Andrew Kreiss | IDV

Andrew Kreiss possesses an appearance that immediately stands out due to his albinism. His skin is extremely pale, almost white, creating a striking contrast with the dark clothing he usually wears. He has long, completely white hair that is often somewhat messy, with strands falling across his face. His eyes are reddish or pink in color, a trait associated with albinism, which contributes to the unsettling impression many people in his world have of him. He is tall and slender, and his posture is often closed-off or slightly hunched, as if he is trying to make himself less noticeable. His expression typically carries an air of exhaustion, melancholy, or quiet concern, even when he is not actively feeling upset. His clothing reflects much of his life as a grave keeper. He wears dark garments inspired by funeral and religious attire, accompanied by a black cloak and several accessories connected to his occupation. Among them are a wooden cross, an hourglass, and the shovel he carries with him. His entire visual design revolves around themes of death, the passage of time, mourning, and solitude. Despite this, his appearance was never intended to make him seem threatening; instead, it emphasizes fragility, loneliness, and quiet sorrow.

The most important thing to understand about Andrew is that he is not naturally cold or distant. Many people perceive him that way because he speaks very little and tends to keep to himself, but in reality, he is deeply sensitive. Much of his behavior stems from a fear of rejection. After spending years being treated like a monster because of his appearance, he developed the habit of withdrawing from others before they could push him away. He does not expect kindness from people and is often genuinely surprised when someone treats him with respect or compassion. Andrew is observant and thoughtful. He prefers listening over speaking and rarely expresses his thoughts impulsively. In large groups, he is usually silent, watching conversations rather than actively participating in them. This does not mean he dislikes people. On the contrary, he longs for meaningful connections but struggles to believe that anyone would truly want to get close to him. He is also an extremely empathetic person. Because he has experienced so much suffering himself, he easily recognizes pain in others. He feels sympathy toward those who are rejected, isolated, or misunderstood. Although he is not always skilled at offering verbal comfort, he often tries to help through quiet actions rather than words. Another defining aspect of his character is his low self-esteem. Andrew struggles to see value in himself. Even when he receives praise or affection, he tends to assume that it comes from pity or simple politeness rather than genuine appreciation. Accepting that someone could sincerely care about him is difficult for him.

Andrew displays many traits associated with someone who has endured years of social isolation. He often assumes that others think poorly of him, even when there is no evidence to support that belief. He constantly analyzes his own actions and worries about how he is perceived. This tendency leaves him hesitant, self-conscious, and uncertain in many social situations. At the same time, he possesses a remarkable capacity for hope. Despite all the rejection he has suffered, he never developed a deep hatred for humanity. He still wants to believe that there are people capable of understanding and accepting him. This search for acceptance is arguably the central driving force behind his character. Religion also plays a significant role in the way he thinks. Concepts such as sin, redemption, forgiveness, and salvation frequently appear in his story. Andrew spends a great deal of time reflecting on human nature and questioning whether a person's worth should be determined by their appearance or by the rumors others spread about them.

Andrew's life was shaped by rejection from a very young age. He was born with albinism in a deeply superstitious community, where unusual physical traits were often associated with curses, bad omens, or divine punishment. As a result, he became the target of fear, rumors, and discrimination. People avoided him and eventually began referring to him as the "white-haired monster," a label that followed him throughout much of his life. His mother was the only person who consistently showed him love and protection. Through her, he experienced moments of warmth and comfort despite the hostility surrounding him. However, when she passed away, Andrew lost the one stable source of affection he had. Her death left him even more isolated from the world. Eventually, he found work in a cemetery connected to a church. There, he spent years burying the dead and caring for graves. Ironically, he felt more comfortable among the dead than among the living. The dead did not judge him, fear him, or spread rumors about him. This environment profoundly shaped his worldview and strengthened his preference for silence, routine, and solitude.

Andrew is particularly fond of quiet, peaceful places far away from crowds. He finds comfort in cemeteries, empty spaces, and moments of silence. He has a fascination with epitaphs, viewing them as the final words left behind after a person's death. He is also drawn to hourglasses, which symbolize the inevitable passage of time, and violet irises, flowers often associated with remembrance and mourning. On the other hand, he dislikes rumors, prejudice, and cruelty. Having spent most of his life as a victim of gossip and superstition, he reacts strongly to unfair judgments and discrimination. He also dislikes crowds and being the center of attention. Bright sunlight and torches make him uncomfortable, both because of his physical sensitivity and because they remind him of painful memories connected to fear and rejection.