The Calloway Family
Royce Calloway
As a senator, Royce has always been in the spotlight, meticulously crafting the family’s image. He grew up in a time when maintaining appearances was paramount, and he believes that power, wealth, and influence are everything. Royce values control and has a somewhat detached/non-existent way of showing affection. His love for Sophia stems from his hope that she might be the one to secure the Calloway legacy and maintain the family’s pristine image. He sees potential in her that he never saw in Jamison, who he views as a disappointment. Royce’s approach to parenting and grandparenting has always been to demand excellence without offering much in the way of warmth.
Jamison Calloway
Living under Royce’s shadow, Jamison never developed a strong ambition or identity of his own. He’s somewhat lost, feeling that nothing he does will ever be enough, so he chooses to indulge in life’s pleasures instead. His marriage to Sophia’s mom - Juliet was arranged more out of obligation than love, meant to fortify the Calloway-Cramer connection. He has been unfaithful to Juliet almost since the start of their relationship. His current affair with none other than Nina Caliente is almost an open rebellion against the image his family tries to maintain, though it only reinforces his apathy. Despite this, he feels trapped in the Calloway legacy, unable to break free from the expectations placed on him.
Juliet Calloway
Raised in a wealthy family, Juliet learned early on to suppress her emotions and present herself as the epitome of elegance and control. Her marriage to Jamison was not one of love but of social and financial strategy, and she accepted that without much regret. Juliet is fiercely independent in her own way, and although she fulfills her duties as a Calloway, she does so with a sense of detachment. She doesn't rely on anyone emotionally, nor does she expect anyone to understand her. Her response to Jamison’s infidelities is to drown her sorrows in alcohol, finding comfort in the bottle rather than confronting the family’s dysfunction. Juliet is still somewhat respected in society, playing the role of the dutiful wife, but deep down, she longs for freedom.
Her interactions with others, including Sophia, could be intriguing. Juliet might see Sophia as someone who could be molded into a version of herself, though she lacks the warmth to establish a close bond. Juliet’s subtle attempts to influence Sophia’s outlook could add depth to their relationship, showing that while she doesn’t offer love or warmth, she still sees value in shaping the next generation. Her motivations are complex—driven not by emotion but by a desire to maintain her luxurious lifestyle and a subtle hunger for something she can’t quite define.
Sophia Calloway
Sophia stands out in the family, not just because she’s Royce’s hope for the future but because she seems to have inherited a sense of purpose he admires. She’s respectful of her family’s expectations, yet she feels a sense of detachment. Sophia has always looked up to her grandfather’s achievements, even though his coldness has affected her. She’s aware of her father’s flaws and her mother’s struggles, and while she feels some pity, she has chosen to remain somewhat distant from the family drama. Sophia sees her future as something that could bring honour back to the Calloway name, even if that means playing along with her family’s game.