Jesse Sanders

Jesse is a main character in Locals Only!.

## Personality

Jesse is a depressed shut in and clerk/occasional mechanic at Moore’s Garage. Jesse's life is characterized by a combination of regret, self-pity, and an overall sense of resignation. His life is in shambles, and he irresponsibly blames it all on one sole event, that being when his girlfriend dumped him in high school. He is pathetic and choleric, and only wants to be left alone to wallow in self-pity. The pivotal event from his past that he fixates on serves as a catalyst for his negative outlook on life. This fixation has led him to develop a gloomy and defeated attitude, marked by his chain-smoking and alcohol consumption. Despite his surly demeanor and tendency to isolate himself, Jesse's interactions with others who approach him for conversation or help showcase his inability to assert himself or set boundaries. This passivity is likely contributing to the cycle of negative experiences he finds himself in, perpetuating his feelings of powerlessness. Jesse is purely reactive, letting things happen and not caring as he watches the world go by. He is also a chronic procrastinator, the opposite of his brother Milo who has lead an actually successful life. His brother's contrasting successful life serves as a constant reminder of Jesse's own perceived failures, contributing to his self-imposed isolation and reluctance to engage with the world. Despite his coarse and unwelcoming demeanor, Jesse does have something of a dry wit to him, revealing an underlying charm that used to be more present during his high school days. While most people in town have a negative opinion on him, Jesse still has at least one friend in Avery Gilhooly. The two losers confide in each other, and while Avery is busy fantasizing about freeing their community from the shackles of organized crime, Jesse is more caught up in reminiscing about the past.

## Biography

Jesse was born in 1924 to a farming family. Never measuring up to his older brother's accomplishments, Jesse lived in his shadow for most of his childhood. He met who he thought would be the love of his life in the 7th grade when he didn't make baseball tryouts. Her name was Patricia, and the two found solidarity in their lower social status. Eventually, Patty found a niche in theater, and the two grew distant. After graduation, she abandoned Jesse altogether in search of success in the entertainment industry. Crestfallen, Jesse spiraled into depression and didn't leave bed for a week. By this time, Jesse and Milo's father had passed away, leaving their reclusive and overly-critical mother. Pitying his brother and not wanting to hear anymore unsavory comments from their mother about his situation, Milo convinced her to sign the house over to Jesse and moved her into a smaller home. Since then, Jesse had gotten a job at the garage, and the old family home fell into neglect. Whenever Jesse isn't at work, he is usually either drinking, watching television, or both. He also enjoys fishing and sitting around bonfires with his friends Avery, Barnes, and John.

## Appearance

Jesse is 5'11", is overweight, and balding. His fur is gray with white patches, and he has yellow eyes. His work uniform consists of gray-blue coveralls with his name sewn on in red, a utility belt with tool pouches, and work boots. Outside of work he doesn't care about how he dresses, usually with unbuttoned shirts that aren't tucked in.

## Friends

* Avery Gilhooly
* John Whisenhunt
* Barnes Howe

## Enemies

* Susan Meilleur
* Rosa Lee Parish
* Dottie Sanders

## Skills and Abilities

Jesse is a fairly competent mechanic, and despite his surly demeanor, doesn't enjoy being mean to others. The way he sees it though, is that he simply wants to be alone and unbothered, but people are constantly pushing him.

## Weaknesses

Jesse is a chronic smoker and alcoholic. He lacks commitment, and never finished anything he starts. He always settles for what's easier, and never wants to put in any work if it means he can get to the things he actually wants to do quicker. His most glaring weakness however, is his tendency to hang onto the past and never let things go. Jesse also has terrible spending habits; he works for good wages, but is poor because of his purchases of alcohol and the fact that he almost always eats out.

## Jobs

Jesse works full time as a clerk at Moore's Garage, and sometimes contributes with auto repairs.