Site Specific: Character Development

As part of agreeing on an idea, I wanted to begin to develop my own character that I have chosen to play. As previously decided, I opted for playing the mysterious silent character of the group, however, we didn't really think of a reason as to why he was silent. Was he born that way, or has an event occurred in his life that led to him being unable to speak.

I tried searching for potential diseases or disorders that are linked to speech loss or the inability to speak, however, the only links I cold find were to brain tumours, Alzheimer's and dementia. Therefore, the idea of the electric chair to force information out of my character leading to trauma seemed like the best option. I think, the best idea I have conjured is to have my character suffering from some form of post traumatic stress disorder, leaving him unable to speak, provoking the use of the electric chair to try to reboot his memory so he can talk again. However, it only worsens the situation. The definition fro PTSD is below.

 Post-traumatic stress disorder, often abbreviated as PTSD, is a complex disorder in which the affected person's memory, emotional responses, intellectual processes, and nervous system have all been disrupted by one or more traumatic experiences. It is sometimes summarized as "a normal reaction to abnormal events." The DSM-IV-TR (the professional's diagnostic manual) classifies PSTD as an anxiety disorder.

PTSD has a unique position as the only psychiatric diagnosis that depends on a factor outside the individual, namely, a traumatic stressor. A patient cannot be given a diagnosis of PTSD unless he or she has been exposed to an event that is considered traumatic. These events include such obvious traumas as rape, military combat, torture, genocide, natural disasters, and transportation or workplace disasters. In addition, it is now recognized that repeated traumas or such traumas of long duration as child abuse , domestic violence, stalking, cult membership, and hostage situations may also produce the symptoms of PTSD in survivors.
   
A person suffering from PTSD experiences flashbacks, nightmares, or daydreams in which the traumatic event is experienced again. The person may also experience abnormally intense startle responses, insomnia, and may have difficulty concentrating. Trauma survivors with PTSD have been effectively treated with group therapy or individual psychological therapy, and other therapies have helped individuals, as well. Some affected individuals have found support groups or peer counseling groups helpful. Treatment may require several years, and in some cases, PTSD may affect a person for the rest of his or her life.

Of course, it doesn't really matter what the back story to my character is, as the piece will feature too many characters to explore it in such a depth. However. the main idea behind my character is him suffering a form of PTSD, leading to the electric chair, forcing him to become a mute and very secretive.