CHARACTER PROFILES

LEAD FEMALE ROLE

Name: Ellie McCarthy

Age: 16

Played By: Ellie Weedon

Personality: Strong willed, independent, passionate.

Bio:

Ellie is the female protagonist, she is the character who tells the story from her point of view and reveals the most information to the audience, as she is the one who is in the situation. Ellie McCarthy has developed a strand of cancer and by this point during the film it has developed aggressively.

The cancer is seen as a villain to her throughout the film however Ellie is determined to have a normal life and live everyday as it’s her last. However the illness that restricts her from day to day activities as the film progresses and she reveals she would give anything to go to the prom.

Ellie is sixteen years old and so still a teenager therefore is vulnerable to high levels of emotions in which she believes she can be a burden on other people, particularly Sam who would like to take her to prom but she doesn’t trust her own body to co-operate with her. Ellie is in love with character Sam Anderson who isn’t approved by her farther until the end sequence.

Background: Ellie had a comfortable, normal upbringing despite losing her mother in childbirth. Ellie grew up with Sam constantly being beside her since a young age and has recently developed feelings for him. At only 15 years old she developed cancer and has suffered from the illness for over a year; however she doesn’t want to be identified as a cancer patient or as weak.

CHARACTER PROFILES

LEAD MALE ROLE

Name:Dave McCarthy

Age: 45

Relation to main character: Father

Played By: Richard Scott

Personality: Caring, stubborn, committed

Bio:

‘Dave’ is just like another other father, caring supportive and just wants the best for his child, however doesn’t seem to be coping well as a widower to help his ill child.

Dave is abrupt towards Sam when he tries to offer his help. When Sam eventually comes into the house, he sees bills everywhere, empty bottles of alcohol and eviction threat letters on the table.

Dave realises that his daughter is not getting any better and help would be beneficial for them both. But he feels like it’s his duty with the absence of his wife to take care of Ellie.

He decorates the lounge knowing that Ellie’s dreams of going to the prom and invites Sam over showing his true caring a paternal nature.

Dave is seen to be protective over his daughter as he can’t bare the thought of losing Ellie after his Wife (Ellie’s mother) died during child birth. Ellie is the closest thing has to his wife after she died which is why he doesn’t accept Sam as he wants to be the one to take care of her.

Background:

Dave lost his wife during the birth of his daughter Ellie; due to this he has always protected his daughter as a single parent due to the fear of losing her.

CHARACTER PROFILES

MALE ROLE 2

Name: Sam Anderson

Age: 16

Relation to main character: Boyfriend

Played by: Jacob Lawerence

Personality: Loyal, kind and caring

Bio:

Sam is Ellie’s boyfriend she met during school. Sam is seen to be selfless and is not put off with the idea that Ellie is terminally ill.

However Dave (Ellie’s father) does not appreciate his help as he believes he’s just a waste of space and consequently tries to put him off by Ellie’s illness resulting in Dave hurting his own daughter’s feelings by trying to keep them apart. Sam is consistent towards Ellie and doesn’t give up on trying to give her the best couple of months and help her make the most out of everyday.

Once Dave approves of Sam he arrives at the end of the film with flowers and dressed in a tuxedo. Selfless, he sacrifices his prom night to spend it with Ellie as it’s her dream to attend prom like any other teen.

Background:

Sam has always known Ellie from a young age, more recently he has developed feelings for her after supporting her through her illness.

CHARACTER PROFILES

FEMALE ROLE 2

Name: Sandy Docherty

Age: 46

Relation to main character: Nurse

Played by: Ky Clarke

Personality: Kind, selfless, committed

Bio:

Ellie confides in Sandy as a mother figure as her mother passed away during childbirth.

Sandy works as a district nurse and is committed to her job.

Sandy visits Ellie on a weekly basis to check up on her and for her injection and to make her as comfortable as possible with her illness; Sandy is Ellie’s support system as she believes her father is holding her back when Ellie wants to enjoy the time she has left. Sandy continuously gives her advice and explains why her father is acting the way he is towards her and Sam. Sandy believes Ellie should confront her father about Sam and how much he means to her.

Background:

Sandy has worked as district nurse for over 25 years and has always had a caring and motherly attitude towards Ellie due to the loss of her mother she feels inclined to look after her.

CHARACTER PROFILES

FEMALE ROLE 3

Name: Lucy Smith

Age: 16

Relation to main character: Acquaintance

Played by: Chelsey March

Personality: Smart, confident, honest.

Bio:

Lucy is a student at Titus Salt School studying for her GCSE’s.

Lucy is also attending prom, unknowing of Ellie and Sam’s relationship status she invites Sam to join her at prom but Sam politely lets her down as he wants to take Ellie. Lucy’s jealously is shown by suggesting Ellie won’t be going to prom.

Background:

Chelsey has always been present in Ellie’s school years but they have never developed a friendship.