs himself Lonelyboy, giving himself a moniker and, yes, a persona. In truth, it's possible we've only seem snippets of the real Dan. There has been the Dan in real relationships, with the loves of his life and there's been Dan with his sister and family. Despite not wanting to seem like it, he is very materialistic. Though he's immersed himself in their world, he doesn't hesitate to make snap judgments. He immediately takes Serena to this expensive first date he can barely afford because he thinks he understands that world. He judged Blair, Serena, Nate and Chuck.

Which brings me to another true aspect of his personality. Dan is a judgmental bastard. He doesn't even wait for an explanation when he passes his judgment. He usually disappears. Over time, those judgments ebb and flow. Nate becomes something of a real friend and he sees glimpses into who Blair, Serena, Nate, and even Chuck are. Dan sees himself as an outsider. He casts himself in that part. Even when he makes efforts to fit in, he also makes asides and jokes about how much he doesn't. He maintains enough decorum while also judging that entire world. Over time he does get on better terms with Lily and her mother Cece as well as Eleanor Waldorf. As Gossip Girl names him "herself," Dan Humphrey is the ultimate insider.

From someone else's perspective, Dan is very selfless. He will give up opportunities, events, and big breaks for his friends and family. He takes care of Milo, whom he thinks he fathered with Georgina without blinking an eye and he even bonds with him. (This also teaches him responsibility and can be seen as a real consequence to his life.) Past his canon point, he steps aside when it comes to Blair, for months, going so far as to write Prince Louis' vows for him based on his own feelings for Blair. His first truly selfish moment would've arrived when he films her conversation with Chuck during the ceremony and leaks it to Gossip Girl - if he weren't Gossip Girl.

As Gossip Girl, he constantly drags people down and exposes hypocrisy. He posts outright lies as well. He says Serena has an STD. He posts Serena's possible pregnancy. He even throws his sister to the wolves time and again. (The show claims Jenny was in the know from the beginning, and this could be seen as she too wanted that life, though got in in much more direct but no less brutal ways.)

Dan has always been an old soul. He's always the oldest one in the room. He's against the party in the school pool. But, he can also act out and let loose. He has an affair with his teacher, he spends a delicious and slutty summer after his tumultuous first go-round with Serena. Because he has a reserved nature (and his secret) he plays the part of the good brother. He can let loose. He's indulged in a threesome before. He won't say no to pot (as long as he doesn't drive, need to be anywhere, nothing irresponsible will happen while smoking it). And like anyone, he gets a rush from doing something dangerous. Though, beforehand, he'll worry about the consequences, waffle on actually doing anything, and then finally do it -- unless it's something that needs to be done/someone deserves. He takes down Georgina without a second glance in season 1 with Blair's help. He tracks down Juliet's past in season 4. He has definitely schemed and he will fight back where he once took it lying down. While you could say he's not a huge schemer, perhaps he's the biggest schemer of all.

One can't forget he's still 19 years old. He has his naive moments. At times, Dan can be a bit gullible. He's believes lies spread on Gossip Girl and he knows how her bombs can be off - or perfectly timed. Like a teenager, he has his moments when his problems are the most important ever... and to deal with them, he likes to talk them out - sometimes with Nate, or Rufus... strangers will do as well. Like I said, when it comes to Dan... he can definitely be talkative. Being young also factors into his isolation when he's down or something has gone wrong. He stays in, often not talking to people unless someone comes by. And at some points he can be closed off. But, it doesn't take a lot to nudge him into spilling what's going on.

On the surface, Dan often does the right thing. When it comes to Blair and Louis, he steps aside, staying silent, hiding his feelings. Many times, he's the moral compass of the group. He hesitates when they want to break into the school. In season 1, he hates the scheming and lying. He does have issues with trust. Once you break it, it takes a lot to get it back. And if you screw him over, he doesn't forget. In truth, he knows more than anyone and calls people out on their hypocrisy. He waits for bombs to go off and he acts surprised. He likes to know who knows what when and he loves to control the narrative.

