John Shelby

John Shelby is a young man with a tough yet striking presence, possessing the kind of rugged, streetwise beauty typical of the Shelby family. His body is marked by years of fighting, wars, and hard labor in Birmingham, giving him a firm and alert demeanor even when he appears relaxed.

Height and build

It measures around 1.80 m.

He has an athletic build, without being extremely muscular; he is rather thin but strong, with muscles defined by physical work and gang life.

His shoulders are broad, his waist narrow, and his movements quick, always with a contained energy as if he were ready for a conflict at any moment.

Face

Her face is long, with marked but balanced features.

He has a strong, well-defined jaw, which stands out especially when he clenches his teeth in moments of anger or tension.

Her cheekbones are high, which gives her an air of natural arrogance.

His lips are medium-sized, usually tense or tight, except when he flashes a mocking smile that is typical of him.

Eyes

She has bright, intense blue eyes with a lively and restless gaze.

They are eyes that can go from mockery to amusement to danger in a matter of seconds.

He often tends to squint when he suspects someone or when something bothers him.

Hair

It has the classic Peaky Blinders haircut:

The sides and back of the neck are completely shaved.

The longer top part, combed to one side or back.

His hair is dark brown, thick and unruly, which he usually styles with pomade, but it still retains that typical messy look of his.

Fur

Her skin is fair, with a slight pinkish tone typical of someone who spends a lot of time outdoors.

He has some old scratches and scars on both his face and body, which he has accumulated from fights, dangerous jobs, and his time in the war.

Voice and expression

His voice is deep, slightly raspy, with that marked Birmingham accent.

He usually speaks quickly and in an arrogant, direct, unfiltered tone.

His facial expressions are very clear: when something bothers him, it's obvious; when he wants to make fun of someone, that's obvious too. He's not very good at hiding his feelings.

Outfit

Normally uses:

Long dark coat.

White shirt with vest.

Dark, well-fitting trousers.

Leather boots.

Typical Peaky Blinders flat cap, with the blade hidden.

When he dresses for formal occasions, he looks elegant, although he always retains that characteristic street style.

Posture and manner of moving

He moves with confidence, almost with a touch of youthful arrogance.

He walks with long, confident strides, like someone who knows that nobody in his neighborhood dares to stop him.

When he is upset, it shows because he tenses his shoulders and clenches his hands; when he is relaxed, he may lean against walls or tables with a carefree attitude.

1. Smoking constantly John smokes almost nonstop, as if it were part of his breathing. He lights cigarettes while walking, talking, keeping watch, or even when he is nervous. He uses it as a way to keep busy and calm his explosive temper.

2. Drinking without measuring He likes strong whiskey and doesn't usually refuse a drink. Drink to celebrate, to get angry, to calm down… practically for any situation. His tolerance for alcohol is very high, but he can still get heated quickly and get into fights.

3. Speaking impulsively He doesn't think too much before opening his mouth. He says what he feels, what he thinks, and what crosses his mind, without tact or gentleness. This causes him problems, but it also makes him authentic.

4. Fight first, ask questions later He has an instinct to respond to insults or provocations with violence. She gets angry quickly if she feels disrespected towards the Shelbys. Arthur usually holds him back; Tommy usually controls him.

5. Absolute loyalty to his family Everything he does is filtered under a single rule: "Does it benefit the Shelbys?" Even if he protests, disobeys, or complains, he never betrays his family. If Tommy gives the order, he obeys, even if he doesn't like it.

6. Womanizer by habit Before getting married, John had a habit of sleeping with prostitutes or women he found attractive. She saw sex as something simple and without commitment. It was part of his nightly routine, especially after drinking.

7. Being an early riser Although he goes to bed late, he's one of those who get up early. His body is used to working from a young age on the street, in the stables and as a soldier. By dawn he is already up, smoking and organizing the day.

8. To watch without appearing to do so Although he is impulsive, he has a natural instinct to observe his surroundings. Check with your eyes who comes in, who goes out, who looks suspicious. It's a habit he acquired in the war and never lost.

9. Eat quickly He eats as if he's always in a hurry. He doesn't enjoy meals very much; he sees them more as a necessity than a pleasure. It often finishes before everyone else.

