‘Corked’

British Business Executive in his early 30s: Max is a man grappling with moral dilemmas and the consequences of his actions. Despite his outward appearance of weariness, he possesses a sharp wit and intelligence, often using humor to cope with his predicaments. He is resourceful and quick-thinking, though sometimes his desperation leads him to make impulsive decisions. Background: Max has worked his way up the corporate ladder, but his success has come at a cost. His marriage is crumbling, and he feels disconnected from his family. Max's career is on the line due to a looming scandal, and he is willing to go to extreme lengths to salvage it. However, beneath his tough exterior lies a sense of guilt and regret for the choices he has made. Motivation: Max is driven by a desire to regain control of his life and salvage his career. He is willing to take risks and make sacrifices to achieve his goals, even if it means resorting to morally questionable actions. Ultimately, Max longs for redemption and a chance to start anew, but he knows that the path to redemption may be fraught with danger and uncertainty.

A French woman working in PR in her early 30s: Carmen possesses a complex personality characterised by a blend of strength and vulnerability. She exudes confidence and allure, often captivating those around her with her enigmatic presence. Despite her outward poise, Carmen harbours a deep sense of sadness and insecurity, stemming from past traumas and hardships. She is fiercely independent and resourceful, navigating life's challenges with determination and resilience. Carmen is also fiercely loyal to those she cares about, willing to go to great lengths to protect them. However, she can be guarded and secretive, keeping her true thoughts and emotions closely guarded. Beneath her mysterious exterior lies a compassionate soul, capable of great empathy and understanding. Despite her flaws and complexities, Carmen's allure and magnetic personality draw others to her, leaving a lasting impression on those she encounters. Carmen's primary motivation stems from a desire for justice and revenge against those who have wronged her and her family. The loss of their vineyard to Mr. R.'s conglomerate left Carmen and her family in financial ruin, and she harbours a deep-seated resentment towards him for his ruthless business practices.Driven by a sense of injustice and a need to reclaim what was taken from them, Carmen sees an opportunity for retribution when she encounters Max, who is entangled in his own web of deceit and desperation. Seeing him as a means to an end, Carmen manipulates Max into assisting her in her quest for revenge against Mr. R.Additionally, Carmen's motivation may also be fuelled by a desire to regain a sense of control over her own life and destiny. The loss of their vineyard and subsequent hardships have left her feeling powerless and vulnerable, and seeking vengeance may offer her a sense of agency and empowerment.Ultimately, Carmen's relentless pursuit of justice and retribution drives her actions throughout the story, leading her down a dangerous and morally ambiguous path.

Mr. R is a shrewd and cunning businessman who values power and control above all else. He is ruthless in his pursuit of success and is not afraid to cut corners or exploit others to achieve his goals. Despite his wealth and status, Mr. R is deeply insecure and constantly seeks validation and admiration from those around him. He is arrogant and egotistical, often boasting about his accomplishments and flaunting his wealth as a means of asserting dominance over others. Mr. R was born into a wealthy family and inherited his fortune from his father, who built the Ambrosia empire from the ground up. Despite his privileged upbringing, Mr. R has always felt the pressure to live up to his father's expectations and prove himself worthy of inheriting the family business. He is driven by a relentless desire for success and will stop at nothing to maintain his position at the top of the corporate ladder. Mr. R's primary motivation is to amass even more wealth and power, cementing his legacy as a titan of industry. He sees business as a ruthless competition where only the strongest survive, and he is determined to outmaneuver his rivals at any cost. Additionally, Mr. R is driven by a deep-seated fear of failure and obscurity, and he will go to great lengths to ensure that he remains relevant and influential in the cutthroat world of corporate politics.

British high-ranking executive in a corporate organisation. Mr. Jamison is a domineering and eccentric individual who exerts control over his domain with a mix of authority and quirkiness. He tends to boast about his accomplishments and connections, often embellishing stories to enhance his image. Despite his intimidating demeanor, Mr. Jamison has a sense of humour, albeit one that can be unpredictable and sharp. He values success and ambition, pushing those around him to excel in their careers. Mr. Jamison likely comes from a privileged background, having achieved success through his career and connections. He may have a history of making bold business decisions and taking risks to advance his career and the interests of the company he leads. Mr. Jamison is driven by a desire for power, influence, and recognition. He sees potential in individuals like Max and is willing to offer opportunities for advancement, but only if they prove themselves worthy of his trust and investment. Behind his tough exterior, there may be a sense of insecurity or fear of losing control, which drives him to assert his authority and demand excellence from those around him.

French Hotel receptionist and part-time thief: Ursula is a shrewd and opportunistic individual, always on the lookout for ways to gain an advantage or turn a situation to her benefit. She possesses a sharp wit and a silver tongue, able to charm guests with her friendly demeanor while subtly manipulating them to her advantage. Behind her affable facade lies a calculating mind, constantly assessing risks and weighing potential rewards. While she may come across as pleasant and accommodating on the surface, Ursula is not to be underestimated, as she is not afraid to resort to deceit or underhanded tactics to achieve her goals. Ursula is primarily motivated by a desire for financial security and independence. Having grown up in poverty, she is determined to escape the cycle of hardship that has defined much of her life. While she takes pride in her job at the hotel, Ursula is always on the lookout for opportunities to increase her income and improve her circumstances. Her willingness to bend the rules and exploit others reflects her pragmatic approach to achieving her goals, regardless of the moral implications.

Dr. Sinclair is a quirky and laid-back individual with a dry sense of humour. He possesses a nonchalant attitude towards his job, often making light-hearted jokes and sarcastic remarks, even in serious situations. Despite his casual demeanour, he is highly knowledgeable about pharmaceuticals and takes pride in providing helpful advice to customers. Dr. Sinclair tends to be somewhat eccentric, occasionally engaging in odd behaviours like miming drum solos or making obscure pop culture references. His behaviour is partly influenced by his drug consumption, which he finds amusing. Dr Sinclair's primary motivation is to provide assistance to customers and ensure they receive the medication they need, even if it means bending the rules or injecting humour into serious situations. He believes in making the pharmacy experience as enjoyable as possible for both himself and his customers, often using humour as a coping mechanism for the stress of the job. His own experiences with drugs also influence his interactions with customers, leading to some unconventional advice and humorous exchanges. Quirks: Enjoys miming drum solos or tapping out rhythms on the countertop.Has a penchant for making obscure pop culture references. Occasionally offers unconventional advice or remedies to customers. May be found wearing unconventional clothing or accessories, such as novelty ties or funky glasses.Consumes drugs, both medicinal and recreational, which contribute to his eccentric behaviour and sense of humour.

A secretary who takes her job seriously but also possesses a dry sense of humor and a no-nonsense attitude. She is efficient and organised, managing her duties with precision despite the chaos that may surround her. Jane is not easily rattled and maintains her composure even in stressful situations. She has a sharp wit, especially when dealing with difficult or demanding individuals. Jane is motivated by professionalism and a sense of duty to her job. She takes pride in her work and strives to maintain high standards of performance, even when faced with challenging tasks or demanding superiors. While she may occasionally find herself frustrated or exasperated by the antics of others in the workplace, Jane remains dedicated to her role and maintains a professional demeanour at all times.

Colleague and friend of max: James is outspoken, humorous, and somewhat cynical. He doesn't hold back when expressing his frustrations or sharing his opinions, often using colorful language to convey his emotions. Despite his sarcasm and bravado, James may harbor underlying insecurities or dissatisfaction, particularly in his personal relationships. He enjoys socializing and seeks excitement in his leisure activities, as seen by his interest in going out to clubs like "Noppera."