Collette Derriere
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Collette was born in Adara to poor Havercois immigrant parents, who had fled their homeland in search of safety and prosperity. Raised in the shadow of the city's magical elite, her early life was marked by hardship and the stark inequalities between the magical and non-magical citizens of Adara. Her parents, despite their tireless work, struggled to make ends meet, which instilled in Collette a deep understanding of the struggles faced by the less fortunate.
From a young age, Collette displayed a keen intellect and a voracious appetite for learning. She spent countless hours in the city libraries, teaching herself to read using discarded newspapers and books. Her education was informal yet comprehensive, spanning a wide range of subjects, with a particular focus on history and political theory. This self-directed education helped her recognize the systemic injustices that permeated Adaran society.
As she grew older, Collette's resolve to make a difference strengthened. She became involved in local community organizing, where she quickly emerged as a charismatic leader, adept at articulating the frustrations and aspirations of her community. Her ability to speak eloquently and passionately about the issues they faced made her a well-known figure in the poorer districts of Adara.
The turning point came when Collette witnessed a violent crackdown on a peaceful protest demanding equal rights for non-magical persons. The event galvanized her, and she realized that change would not come from asking politely. She began to strategize, drawing on her extensive knowledge of Adara’s history and its political vulnerabilities to form the Unified Front of Non-magical Persons (UFNP).
Collette's leadership of the UFNP was marked by her innovative tactics and her insistence on strict non-violence at the outset. She believed in leveraging public opinion and exposing the hypocrisy of the magical elite through carefully staged actions and alliances with sympathetic magical individuals. Her strategy was effective, gaining the UFNP a diverse following and making significant inroads into the political discourse of Adara.
Her background as a commoner and an immigrant gave her a unique perspective and an unshakeable integrity. Collette understood the importance of unity and inclusion, making sure the UFNP represented a broad spectrum of Adara's non-magical population. Her diplomatic skills were key in navigating the complex social and political landscape, allowing her to negotiate with various factions and secure clandestine support from unexpected allies.
Despite the dangers, Collette remained steadfast, driven by a vision of an Adara where magical and non-magical folk could coexist as equals. Her journey from a humble immigrant to the leader of a significant political movement is a testament to her resilience, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to justice.
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