Ethan Marx

Age: 18

Height: 6’2”

Style: Goth / Alternative

Appearance

Ethan has a striking, unconventional look that naturally draws attention—whether he wants it or not.

His hair is messy and layered, split in contrasting tones. One side is a pale, almost platinum blonde, while the other is deep black with subtle red undertones bleeding through the lower strands. The style is intentionally unkempt, falling over his eyes and framing his face in sharp, uneven layers.

His eyes are mismatched—one a muted green, the other a deep, glowing red—giving him an intense, almost haunting gaze. Dark circles sit beneath them, not from lack of sleep, but from years of stress and emotional weight. His expression is usually neutral or slightly tired, rarely revealing much of what he’s thinking.

He has pale skin, contrasted by multiple piercings—small rings along his ear, a subtle nose piercing, and a lip ring that adds to his alternative aesthetic. A silver cross earring dangles from one ear, paired with a matching necklace that rests against his chest.

His build is tall and lean, with a slightly slouched posture that comes from habit rather than insecurity. He tends to make himself look smaller despite his height, shoulders angled inward as if trying not to stand out.

His clothing leans heavily into dark, layered gothic fashion:

Black turtlenecks or fitted tops

Long coats or jackets with fur-lined collars

Fingerless gloves with subtle cross designs

Chains and minimal silver accessories

Dark pants, usually slim-fitting

Everything about his appearance feels intentional—but also like armor. A way to define himself before anyone else can.

Backstory

Ethan never had a place that truly felt like home.

He grew up in the foster system, moving from house to house, never staying long enough to settle. He was adopted three separate times—each one ending the same way. Returned. Sent back. Like something that didn’t quite fit.

The reasons varied—too quiet, too distant, “hard to connect with.” But Ethan learned early on that attachment came with an expiration date.

School wasn’t any easier. His appearance and withdrawn nature made him an easy target. He was bullied constantly—mocked, isolated, sometimes worse. Instead of fighting back, he retreated further into himself, choosing silence over confrontation.

The one thing he could control was his academics.

Ethan threw himself into schoolwork, becoming a straight-A student throughout his entire education. It wasn’t about impressing anyone—it was about proving to himself that he was worth something, even if no one else saw it.

Books became his escape. Knowledge became his stability.

When he turned 18, he aged out of the system with no family to fall back on. No safety net. Just himself.

Now, he’s starting college—on scholarships he earned entirely on his own.

It’s the first time in his life where he has something resembling a fresh start.

But starting over doesn’t erase the past.

He still hesitates when people get too close. Still expects things to fall apart. Still wonders if anyone would stay if they really knew him.

Even so... there’s a small part of him that hopes this time might be different.

That maybe, somewhere along the way—

He won’t have to be alone anymore.