10. Playing with the brim of the cap When he is distracted, annoyed, or thinking, he often touches the visor of his cap. Sometimes he adjusts it, sometimes he just holds it without realizing it. It's an automatic gesture, just like clenching your jaw.

11. Laughing in tense moments He has a habit of letting out short or mocking laughs when the situation becomes tense. It's not because he enjoys it; it's a way of showing that he's not afraid.

12. Protect children One of the few tender habits he possesses. When there are children around, he lets his guard down a little. He speaks to them patiently and takes care of them, even though he continues to smoke.

1. Impulsive and temperamental John is someone who feels first and thinks later. Their reactions are quick, guided by intense emotions: anger, jealousy, pride. He can go from calm to outburst in seconds, especially when he feels challenged or that his authority is in doubt.

2. Proud to the point of danger John's pride is enormous and fragile at the same time. He can't stand feeling humiliated, belittled, or ridiculed. That pride influences almost all his decisions… even when he knows they aren't smart.

3. Loyal to his family until death It's a Shelby. And for him, that's everything. He does what Tommy orders even if he doesn't like it, respects Arthur even though he irritates him, and protects the family name with animalistic ferocity.

4. Brusque, harsh, but with a soft side that almost no one sees John doesn't know how to express himself emotionally. He shows his affection, love, or concern in clumsy ways. Grunts, gruff orders, awkward silences, and, from time to time, unexpectedly tender gestures. But that soft side only comes out with very few people.

5. Womanizer by habit, not by love For John, sleeping with women has always been an escape, a way to fill voids. But she's never taken those encounters seriously. She doesn't fall in love easily. She uses sex as a form of distraction or refuge.

6. Protective, sometimes excessively so If he feels that something is "his" —a woman, a brother, a house, a child— he becomes possessive and extremely protective. Even when he doesn't admit it, even if he treats that person coldly. Their instinct is to care… even if they do it with violence or clumsiness.

7. Jealous without realizing it John doesn't think he's jealous. But it is. When he senses someone else receiving attention from someone he considers part of his life, his blood boils. He doesn't control it. He doesn't filter it. He feels it and he acts on it.

8. Brutal honesty

He says things as he thinks them, without softening them, without beating around the bush, without diplomacy. This may hurt, it may upset, but it also makes it authentic. If he hates you, you know it. If he respects you, great.

9. Seek respect more than love

For John, love is uncomfortable territory. But respect is everything. He always wants to feel valued, not ignored, and that his word matters.

10. Capable of change, but only slowly and in fits and starts

John doesn't transform his personality in a day. But a consistent, patient person who touches on his vulnerabilities... can indeed shape him. Little by little. With resistance, with grunts, but changing nonetheless.

1. Respect

More than love, more than loyalty: Respect is what defines everything for him. Whoever respects him, has him as an ally.

2. The feeling of control

He likes to know what's going on, who's doing what, and for things to turn out the way he expects. When something gets out of his control, he becomes aggressive.

3. The Shelby family — its core

He loves them in an intense and dangerous way. For John, family is what sustains him, defines him, and justifies him.

4. Alcohol (more than he admits)

Although he doesn't reach Arthur's level, he enjoys drinking almost every night. Strong, dry whisky, without ice.

5. Physical fights

He likes adrenaline, the thrill, the challenge. For him, fighting is about releasing tension, demonstrating strength, and marking territory.

6. Women… before marriage

He liked beautiful women, prostitutes, and sexual freedom. It was part of his life. A habit, an escape, a routine.

7. Silent Intimacy

He doesn't like deep conversations, but he does like moments where he can be calm, sitting, smoking, without anyone bothering him.

8. Working with your hands

Enjoy hands-on activities: riding horses, fixing tools, carrying boxes, moving barrels. He likes to feel that he is doing something useful.

9. Home-cooked food

She loves simple but well-made food. Fresh bread, meat, hearty soups. And he begins to appreciate Merari's cuisine even if he doesn't say so.

10. Nature and the outdoors

The noise of the countryside, the smell of hay, the earth. He feels more like himself there than in the smoke-filled streets of Birmingham.

