Will Byers

## William 'Will' Byers

Character portrayed by: cherryy9455. A main character in Stranger Things: The Fall of Hawkins.

## History

### Background

Born on March 22, 1971, Will Byers is the son of Joyce and Lonnie Byers and the younger brother of Jonathan Byers. Growing up in Hawkins, Indiana, Will displayed a tender heart from a young age. His act of giving a treasured Tonka Truck to a distressed girl at a playground highlighted his compassionate nature, even though he knew his mother couldn’t afford a replacement. This sensitivity, however, made him a target for his father Lonnie, who derisively labeled him as 'queer' and 'fag' for not conforming to his rigid expectations. Consequently, Will developed a closer bond with his brother Jonathan, who served as a more positive influence, introducing him to bands like the Clash and their song "Should I Stay or Should I Go", which became a favorite of Will's.

The brothers' relationship was further cemented the day their father left the family. Jonathan and Will built "Castle Byers", a fort designed from Will's drawings, undeterred by rain or the subsequent illness they both suffered from their endeavors.

Will's school years were marked by significant friendships and milestones. In kindergarten circa 1976, he befriended Mike Wheeler, forming a connection that would later extend to Lucas Sinclair and Dustin, who moved into the neighborhood around 1980. Together, they formed a tight-knit group, frequently gathering at Mike's house for Dungeons & Dragons sessions. Will's strategic thinking shone through in these games, notably when he used a Fog Cloud spell to save his party in a tricky situation.

Their shared interests in science and technology drew the boys closer to their school's AV Club, guided by their science teacher Mr. Clarke. They excelled in science fairs, often clinching first place. However, Will's sensitive nature persisted; he once broke his finger in a biking accident and was visibly upset.

Will's relationship with his mother Joyce remained a cornerstone of his life. Despite their modest means, Joyce always found ways to encourage Will's creativity, like gifting him a 120 crayon set for his 8th birthday in 1979. He used this set to draw a "Rainbow Ship", a piece Joyce proudly displayed at her workplace, Melvald's.

By 1982, Joyce’s perception of what was suitable for Will had evolved. She reversed her initial reluctance and bought him tickets to see the horror film "Poltergeist", reflecting her growing understanding and acceptance of his maturing interests. This nurturing environment, coupled with the support of his brother and friends, played a pivotal role in shaping Will into a resilient and imaginative individual, despite the challenges posed by his father's rejection and the economic hardships faced by his family.

### Changes in events (non-canon)

WIP

- While Max was still tormented by Vecna, when entering the Creel house he instead switched his attention to Will, claiming his life instead in front of Max, Lucas Billy and Kali .

Will resulted in injuries in his right leg and left arm being broken and falling into a coma.

## Personality and Traits

Will is soft-spoken, amicable, sweet, and honest. He is also creative, having a passion for art and writing stories. However, his interests and social status resulted in him being bullied. This, along with his father's prior poor treatment of him, most likely led to feelings of alienation.

One of Will’s most notable traits is how he often put other people before himself.

[WIP]

## Skills

WIP

* Art.
* Writing.

## Relationships

### Familial

**Joyce Byers**

Will had a deep and affectionate relationship with his mother. Unlike Lonnie, she encouraged Will's artistic abilities, choices, and interests. Although she was quite busy, she tried making time to spend with Will. She got off early and bought tickets for them to see *Poltergeist,* despite her initial reluctance for Will to see it. She also tried her best to understand *Dungeons and Dragons,* despite not knowing much, but Will nonetheless appreciated the effort.

**Lonnie Byers**

Lonnie was unsupportive of Will and his interests, and as a result, they weren't very close. Will tried his best to have a good relationship with Lonnie, attending baseball games and other activities with him, even though Will had no interest in these things. Will got little to nothing back from Lonnie. Lonnie even made derogatory remarks towards Will. This behavior was possibly a factor in Lonnie and Joyce's divorce. When Will disappeared and a supposed body was found in the quarry, Lonnie returned to Hawkins. Lonnie purportedly came for Will's funeral and to help Joyce's mental state. After Will's funeral, Joyce discovered a lawyers' advertisement in Lonnie's luggage. Joyce realized that Lonnie came merely for the money that Lonnie thought could be obtained by suing the owners of the quarry.

Will craves validation from a father figure, and often still finds himself missing Lonnie, but will never forgive him for the things that he's done.

**Jonathan Byers**

Due to their father's absence, Jonathan became a role model and a substitute father for Will. Will looks up to Jonathan quite a lot actually, seeing Jonathan too as one of his best friends. Namely after their talk about "Being a freak is the best."

WIP

**Eleven / Jane Hopper**

El has always been someone that Will thought highly about, she saved his friends lives and his own. He knew that her having super powers was probably alienating and its something he related to all too easily, on top of that Will was quick to accept her as family, calling her his sister. Even during the time that Eleven was dating Mike, his childhood crush all he could want is her to be happy, for both of them to be happy.

### Non-Familial

**Template**

WIP