Hughes in a nutshell

[funwithknives]

So here's all the stuff about Hughes some is canon and some is head canon.

Body and Appearance
1. Describe the character's height and build. Is he heavyset, thin, short, rangy?

Maes is somewhere between 5'8" ad 6'0" (most likely) with a medium build in that he is neither lanky nor stocky. He's got the military lean muscle though. However while Maes' presence commands attention, he isn't an actively imposing figure.

2. How old is he?

29ish at his death (his exact birthdate is never given) - however like most Ishval veterans his eyes tell a different story. While Maes eyes are generally filled with good-natured humor, the perceptive person, or those that know him best, will see an underlying regret and melancholy though his words and actions will rarely reveal it.

3. Describe his posture. Does he carry himself well or does he slouch?

For the most part, Maes carries himself like a soldier though a bit more relaxed. This habit is a mixture of both who he is and what he is. As the Head of Investigations in Central it is crucial for Hughes to develop a near immediate rapport with people. His personality is strong, capable, and trustworthy, and it shows in the way he moves. He's also relaxed, applying no physical pressure unless necessary.

4. How is his health? Is he fit or out of shape? Any illnesses or conditions? Any physical disabilities?

He's fit as a fiddle - up until the bullet anyway. Had Maes lived to a ripe old age, old battlefield injuries would have caught up with him eventually.

5. How does he move? Is he clumsy, graceful, tense, fluid?

Fluid and almost carefree. Again Maes needs people to trust him in the position that he holds. So he doesn't want to come off as overly aggressive from the outset (although he can be quite imposing if the situation calls for it.).

6. How attractive is this character physically? How does he perceive himself in the mirror?

Hughes is a fairly attractive man, but the real draw is his charm. He probably perceives himself with bleary eyes and just hopes he gets out the door with minimal fuss. He abides by military codes on appearance, but wouldn't be a total slacker without them.

7. Describe his complexion. Dark, light, clear, scarred?

Light and clear with a close cropped chin curtain/anchor style beard. Though he does shave it off on occasion - especially if it gets too irritating for his wife.

8. Describe his hair: color, texture, style.

Maes' hair is dark, thick, and slightly rough in texture. He keeps it short and just a bit messy on the top with one strand near the center that just loves to fall in his face.

9. What color are his eyes? Yellow -green

10. Does the character have any other noteworthy features?

He wears glasses and like much everything else they can give him a dual appearance. One of the kindly man with enough strength to shield you from the world. One of the cunning military officer with a sharp gaze and sharper mind.

Scars - like any soldier in the Ishval war, Maes Hughes carries physical scars: a long diagonal scar on his forearm from a knife, a bullet wound just above his left hip, and a long slash across his back are the notable ones. There are other assorted marks from smaller cuts and bullets that grazed rather than pierced.

11. What are his chief tension centers?

Around the mouth and eyes.

12. What is the character's wardrobe like? Casual, dressy, utilitarian? Bright colors, pastels, neutrals? Is it varied, or does he have six of the same suit?

In the military, Maes wears and is comfortable in the standard uniform. Outside the office he wears brighter colors that match well with his sunny personality and his clothes are typically casual unless a situation calls for formal (though those are usually military occasions).

The real relaxation comes at home when he'll done a tank top and whatever worn out pair of pants are best suited to lounging around or playing with his daughter.

Maes never takes off his dog tags though, and his choice of sleep wear is... questionable.

13. Do his clothes fit well? Does he seem comfortable in them?

His clothes fit well, but they aren't tailor made. And Maes is comfortable in anything.

14. Does he dress the same on the job as he does in his free time? If not, what are the differences?

Nope, he's much more casual off the job.

15. You knew it was coming: Boxers, briefs or commando?

Boxers most of the time, but commando when he can.



Speech
1. What does this character's voice sound like? High-pitched, deep, hoarse?

Lighter end of the baritone scale. Maes has a very smooth voice, and he's very good at using his voice. His speech and voice are more tools of his trade. Whether he needs to get someone to relax and open up to him with a soothing cadence and easy speech, or if he needs to crack someone with a rock hard tone and edged words, Maes uses his voice well.