Dan can be fiercely loyal when it comes to family and friends. But, sometimes, he can overlook what seems like the right thing because of either selfishness or settling a score. He can be impulsive and selfish. This happens when he learns of the Vanessa/Chuck debacle in season 2. Instead of helping Blair in season 2, he gives her bad advice, ruining Chuck/Blair and pushing Serena into Aaron Rose's (with the greasiest hair ever) arms. He punches Chuck as the billionaire playboy proposes to Blair at the end of season 3 when he learns Chuck slept with Jenny. He also comes to the rescue of every cast member at one time or another.

But, one person he protects time and again is his sister. Despite throwing her under the bus more than once, he is in fact fiercely loyal. Don't insult her. Don't hit on her. Don't treat her like a piece of meat. Jenny, while wildly out of control, is still Dan's sister. He will defend hr to the ends of the Earth. He loves her. She's his family - as trainwreck-y as she is, he forgives her for that part. She's his exiled little sister who let the Upper East Side take her over. As far as he's concerned, he loves that she's out of the city. It's better for her in every way. (He can finally stop including her in blasts.) He's come to her rescue several times. He's the one who reminds her of where they come from and their roots. While she spends the first two seasons vying for the crown publicly, he takes quieter approaches and tries to help her stay grounded.

Dan has no problem being monogamous. But, when he's not in a relationship, he has no problem playing the field. This is shown in the beginning of season 2 where his libido has definitely been awakened. But, since that moment, he definitely shows a more conservative side when it comes to sex. He does fall for a slightly older teacher, Ms. Carr. Dan can get along with adults, thanks to his maturity and this is shown through that brief relationship. He also falls for Georgina, twice. Once when she dupes him in season 1 as Sara and the second at NYU because he thinks he sees something redeemable in her (spoiler alert: there's nothing redeemable about her.) Though, he finds a kindred spirit with her in season 5 and sends her the passwords, etc to Gossip Girl. Since this is past his canon point I'm not touching that with a ten foot pole.

Blair, for the moment, is a frenemy. They scheme together. Their friendship develops in a love-hate way at this point. According to later canon, his feelings for Blair run deep even at this point. In a lot of ways they are equals. He is definitely sexually attracted to her. He went to an essay contest she won without telling her - way back in Season 1... He also brings her better side out. They bond over old movies and culture and art. He sees her less desirable qualities and accepts her anyway. He doesn't hesitate to team up with her if it's required.

Serena... is complicated. A part of Dan might always love what they were to each other. But, there were too many complications and right at this point, she's sent him to his breaking point. In a lot of ways, Serena's middle name should be complications. Which is funny, because you could say there is such a double standard with Blair. For the women he loves, Dan deals with bullshit. It's simple as that. Dan still cares about her and they're always some form of friends. Even after his canon point, he once again comes to her rescue. (And as Gossip Girl, knows she's been gaslit.) He also recognizes her bad qualities as well and they tend to turn him off. She can be very waffle-y when it comes to choosing anything. When she can't choose between Dan and Nate, they both drop her. She too can be naive, especially when it comes to her family. But, he takes her good with the bad. She's also his step-sister. Literally. There's a minor ick factor there.

Vanessa Abrams was his best friend from childhood. But, right now they are not on good terms. She screwed over Serena and him, she lied and stole a spot at NYU. A lot has gone down between these two including the most boring relationship. Seriously. She tried to spice it up by roleplaying a scene from Rear Window. To Dan, she's ambitious to the point of manipulation. He doesn't trust her. Her jealousy and her manipulations sunk their relationship and their friendship. But, there will always be that girl who climbed in his window all those years ago.

The last important person in his life is his father. Dan respects his opinion though they do disagree thanks to the age difference. They have a playful banter. His father supports him and loves him for who he is. He is also very encouraging and Dan knows how lucky he is. He also cares about his father's happiness. His father has found love. This is fantastic.

Hypocritically, he should probably look up to Vanessa considering everything she did he's done ten fold. But Dan has never put someone in danger and Vanessa/Juliet/Jenny do just that to Serena.

