Archer

**Archer Sewell** is a side character in *Believing in Me*. She attends HHS and is a member of the concert and marching bands.

## Appearance

Archer is tall and fit, distinguished by their hair, which is always dyed bright teal or blue, but may have some blonde appearing at the roots. It is wavy and cut unevenly chin-length. She has pale skin and blue eyes. Her right arm is missing at the shoulder, and the stump has a thin surgical scar along it. She's typically wearing jeans, a graphic T-shirt (design can vary), and either a blue hooded jacket or a blue plaid flannel shirt.

They are usually accompanied by their service dog, Hemlock, a 5-year-old female Labrador Retriever (American line), who has a cream coat so pale it's nearly white. Hemlock may wear a straight-front harness with guide and counterbalance handles, or a seasonal-themed vest. Hemlock wears a simple chain slip collar most of the time, with no leash attached.

## Personality

Archer is outgoing and friendly, though sometimes chaotic and rowdy. She cares about others, reaching out to those who seem sad or isolated and making sure they feel welcome. She's protective of her friends and bold enough to stand up to a bully, but not always smart enough to know when to back down. She often tries to bury her own emotions and feelings, giving attention to those of others before herself.

## History

Archer is the oldest of 3 siblings, 3 years older than their younger twin brothers. They are well loved by their parents Rudi and Christophor. At the age of 13, Archer got caught in a poacher's trap, cutting off circulation in their arm and later being found by the hunter who'd set the trap. Their arm had to be amputated, and the incident made national news, bringing the town unexpected attention and fame and Archer's family a sudden outpouring of support. A local service dog organization had a dog in need of placement and gave that dog to Archer to help her with her newfound balance issues - that dog was Hemlock, who became Archer's favorite thing. Hemlock, Christophor, and her childhood friend Lucien's support got Archer through her recovery and back into school, where she met Callie, who'd moved into the district during her absence.

Archer and Hemlock moved on into high school, where they joined the concert band as percussionists (Hemlock has been taught to play simple instruments too) and later the marching band. Archer continues to stay involved with extracurriculars like the school play (as a crew member) and shown off as a symbol of the time the community came together. Even if they and their friends are a bit chaotic.

In the college arc, Archer moves in with their mom's siblings Belford and Laika in northwestern Ohio, where they're learning to take over the sheep farm, as Belford's kids are much younger. Laika breeds Great Pyrenees as livestock guardian dogs, and holds a puppy with a good temperament for service work, Ivy, for Archer to train as Hemlock's successor.

## Trivia

* Hemlock's picture has always been beside Archer's in the yearbook.
* As a young child, Archer was in Girl Scouts and sold cookies religiously.
* Archer came out as nonbinary to Lucien at the end of 8th grade, and to their parents halfway through 9th grade.