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Claire
Claire is an 11-12-year-old orphan girl with no last name. She is sweet, curious, extremely perceptive (precocious in this sense) and persistent, though somewhat socially awkward (probably as a result of her unsettled history). Claire’s strongest characteristic is her big heart. This, in essence, is her “spark”—Claire is very compassionate, a characteristic which, when combined with her perceptiveness, allows her to sense and feel people’s hurts/needs sooner and deeper than others. As an orphan who has been in foster homes and “rejected” by families all her life, she is fundamentally sad and lonely (a trait which allows her to sympathize with others who experience the same thing). She thus longs to find a home and be wanted and needed.
Claire is an 11-12-year-old orphan girl with no last name. She is sweet, curious, extremely perceptive (precocious in this sense) and persistent, though somewhat socially awkward (probably as a result of her unsettled history). Claire’s strongest characteristic is her big heart. This, in essence, is her “spark”—Claire is very compassionate, a characteristic which, when combined with her perceptiveness, allows her to sense and feel people’s hurts/needs sooner and deeper than others. As an orphan who has been in foster homes and “rejected” by families all her life, she is fundamentally sad and lonely (a trait which allows her to sympathize with others who experience the same thing). She thus longs to find a home and be wanted and needed.
Thoman Baker
Thoman is a late 40s-55-year-old widower. He is—or was—a toymaker. He was in fact the toymaker—the envy of other toymakers—because his toys didn’t need wind-up knobs or springs. In the hands of a good- or open-hearted person, Thoman’s toys came alive. The ability to make toys that “lived” in the hands of receptive people was Thoman’s special gift or “spark.” (Think, the quintessential encourager.) As we come to learn, it did not exist on its own, however, but was fueled by Thoman’s love for his wife, who had a big heart for children, especially sick and orphaned children. When his pregnant wife, Ella, and their unborn child die, Thoman’s “spark” is extinguished and, over time, he becomes an isolated, somewhat crusty, “grumpy old man.” Thoman is thus stuck in the past, with a deep and profound sadness that prevents him from experiencing and enjoying anything new—that is until Claire comes along (and we see his slow rediscovery of life).
Thoman is a late 40s-55-year-old widower. He is—or was—a toymaker. He was in fact the toymaker—the envy of other toymakers—because his toys didn’t need wind-up knobs or springs. In the hands of a good- or open-hearted person, Thoman’s toys came alive. The ability to make toys that “lived” in the hands of receptive people was Thoman’s special gift or “spark.” (Think, the quintessential encourager.) As we come to learn, it did not exist on its own, however, but was fueled by Thoman’s love for his wife, who had a big heart for children, especially sick and orphaned children. When his pregnant wife, Ella, and their unborn child die, Thoman’s “spark” is extinguished and, over time, he becomes an isolated, somewhat crusty, “grumpy old man.” Thoman is thus stuck in the past, with a deep and profound sadness that prevents him from experiencing and enjoying anything new—that is until Claire comes along (and we see his slow rediscovery of life).
Cynthia Applegate
Cynthia Applegate is a caring, middle-aged woman, who through the years has fostered many children in need of homes. She is an orderly, woman of faith (though not rigid) who provides a stable and encouraging place for Claire and Bethany. She has a somewhat unrevealed knowledge of the history of the town and its people—enough to “protect” and guide the children.
Cynthia Applegate is a caring, middle-aged woman, who through the years has fostered many children in need of homes. She is an orderly, woman of faith (though not rigid) who provides a stable and encouraging place for Claire and Bethany. She has a somewhat unrevealed knowledge of the history of the town and its people—enough to “protect” and guide the children.
Bethany
Bethany is an energetic, curious, outgoing and outspoken 10-12-year-old orphan girl, who lives with Claire and Ms. Applegate. Slightly self-absorbed, Bethany’s “on-the-go” spirit combines with her expressive nature to create awkward and even tense moments, often via blunt questions or statements. Living with Ms. Applegate, she is “like a sister” to Claire.
Bethany is an energetic, curious, outgoing and outspoken 10-12-year-old orphan girl, who lives with Claire and Ms. Applegate. Slightly self-absorbed, Bethany’s “on-the-go” spirit combines with her expressive nature to create awkward and even tense moments, often via blunt questions or statements. Living with Ms. Applegate, she is “like a sister” to Claire.
Eugene Wilson Newsburgy
40-50-year-old male, former employee of Thoman, now owns Gilmon’s Gifts & Toy Shoppe
40-50-year-old male, former employee of Thoman, now owns Gilmon’s Gifts & Toy Shoppe
Paris
30-40-year-old female, clerk at Miller’s Market, former employee of Baker’s Toys
30-40-year-old female, clerk at Miller’s Market, former employee of Baker’s Toys