It's clear Dan compartmentalizes what he's doing with Gossip Girl. He considers it a service. These people should be exposed. They should be kept on their toes. They live in a fantasy world. At first, it's about bringing them back down to Earth, but eventually, it gains a life of its own. People swear by Gossip Girl. She becomes a character in herself, along with the Dan everyone sees. And, in a way, he's a great business man. He saw a market, a niche that needed to be filled and he took it up. Game can definitely recognize game (how Dan and Blair definitely work) but there is also going too far.

It has to be said despite Dan's clear sociopathy, he has morals. He has boundaries. Usually, they involve a person's safety. It doesn't change the fact that he has a twisted outlook. He'll destroy someone socially, air out everyone's dirty laundry but he will not aid in physical attacks. He really is a lover and not a fighter. If anything, he fights with his words. His words are his gunfire.

✖ SAMPLES:
"Ophiuchus" First-Person Network Entry:

[ the face on the screen you see is a tired one, ophi. he just spent a day walking through a winding cave with complete strangers. this face? not his over the moon face. in fact, he's pretty unhappy. but, he has a phone so that's one less thing to complain about. give him a second because he's catching his breath ]

If I wanted to join an Upper East Side morning power-walk, I'd have asked my step mom for a referral. [ and who actually wants to do that ] Not that that's something I'd ever do. If anyone, anyone can give me any kind of answers, they'd be greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone has some kind of hot spot hooked up or, a phone that has the internet, I wouldn't say no to that either. Not that I'm not grateful for this one. Also, sorry to disappoint The Twelve, but Humphreys lapsed in the worship area. We don't go to any church of any denomination. Also, don't kidnappers usually go for old money? Cause I'm the definition of new money and it's not even my money. Also, you took me without my wallet so it's not like I can, I can provide you with anything. Even if I could, they're all, like, credit cards. I mean, yeah, there's one [ he rubs his chin and gestures ] bank card but again, that's not uh, you know, not all mine. Why am I telling you any of this.

Bottom line, I'd love answers. And the internet. And a phone that can actually call out. And for this psychotic break to end. That'd be ... great.

"Cebalrai (logs)" Third-Person Prose Entry: (200 word minimum)

On the Upper East Side, the morning after comes in many flavors. There are those mornings you wake up reinvigorated having finally cut ties with that which ails you, the dreaded ex. There are mornings your snooze button gets a workout. Just five more minutes, mom. And there are those bleary-eyed, finally end your relationship with your drug dealer, wake-up in a loft in SoHo mornings where you think "I really should've stopped after that third Cosmo." But, what do you do when you wake up cold, alone, kidnapped... in a cave? And for your wit, no less. Anyone? Bueller?

While tamping down that part of him was old hat, it wasn't something he could turn off inside his mind. Luckily, being kidnapped was a great way to bring a guy back down to Earth. He tried to make sense of the strange note. It was smudged which made it that much harder to read. One part was clear. He was here to worship for his "wit." If he weren't kidnapped, he'd pay the writer a compliment for his alliteration.

It helped not being the only one, not that anyone else was of any help. But, that was to be expected. Nobody seemed to have anything in common. He may not have had experience in this, but he figured if he could find a common denominator, maybe he'd find answers. Maybe with his luck everyone there had dated Serena Van Der Woodsen.

How sad was it that his first thought was to call her. Yeah, sorry, he'd woken up somewhere and he couldn't remember how he got there. Any ideas? Old habits really did die hard. His second call would be his dad, maybe Nate. Jenny was exiled and of no help. And Vanessa was old news.

Unfortunately, it was him and him alone without a phone, an internet connection or a clue. All he had to go on was a note that seemed to think his wit made him a great candidate to be taken. When had he gotten on some list without his knowledge? This was like a kidnapping telemarketer. Or, those E-mail spammers.

UNSUBSCRIBE.

All he could do was pocket the note that had been kept under a faucet and move with the rest of the group. Maybe if they all worked together, they'd find their way to New York. And maybe, he could wake up. Now, all he needed was a pair of ruby slippers. How had he gotten cast as Garland? Dan was clearly more scarecrow material, not that anyone ever remembered the actor who played the scarecrow.

Yep, sounded like Dan.

Except, invisible men don't get taken. He really needed to work on blending in better.

What was it Dorothy did in Oz? Wanted: one yellow brick road.