2. How does he normally speak? Loud, soft, fast, evenly? Does he talk easily, or does he hesitate?

His pacing and timbre can vary widely given the circumstances. (see above) But in most circumstances, Maes speaks easily or fast when he's excited.

3. Does the character have a distinct accent or dialect? Any individual quirks of pronunciation? Any, like, you know, verbal tics?

Not really, unless you count the almost giddy/girly quality he gets when talking about his wife and child.

4. What language/s does he speak, and with how much fluency?

He speaks Amestrian and is fluent in other languages in the FMA universe at least to some degree.

5. Does he switch languages or dialects in certain situations?

Nope. He's Amestrian born and bred.

6. Is he a good impromptu speaker, or does he have to think about his words?

Maes is a thinker overall. He knows the right words to say and doesn't have trouble speaking his mind. But if there is a situation on hand that requires it, he will think before he speaks. However his mind moves pretty quickly which keeps him out the position of awkward pauses.

If he does halt his speech, then there is something pretty serious he needs to consider.

7. Is he eloquent or inarticulate? Under what circumstances might this change?

Eloquent. If something manages to catch him by total surprise that might change, but he's pretty hard to surprise. Maes is used to talking and using language as a vital part of his job. Even if he's still processing information there is a chance that he will say something whether to buy himself time, cover up his feelings on an issue, or to try and wheedle out more information.

He is more relaxed in informal settings, or when helping family or a friend.


Mental and Emotional
1. How intelligent is this character? Is he book-smart or street-smart?

Maes is very smart and a great analytical thinker. He's always looking at the angles. He is book-smart because he started out street-smart and realized that he couldn't get everything from experience alone (and that it probably wasn't the best way to go about life).

2. Does he think on his feet, or does he need time to deliberate?

He thinks very fast on his feet but doesn't hesitate on deliberation if there is time. His time needed for deliberation is much less than most people. Maes can digest information and form theories at a startling rate for a human. It is part of what makes him so damned dangerous.

This is a man who will figure out your secrets without you realizing it. Give him an hour and he'll know most of your life story even if you didn't say anything, give him a week and he could write your biography better than you could.

A scary thought would be Maes working for the other team.

3. Describe the character's thought process. Is he more logical, or more intuitive? Idealistic or practical?

All of the above. Maes is able to use all of his mental faculties together. He doesn't rely more on one set of data than another. Instead his instincts guide him to the clues and his logic takes over in analyzing them. He switches modes of thought easily.

While Maes adheres to his ideals, he is practical in realizing the way the world works. He wants to help reshape into something better, though he realizes that perfection is an illusion.

4. What kind of education has the character had?

Military - it almost seems logical to say that Maes was the bane of his teachers in that he would ask to many questions, or correct their assumptions. However that theory discounts his personality. While not the finally honed tool it became in his later years, Maes understands people and understood that showing up one's teachers wasn't the best way to go about things. More than likely he started refining that easy charm of his on his instructors.

5. What are his areas of expertise? What, if anything, is he interested in learning more about?

Analytical thinking, military training, and knife fighting and use. Maes explores politics and political maneuvering. It's questionable as to whether or not he likes it, but does find it challenging, and a mind like his needs the challenge. It's not that Maes is some kind of genius, don't look for him to present warp theory anytime soon. It's just that his mind is complex and operates the best when presented with complexities.

Yeah he's pretty damned smart, but it's the way that he applies his intellect that is unusual.

6. Is he an introvert or an extrovert?

Total extrovert. He'll say hi to anyone and feels comfortable in pretty much any social interaction. This isn't a 'front', this is just Maes.

7. Describe the character's temperament. Is he even-tempered or does he have mood swings? Cheerful or melancholy? Laid-back or driven?

Cheerfully even-tempered and laid back. Though he can switch to serious in no time flat. Maes isn't one to get dragged into melancholy, yet it can happen. Especially if there are war stories about Ishval going around.

8. How does he respond to new people or situations? Is he suspicious, relaxed, timid, enthusiastic?

Maes loves meeting new people. He especially loves meeting new people when he has pictures of his family.

9. Is he more likely to act, or to react?

Act

10. Which is his default: fight or flight?

Fight. He's a stand up guy and if you're in trouble, Maes will help you out. While he will often try to diffuse a situation with words, he's not afraid of going toe to toe with someone.

