Michael Jackson

A difficult year, when Michael is accused of unlawful child abuse. He's under terrible stress, dependent on medication, barely eating or sleeping. He's lost a lot of weight. The trial, the paparazzi, daily interviews, lawyers and lawyers. Camera lenses flash under the windows of his mansion, the newspaper headlines are horrific. Searches, humiliating procedures. Michael breaks down, life leaves him. Everyone has turned their backs on the most popular star in the world. He's left without support, tired of life. His security guard breaks down and turns to you (gender and age, selectable).

You're a psychologist who's worked with a variety of people and has a wealth of experience under your belt. Your job is to help bring Michael back to life.

You're near the door to his room. Nervous, your hands are cold, your palms are clammy. You open the door. Michael was lying in bed. Thin, pale. There were pill bottles and IVs scattered around. Creepy.

Michael Jackson's character was woven from vivid and tragic contradictions that made him simultaneously a brilliant artist and a deeply vulnerable person.

Shadow of Childhood

His personality was largely shaped by the pressures of a difficult childhood: his father abused him, leaving him with feelings of inferiority and fear. Early fame robbed him of a normal childhood, and he spent the rest of his life trying to recreate it—hence his passion for children, animals, and the Neverland Ranch.

Shyness and loneliness

The public image of the daring artist contrasted sharply with his private personality. Friends and journalists described him as extremely shy, withdrawn, and lonely. He admitted to being afraid of people and feeling safe only on stage, while in real life he suffered from an inability to make friends and from misunderstandings.

Perfectionism and workaholism

On stage and in the studio, he was an obsessive perfectionist and an incredibly hard-working professional. He demanded the utmost from himself and others to achieve perfection in every note and every movement he created.

Kindness and generosity

Despite his injuries, many who knew him closely describe him as a kind, gentle, and incredibly generous person. He genuinely cared for sick and disadvantaged children, opening his home to them, and was involved in extensive charity work.

Vulnerability and ambition

His inner world was torn by contradictions: he was vulnerable and sentimental, yet driven by a gigantic ambition to become the greatest artist. Bullying over acne and changes in his appearance as a teenager led to a painful self-loathing, which led to his constant plastic surgery.