Charles Smith

American

Outlaw

Born to an African American father and a Native American mother, Charles Smith became one of the most recent additions to the Van der Linde gang, joining roughly 6-7 months before the events of the game. He states that he and his father lived with his mother’s tribe until the U.S. Army drove them away. His mother was captured by soldiers a couple years later and was never seen again, whilst his father fell into a depression and became an alcoholic. At the age of 13, Charles ran away and wandered the country alone. A veteran survivalist, Charles joined the Van der Linde gang while being in the Grizzlies, at some point in late 1898.

Charles has been described as a quiet and reserved person, yet very competent in everything he takes part of, especially fights, to the extent that he is able to successfully compete with a flawless record in fighting tournaments. He is very courageous and selfless, providing whatever help he could to those that need it. He is nearly always calm, only showing visible happiness or anger on a few short occasions. Arguably the most honorable member of the gang, Charles is cool-headed and reluctant to kill. He disapproves of people who are nothing but vicious killers, such as his notable disdain for the Callander brothers and Micah. He is also compassionate towards wild animals and shows rare visible anger when encountering the poachers' killing bison for sport. He despises racism, throwing Micah to the ground instantly for calling him a redskin, and being visibly impressed by Dutch's fair treatment of all races. He is also shown to be thoughtful and kind. Ultimately, he can be described as altruistic. He is quick to help anyone who has helped him or who is in need of help in spite of however bad his condition may be or how little benefit it may be to him. Charles is also emotionally distant and socially awkward. By his own admission, he prefers people when he does not have to listen to them. But he does eventually warm up to those he sees good in. He also feels directionless, which, combined with his desire for social interaction, is likely why he joined the gang in the first place. During a possible campfire conversation, Charles vents about his lack of understanding of life. He feels that he has no purpose but to suffer, and after considering his mother's kidnap, father's alcoholism, early escape from home, and subsequent extreme loneliness, it is easy to see why. He is used to racism. He doesn't expect anything less but he is always surprised when people don't.

Charles has dark skin, with light stubble and scarring on his face. He has a very muscular build, which is accompanied by great strength and athleticism. He has very long, free-flowing black hair which he later styles into a mohawk/braid look.

1880s

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