Ventriloquism Characters

Chuck Wood

Chuck Wood is a witty, charming, and, sarcastic 12 year-old who is the star of the show. He has a major dilemma; he wants to become the very thing he hates: a human being. Chuck has PS, (Pinocchio Syndrome) and like most PS sufferers, wishes someday to become a "real boy". Although it kills him to think that he's a only puppet, made of wood and wire, he uses this weakness to gain sympathy and trust from those around him. Just as soon as he gets you in the palm of his hand, he turns on you with mockery and insult. If a situation gets out of hand with someone bigger than Chuck, he hides behind the mere fact that he's only a puppet, leaving the aggressor feeling foolish. Because he isn't real, Chuck can get away with almost anything. Chuck appears to have the experience and know-how of an adult, but, to the careful observer, it is obvious that he is a pre-pubescent in disguise. Chuck is capable of compassion and kindness, however, these shining moments are few and far between. He has a soft spot for grandmotherly-types and children. In Chuck's mind, a grandmother is kind and giving with no strings attached. This appeals to him in a slightly selfish way, but, more importantly, leads him to kindness. Chuck relates to children on their level and because of his developed awareness, it is easy for him to become their leader. He enjoys teasing the children in a playful way and their innocent responses egg him on.

Chuck has the ambitions and goals of most 12 year-olds, but, because he can never attain them, his motives are laced with hostility, resentment, and selfishness. Chuck has the ability to say and do the things we wish we can do but can't because of social norms. He really is a likable character because his negative traits are hidden by his redeemable qualities.

Ted E. Bare™

Ted E. Bare™is a cute and cuddly bear who easily gains sympathy and affection. Although simple-minded, he has the ability to fabricate lies to fulfill his basic needs. Because Ted E. is fearful and gullible, he assumes the role of "victim" and uses his suffering to get attention. He is driven by the basic needs very similar to those of a human baby. He is easily entertained and a simple activity can occupy his mind for hours. He quickly becomes confused with the slightest dilemma and usually chooses to hide rather than confront the problem.

Ted E.'s best friend and worst enemy is Chuck Wood. Ted E. admires Chuck and yearns for his attention which usually consists of teasing and pestering. To Ted E. Bare™, negative attention is better than none at all. There are times when the two of them get along and Ted E. treasures these moments. Ted E. Bare™ is lovable and easy to please even though he can be frustrating and tedious. His naivete produces a positive outlook on life which is contagious to those around him.

Kevin

Kevin is a "Tabbit" from a planet called Rigel 3. He accidentally found planet Earth in his travels and has decided to stay here for awhile to study humans. Kevin is primarily concerned with learning all he can about our planet and is open to trying anything and everything. Most of his time is spent out exploring our world. Tabbits are more advanced socially and technologically than humans but less advanced emotionally. Kevin shows capability of basic emotions such as excitement, anger, and sadness, but, lacks the ability to comprehend more complex emotions like envy, greed, and love. For the most part, Kevin has a very dry sense of humor. He doesn't know how to laugh and uses silliness and immaturity in its place. Kevin flaunts his superior intellect through conceit and sarcasm, but shows a certain vulnerability to things unknown to him. Chuck thoroughly enjoys picking on Kevin because he's an easy target. Most of the time, Kevin doesn't know how to respond to Chuck's insults and easily loses his cool.

As Kevin learns more about Earthlings, he is able to mimic various sparring techniques, sometimes at Chuck's expense. Kevin is an outsider trying (quite unsuccessfully) to fit in with the other "puppets". He spends most of the time away from the group, and, when he is present, Chuck and Ted E. instinctively unite against this invasion on their territory.

A.N.G.E.L.

Angel, stands for Autonomous Nuron Generating Expermental Lifeform. She is out of a page of the Sharper Image Catalog, circa 2055. She's a personal assistant, computer, Blackberry, cell phone, landline, Fax, printer, scanner, and full tea and coffee service.
She is robotically female with a very strong sense of womanhood, independence and individuality.
Don't mess with Angel, she carries 220 Volts AC.

Sid

Sid is an energetic and determined Beaver. At times, he is overbearing but can quickly retain composure with a little reminding. Sid's main goal in life is to be in Showbusiness. He thinks he is multi-talented but falls short of that mark and is quite oblivious to his own folly. Sid possesses the natural ability to chew wood which is Chuck's worst nightmare. Sid realizes this and successfully uses this knowledge to frighten Chuck in order to gain the upper hand. Sid has very little patience for Chuck's hostility and sarcasm but can easily match wits with him. Chuck despises Sid's smugness and fears the Beaver might overcome his starring role in the show.

Sid relates to Ted E. on a basic animalistic level, and, for the most part, likes him, but shows great annoyance for Ted E.'s slow mentality. Despite Sid's lack of talent, his ambition and persistence will most likely get him where he wants to go.

Fred

Grandpa Ted, "Fred", is Ted E. Bare's grandfather. Fred is a grumpy and cantankerous old codger in his late seventies who resides at the Happy Valley Retirement home for aging toys and teddybears. He has lived all over the world, spending the war years in Morocco where he owned a bar. His past careers over the years include pipe fitter, ATP mechanic, bartender, secret agent, jazz musician, and bowler. A recent addition to Strassman's show, Grandpa Ted, Fred, is loved by all.