(Bog)Dan, capitan de plai...

...don`t worry, you will only get this reference if you have studied Romanian literature. As part of our project 3 we have been given the Bogdan script, a story that has as its main character a Romanian immigrant. As the previous working script we have been given, this one is also fairly ambiguous, which gives us freedom to develop our story in different directions. After a meeting last week, I have been assigned to do a character study for Bogdan, given that we wanted to avoid the all-too-obvious `Tom Hanks in Terminal portraying the imbecile yet resourceful immigrant` kind of scenario. Given my insight into Romanian society in general, we agreed that it would be a pity not to make use of this advantage. So, here is my study, focusing on creating a background story for the character (revolving around the issue of why he left his country), and trying to draw a few guidelines in as much as appearance and age are concerned.

Bogdan

- Character study-

Reason for leaving Romania

Bogdan was formerly an engineer working on a construction project that got massive funding. At realizing the corruption and machinations for money laundering that went on under the cover of the project, he decided to get out (for both ethical, but most importantly, personal safety considerations as we shall see later on). At this point though, his abrupt departure gave rise to suspicions within the press, anxious to know why a specialist would leave a well-paying job so suddenly, and while all things seemed to be running smoothly. Also, his superiors want him on the project because his being a specialist with no political affiliations and no business ties gave the team an aura of respectability. When Bogdan refuses to go back on his decision (he knows that if he does, he will be made into a scapegoat once the affair boils over), his colleagues threaten to sue him for breach of contract and mishandling of public funds. Bogdan leaves the country, hoping that his absence will make him invisible, and give no further fuel for the attacks and investigations of the press, thus making him a less inconvenient witness for his superiors. Having been to the UK a few years earlier during a professional training course, and having a reasonably good job prospect and social network to rely, he decides to move to the country to start anew. Yet, Bogdan receives some bad news from home: as a result of a fake anti-corruption campaign started off by a rival political party against Bogdan`s superiors (members of another political party), the press`s attention on the case has not diminished, quite the contrary, so now, Bogdan`s colleagues have put their threats to practice (they have started legal action against him). This creates a series of problems for Bogdan, who has trouble with applying for his job because of the legal conundrum and, subsequently, has a hard time preparing the ground for the arrival of his family. This is where our story picks up.  

Clothing

(Business) casual, a bit `boring`, mainly white or pastel-colored shirts, jumpers, jeans or black pants, coat (see photos)

Age

Around his mid 40s, which means he is still likely to make the decision to move to another country (social mobility decreases with age) but explains his need for a dictionary. Note: the generation that studied foreign languages before 1989 has acquired its knowledge from school and books exclusively; as there were no foreign TV programs on the network (communist regime banned them). So, there is a certain `school-like feeling` to this generation`s mastery of a foreign language and for Bogdan, who has been using English intermittently over the years during his work, his knowledge is uneven. Also, he is likely to be meticulous and diligent in his updating of English, this explains his note taking and his consulting the dictionary. 

Items

Turkish style coffee is very popular with Romanians and there is a strong cultural reference to Kent cigars (they were the most sought after foreign brand during the communist years, as many Romanians are heavy smokers). Suitcases are common for any man working in a white collar business, and since we assume Bogdan is a middle aged man, his choice of glasses is more `classic`.

 Now, let`s see what herr direktor comes up with!