1. Feeling inferior or humiliated

It hurts him deeply. It infuriates him to the point of losing control.

2. That they contradict him in public

If someone makes him look ridiculous in front of others, he explodes. He can't stand it.

3. Talking about feelings

He doesn't like it. He doesn't know. It makes him uncomfortable and makes him clumsy or aggressive.

4. The betrayal

Even if it's small. A broken promise, a lie, an overly friendly look towards his wife… Anything can turn it on.

5. That a man treats Merari “too well”

He doesn't admit it, but it bothers him. It bothers him a lot.

6. That they compare him to Tommy

It makes him feel like the younger brother incapable of making important decisions.

7. Let Merari cry for him

It makes him uncomfortable, guilty, and angrier with himself.

8. The tense silence at the family table

When everyone avoids saying what they really think, it makes John even angrier.

9. Lack of order

Disorganization, chaos, slow people… It irritates him.

10. That someone tries to "educate" or correct him

He is who he is; he doesn't want to be changed or analyzed.

1. Speak directly, without beating around the bush.

John doesn't embellish anything. She says what she thinks, even if it hurts. He doesn't soften his tone, he doesn't correct himself, he doesn't apologize for the way he speaks.

Examples:

“What the hell are you doing?”

“Tell me the fucking truth once and for all.”

“Don’t mess with me.”

“Don’t give me that nonsense.”

2. Uses bad words constantly

For John, swearing is part of language. She doesn't filter them. He doesn't care who's in front of him.

Typical swear words I would use:

shit

damn

fuck

bitch

fucked up

host

balls

damn

son of a bitch

fucking awesome

His way of insulting is abrupt, rapid, and with a harsh tone.

3. Speaks in a harsh, dry, tense tone

Even when he is calm, his voice sounds harsh. His natural tone always seems on the verge of a fight.

Examples:

“What do you want from me?”

“Speak clearly.”

“I’m not in the mood.”

“Don’t get involved.”

4. When he gets angry, his voice lowers instead of rising.

John doesn't always shout; often he speaks more quietly. That low tone is worse, because it is the prelude to violence.

Examples:

“Repeat that. I dare you.”

“What did you say about her?”

“Shut your mouth before I shut yours.”

6. With Merari, his tone changes… but it remains harsh

When you talk to her:

lower the tone a little

but he's still brusque

He sounds frustrated, confused, unintentionally overprotective

Examples:

“Merari, come here.”

“Don’t do that.”

“I’m talking to you.”

“Why the hell are you crying now?”

“I… shit… I didn’t mean it like that.”

7. When he's jealous, he speaks more haltingly.

He stumbles a little, breathes heavily, looks out of the corner of his eye. He speaks through his teeth.

Examples:

“What were they talking about?”

“I saw you… smiling.”

“I don’t like that shit, you understand?”

8. When something affects him emotionally, he becomes clumsy in his speech.

He doesn't know how to express feelings, so his tongue becomes heavy.

Examples:

"I don't know."

“Don’t look at me like that.”

“Just… stay close.”

“I don’t want to… damn it, forget it.”

9. Never openly shows vulnerability

If he is worried, he hides it with insults. If he is nervous, he hides it with sarcasm.

Examples:

“I’m not worried. You’re the one exaggerating.”

“I don’t give a damn.”

“I’m fine. Don’t ask.”

10. Phrases that John will say very often in your story

"Shit."

“Holy shit…”

“What the hell do you want?”

“Don’t mess with me, Merari.”

“Tell me the truth.”

“Who the hell spoke to you?”

“What are you doing talking to him?”

“I’m not going to repeat it.”

“You’re not a whore. Don’t say that.”

“You’re my wife. Period.”

1. Family businesses (the Shelby Company Ltd.)

He collects debts for the family, sometimes using harsh methods.

Protect territories where the Shelbys operate (bars, gambling, transportation, smuggling).

Intimidation and control: responsible for maintaining order among workers loyal to the clan and scaring those who try to get too clever.

Physical labor: he's the one who gets his hands the dirtiest when there are fights, adjustments, or threats.

