His name is Wade Colter. I’m working out a few details with him still, so some details may change over time, but I think I’ve got the general idea nailed down:
Wade grew up neurodivergent, which has been a rough ride for him as he was diagnosed later than most because his parents thought it was just something he would grow out of. He got the appropriate support eventually, but by then he’d already made an ass of himself socially enough that it’s led him to withdraw from a majority of social engagements.
By high school, he’s gotten fairly bitter about it because he feels like he’s missing major milestones in his life because of his neurodivergence. He’s still found some joy through joining the wrestling team, to which he is excessively dedicated. Additionally, he’s also really into horror, specifically the kind that gets really, really gory.
Wade likes anyone who shares in his interests, and he especially likes people who are on the wrestling team. He struggles a lot with feelings of loneliness, so having people that he knows are within the same headspace helps him out quite a bit. He’s not an outwardly emotional guy, and his sense of humour starts and stops at slapstick, loud noises, and toilet jokes. He can understand more complicated humour but his actual reaction to it is mixed.
Wade really dislikes being mocked, or whatever he perceives as mockery. He can take criticism just fine, but there’s a thin line between what he considers criticism and what is an insult to him. He’s unlikely to get into a big brawl over it (getting detention might get him kicked off the wrestling team) but he will be incredibly blunt about how displeased he is. He’s likewise not fond of delinquents as a whole, as he considers them a hazard to his health and he’d just lose his shit if he couldn’t go to wrestling practice.
A more complicated issue is his opinion on neurodivergence, in that it is negative. He really hates not being “normal” and looks down on other people who he thinks are neurodivergent out of self loathing. He tries to keep this opinion to himself for obvious reasons.
Hobbies/Interests: Horror media, professional wrestling, true crime, reading/writing, those Disney channel sitcoms with the kid actors
All the preamble out of the way, here’s what I’m looking for for my son.
- Teammates: Anyone who wants to be on the wrestling team can be.
- Friends: Anyone who shares his interests. If you’re on the wrestling team he’ll consider you this by default
- Acquaintances: Anyone who knows him, but doesn’t necessarily like or hate him.
- Dislikes: Anyone who falls under the above mentioned dislikes.
- Enemies: Anyone who falls under his above mentioned dislikes AND has personally earned Wades ire in some way.