Wyrmfeld Chronicles

Rowena

Character Report: TANISHA (Dragon’s Blood, Children of Hydra)

I. Core Information

  • Character Name: Tanisha
  • Age: 17 (as stated in the script, though her experiences make her seem older)
  • Gender Identity & Pronouns: Female (She/Her)
  • Physical Description:
    • Likely appears resilient and perhaps a hardened by her past.
    • Her composure in the face of extreme danger is a key physical and behavioral trait.
    • Later seen reading the “Wyrmfeld Chronicles,” suggesting an intellectual curiosity.
  • Role in the Story: A young Somali refugee and survivor who becomes a key ally to the Westfield family. She provides a grounded, world-weary perspective, possesses unexpected knowledge of history and mythology, and is capable of brutal, justified retribution.

II. Background & History

  • Origin: Somalia.
  • Trauma: Escaped slavery at a young age (“escaped slavery. Came to England alone having nothing but 14 years and what was on my back.”). Her “pious father sold me having ten years of age for $100.” This is a profoundly traumatic experience that defines her resilience and her understanding of human depravity.
  • Refugee Status: Came to England alone, seeking a new life.
  • Current Situation: Was on her way to meet a man for a domestic job in Saudi Arabia, highlighting her desperate circumstances and vulnerability to exploitation.
  • Knowledge: Possesses a surprising depth of knowledge, including precise calculations and an understanding of oral traditions and historical texts (the “Wyrmfeld Chronicles”).

III. Inner Life & Psychology

  • Core Desire/Objective: Survival, autonomy, and a place where she is safe and free from exploitation. She seeks justice for past wrongs, and perhaps a sense of belonging.
  • Motivation: Driven by a deep-seated need for self-preservation, a fierce independence, and a desire for retribution against those who prey on the vulnerable. Her past trauma fuels her strength and her unflinching view of the world. She is a voracious reader. “I only have myself. Mathematics, the sciences, politics, economics; I must know all these things so one day I will be truly free. When you have nothing, the only road to freedom is through a book.”
  • Personality Traits:
    • World-Weary/Cynical: Her experiences have stripped away youthful naiveté. She’s seen and experienced true horrors.
    • Blunt/Direct: Speaks her mind, often without filter, challenging others’ assumptions.
    • Resilient/Unflappable: Remains remarkably calm and composed in extreme danger.
    • Intelligent: Demonstrates quick thinking, sharp observation, and a surprising grasp of facts and history.
    • Resourceful: Adapts quickly to new situations and contributes practically to survival (e.g., finding supplies, helping with first aid).
    • Fierce/Ruthless (when provoked): Capable of extreme violence and cold, calculated revenge against those who have wronged her or others (Henry, the rapists).
    • Loyal (once trust is earned): Becomes a steadfast ally to the Westfields after they offer her protection and empathy.
  • Values & Beliefs: Justice, self-reliance, freedom, and a deep understanding of the cycle of action and reaction (“Karma isn’t about revenge, it’s the balance of reaction to action”). She has a nuanced view of religion, given her past.
  • Strengths: Mental fortitude, physical resilience, sharp intellect, combat effectiveness (when pushed), and an unflinching ability to confront harsh realities.
  • Weaknesses: Her past trauma has left her with deep emotional scars, and she struggles to fully trust others initially. Her bluntness can sometimes be perceived as abrasive.
  • Secrets: The full extent of her past suffering and the horrors she has witnessed are only hinted at.
  • Temperament: Generally calm and observant, but capable of intense, cold fury when triggered by injustice or threat.

IV. Relationships

  • Alexandra “Ali” Westfield: Initially a skeptical observer of Ali’s privilege and naiveté. She pushes Ali to confront reality and share information. They develop a bond of mutual respect and a burgeoning friendship.
  • Jason Westfield: Sees him as a brave, if sometimes naive, protector. She shares moments of connection and trust with him, including a kiss that could blossom.
  • Dr. Isabella Salazar Westfield: Initially views Isabella with a degree of skepticism, but comes to respect her fierce maternal protection and medical skills.
  • Samira: Shares a bond of shared vulnerability and trauma, and Tanisha helps care for her.
  • Henry & GMG: Her direct antagonists, representing the human depravity she has experienced throughout her life. She exacts brutal revenge upon them.

V. Arc & Transformation

  • Initial State: A solitary, world-weary refugee, focused solely on her own survival and a desperate attempt to find stability.
  • Catalyst: The dragon’s attack and the subsequent breakdown of society force her into an unlikely alliance with the Westfields.
  • Pivotal Moments:
    • Her revelation of escaping slavery, immediately grounding her character.
    • Her unflinching composure during the hotel siege, contrasting with the Westfields’ reactions.
    • Her cold, calculated revenge against Henry and the rapists, demonstrating her capacity for brutal justice.
    • Her intellectual contribution through the “Wyrmfeld Chronicles,” revealing key mythological information.
    • Her growing trust and integration into the “found family” at the castle.
  • Transformation: Tanisha transforms from a lone survivor into a vital member of the team, finding a new “family” and purpose. She learns to trust and contribute her unique skills and insights, moving beyond mere self-preservation to fighting for a larger cause. Her journey is about finding a place to belong and using her strength to protect others.

VI. Practical & Miscellaneous

  • Voice & Speech Patterns: Likely a non-native English speaker, with a clear, direct, and often blunt delivery. Her accent should be consistent with her Somali origin.
  • Physicality: Agile and capable, reflecting her past struggles and need for self-reliance. Her movements should convey a sense of quiet strength and observation.
  • Sensory Details: The memory of hunger, the stench of fear and violence, the feel of rough fabric, the weight of a book.
  • “Animal” Analogy: A street-wise stray cat – independent, wary, incredibly resourceful and resilient, capable of fierce self-defense, but also able to form deep bonds once trust is earned.