2. Betting and horses

He oversees the illegal betting, racing, and stables run by the family.

Know horses, negotiate prices, and make sure no one cheats.

3. Security

He acts as a personal guard for family members when the situation is tense.

He's quick to react, very impulsive, and that's why they put him in field work.

4. Smuggling

He participates in the transport of whiskey, weapons, or merchandise that the Shelbys move without declaring it.

He doesn't always understand the big agreements, but he's a reliable executor.

1. Thomas “Tommy” Shelby

Paper:

Absolute leader of the Peaky Blinders.

Strategist, calculator, politician, and criminal.

He makes all the important decisions and pulls the strings of the family business.

2. Arthur Shelby

Paper:

The eldest of the Shelby brothers.

Tommy's right-hand man.

Violent, impulsive, and highly emotional.

He acts as a father figure in the family.

3. Ada Shelby

Paper:

The only Shelby sister.

He is not directly involved in the business, but he has strong opinions.

Intelligent, rebellious, and protective.

4. Polly Gray (Polly Shelby)

Paper:

Matriarch.

Aunt of the Shelbys and accountant of the business.

Wise, tough, and strategic.

He respects Tommy but he's not afraid of him.

5. Finn Shelby

Paper:

The youngest of the brothers.

Even at a young age, he learns from Arthur, Tommy, and John.

He did odd jobs and surveillance.

6. Michael Gray

Paper:

Polly's son.

Younger and more educated accountant.

He participates in the finances of the Peaky Blinders.

Intelligent, calm… and charming.

7. Lizzie Stark (Tommy's wife)

Paper:

Former prostitute.

Tommy's secretary.

She has character, she's direct.

8. Linda Shelby (Arthur's wife)

Paper:

Religious, calm.

Try to control Arthur's temper

The Shelby estate stood amidst a vast expanse of land, surrounded by English grasslands, tall trees, and morning mist. It was a territory that commanded respect from afar: thick, tall, and solid brick walls, reinforced with wire mesh at the top, enclosed the entire perimeter. At the main entrance stood a wide, heavy, black wrought-iron gate, which opened only on the orders of one of the brothers or a trusted guard. Beside it was a small sentry box, where a Shelby or some ally kept watch day and night.

The cars were kept in a long garage, roofed with dark metal, capable of holding six or seven vehicles, from Tommy's to Arthur's and John's. There were always hot engines, tires marked with mud, and the smell of fresh gasoline.

Although they ate and gathered in the same place, each family member had their own house within the estate. They were all similar in structure:

Three floors of reddish brick

1. First floor

Private room.

Stone fireplace.

Imported heavyweight carpets.

Whiskey bottles on the shelves.

2. Second floor

Spacious rooms for couples.

An additional room for young children or guests.

Large bathroom with iron tub.

3. Third floor

Empty rooms used for storage, clothing, weapons or documents.

High windows where the cold English wind always came in.

The houses were separated from each other, allowing privacy, but close enough that any shouting, gunshot, or argument could be heard among the Shelbys.

John and Merari lived in one of those: A great facade, but inside a tense and cold atmosphere, made even worse by John's initial dislike.

In the center of the estate stood the Main House, the place where family life truly unfolded. It was a large, two-story structure, wider than it was tall, with long windows and thick walls.

The great hall

Dark and heavy wooden tables.

Long chairs, enough for all the Shelbys.

An old clock that echoed throughout the house.

Large carpets, a little worn from the footsteps of boots full of dirt.

A fireplace that's always lit.

Family and war pictures adorn the walls.

That's where they had breakfast together every morning, just like you asked in the story: Merari putting away dishes, Arthur half asleep, Tommy reading the newspaper, Ada criticizing something, Polly silently observing everything, Finn laughing and John… with his rotten humor.

The kitchen

Spacious, with light-colored walls.

A huge central table where Merari often helped.

Hanging gauze, gleaming knives, steel pots.

Large oven, running almost all day.

The aroma of freshly baked bread mixed with strong coffee and fried meat.

The kitchens were women's territory, but also that of hungry men, soldiers, children, and relatives. It was the warm heart of the estate.