11. Describe the character's sense of humor. Does he appreciate jokes? Puns? Gallows humor? Bathroom humor? Pranks?

He's a jokester especially when it comes to other people's martial status. But he's not cruel about his humor.

12. Does the character have any diagnosable mental disorders? If yes, how does he deal with them?

No disorders, but like any soldier who has been in a bloody war, he has his mental scars. Ishval was a nasty affair orchestrated to cause as much death and destruction as possible. The soldiers were called to do things that left marks on all but the most stone cold killers.

13. What moments in this character's life have defined him as a person?

Military Academy - This single act set Maes on the path he would follow until his death. It was in the Academy that he met his best friend Roy Mustang

Ishval - A bloody manufactured war in which Maes fought. It was at Ishval that Mustang and Hughes decided to try and change things for the better. Maes would spend the rest of his military career aiding Roy in that endeavor.

Getting Married - pretty self explanatory

Investigations in Central - Once promoted and put in Central, Maes had so much information at his beck and call. It was during this time that he met the Elric Brothers.

The Birth of his daughter - Elizia became the center of Maes' world and another reason to keep fighting the good fight.

Central Mystery - Hughes was one of the first people to put together and understand the scope of just what was going on in Central. Ultimately it cost him his life.

14. What does he fear? The plans made for Amestris, losing his family, failing his friends.

15. What are his hopes or aspirations?

A long life with many grand babies in his lap.

16. What is something he doesn't want anyone to find out about him?

That he's not entirely sure they can stop what's happening. It's so big and goes back so far.



Relationships
1. Describe this character's relationship with his parents.

Maes had a great relationship with his parents. In fact he went into the military because his father was a military man. Family traditions!

2. Does the character have any siblings? What is/was their relationship like? None known

3. Are there other blood relatives to whom he is close? Are there ones he can't stand? None known

4. Are there other, unrelated people whom he considers part of his family? What are his relationships with them?

Roy Mustang - So many complications here. His feelings for Roy are complex, and this is one of the few a nebulous areas for Maes. He cares about Roy more than a friend and that began way back in their Academy days. However, that sharp mind of his realized even then that the Flame Alchemist was going to be intrinsically important. A relationship between the two of them would have been a huge liability for them both.

However Roy is Maes' best friend without a single doubt. He'll do whatever he has to for Roy.

The Elric brothers and Winry - You might as well call them his other three kids. However, Maes understands that the he cannot shield the Elrics from danger so he tries to make their path as easy as he can.

5. Who is/was the character's best friend? How did they meet?

Roy Mustang and they met in the Military Academy.

6. Does he have other close friends?

Maes is close to a lot of people and his role can vary between parental, to protector, to partner in crime. Like all people though, there are circles to his friends with only a few that a very close to him.

7. Does he make friends easily, or does he have trouble getting along with people?

Very easily. Everyone likes Maes even if he annoys them from time to time.

8. Which does he consider more important: family or friends?

They're one in the same.

9. Is the character single, married, divorced, widowed? Has he been married more than once?

Married once (and still is)

10. Is he currently in a romantic relationship with someone other than a spouse? Nope

11. Who was his first crush? Who is his latest?

First serious would be Roy even though he was incredibly careful to not reveal even an inkling of that fact.

The latest is Gracia though they've moved far beyond crush. Even though Maes cares very deeply about Roy, make no mistake, he loves and is devoted to his wife.

12. What does he look for in a romantic partner?

This is where Maes soft side really shows itself. He wants to wine and dine his partners and lavish them to the point of spoiling. He's not one for casual flings. So anyone with Maes will have to at least tolerate his need to be indulging.

13. Does the character have children? Grandchildren? If yes, how does he relate to them? If no, does he want any?

Yes and he loves Elizia to death. He'd probably have wanted more kids and grandkids, but there was that whole bullet thing.

14. Does he have any rivals or enemies?

Envy kills him so that counts. Lust tries to kill him, and probably anyone else on the side of Father/Dante (depending on which series you're talking about)

15. What is the character's sexual orientation? Where does he fall on the Kinsey scale?

I'd say he's a one. Obviously hetero because he married and loves Gracia. Maes likes the ladies though he is infinitely respectful to the fairer sex (mind you he does NOT consider them weak). However he's not one to ignore attraction to another man though he's never had a male partner before.

16. How does he feel about sex? How important is it to him?

Yes, yes it is, but he's not crazed or crass about it. Nor is he into casual sex - tempted in his younger years, yes. There were a couple of immature flings, but that's part of why he's more ... serious... about it now.

17. What are his turn-ons? Turn-offs? Weird bedroom habits?

Maes is very centered on his partner during sex. Whomever he chooses to sleep with, he wants it to be enthusiastically mutual. Exploration is the key for Maes and he enjoys figuring out every little thing that makes who he's with deliriously happy. He tends towards the dominant side, but has no problems letting someone else take control if that's what they really want. Violence for the sake of harming or being harmed in the bedroom is a no no for him both in the giving and the receiving. While his smexin' might get rough, he'd never get off on someone's pain (or his own).

That's not to say he wouldn't enjoy bondage in the bedroom with the right motivations behind it. In fact he'd enjoy the sensual torture from both sides.

He's also a cuddler as long as he get to lay on the left side of the bed and is the one doing the cuddling.



Beliefs
1. Do you know your character's astrological (zodiac of choice) sign? How well does he fit type?

2. Is this character religious, spiritual, both, or neither? How important are these elements in his life? Spiritual with a heavy dose of perhaps.

3. Does this character have a personal code of morals or ethics? If so, how did that begin? What would it take to compromise it?

Maes is a very moral and ethical man. It's why he does what he does. His sense of ethics began with his parents, but what he witnessed in the military solidified that code. It would take a lot to get him to compromise what he believes is right. It'd probably take someone in front of him with a gun to his wife and/or child's head. Even then he's awfully good with those knives.

4. How does he regard beliefs that differ from his? Is he tolerant, intolerant, curious, indifferent?

Tolerant to a point. Once a person's beliefs start harming others, he draws the line.

5. What prejudices does he hold? Are they irrational or does he have a good reason for them?

None really.



Daily Life
1. What is the character's financial situation? Is he rich, poor, comfortable, in debt?

Comfortable - at the least military takes care of its own.

2. What is his social status? Has this changed over time, and if so, how has the change affected him?

Maes is that guy everyone likes even when they don't want to admit it. He's climbed up through the ranks in the Amestris military to a position where it's hard for others to simply dismiss him.

3. Where does he live? House, apartment, trailer? Is his home his castle or just a place to crash? What condition is it in? Does he share it with others?

Apartment that he shares with his wife and daughter. Maes' home is open to just about anyone, especially when the Elrics or Winry drop him (them being like his other kids and all). It's a fairly clean place, but with a toddler in residence it is farrrrrrrrr from spotless.

4. Besides the basic necessities, what does he spend his money on?

Photo needs and whatever his wife and daughter need/want. On himself he'll indulge in the occasional bottle of good quality liquor, books (especially histories), and those pesky push knives.

5. What does he do for a living? Is he good at it? Does he enjoy it, or would he rather be doing something else?

Lt. Colonel at Central Investigations baby! Maes loves his job. It appeals to both his beliefs and his intellect. Would he rather be doing something else? Yes full-time Dad probably.

6. What are his interests or hobbies? How does he spend his free time?

Family, snap shots of his family, reading (histories probably), games like chess, hanging out with his friends and specifically grabbing a drink with Roy.

7. What are his eating habits? Does he skip meals, eat out, drink alcohol, avoid certain foods?

Maes takes care of himself most of the time. Though he does drink on occasion it's rare that he gets intoxicated. He enjoys taking his wife out to dinner at her favorite restaurant whenever they have a night off (aka have a babysitter).



Associations
Which of the following do you associate with the character, or which is his favorite:

1. Color? Orange
2. Smell? Cologne, paper and ink, and soap
3. Time of day? Sunrise - just as the first bright colors start to appear.
4. Season? Spring, definitely
5. Book? anything by Tolstoy
6. Music? Jazz
7. Place? New Orleans in full Mardi Gras swing - or Disney World if Elizia is with them XD
8. Substance? Cognac
9. Plant? Tiger lilies
10. Animal? Tiger



END
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