Some origin & personality thoughts
I've had a more concrete image in my head in the last day or so of Jesper, and so some of the more cat-like things that I had originally written have kind of been phased out a bit, but I'm enjoying this direction.
Very excited to get home and start working on some clothing because I realized last night that since I was so impatient that I basically resorted to designing Jesper myself, that I don't have to stick to the original theme or color idea I had in mind. I found some really good stuff on Pinterest last night and, well I don't know if I can draw it, but at the very least I want to put together a board in layers of what the lil guy is wearing. If I can't draw it, maybe I can shove money at somebody who can. But regardless, I am very excited because the image in my head is becoming more and more solid...
So we've figured out that Jesper came from a bag that contains a little pocket dimension, essentially a bag of holding. Yarrow purchases or obtains this bag in some way and pop, Jesper shows up some time later.
I sort of have this vague thought that Jesper naturally becomes subservient to whoever bought his bag. Not so much in a way that is like, going to the ends of the earth and laying down their life kinda way, but just wants to be helpful. I've got no idea how old this bag or is how old Jesper is, if he was always tied to this bag, or even if the pocket dimension is specific to Jesper or a whole different place altogether.
I imagine when he first discovers that he is in a new place, he spends time getting to learn the layout of Yarrow's home, and considering this lil fella likes keeping his eyes closed, I'm sure he's knocking into shit and bumping stuff off of tables, etc. Making a ruckus.
Dana joked about Jesper picking up mice/rats and "starting a rat army for fun", but I feel like Jesper is a lot less thoughtful and purposeful in his mischief. If he were to pickup a random rat like that, it would be just because it's funny that he's put it in his pocket. There's no intention to do anything, there is like, zero thoughts happening in that brain.
I wrote originally that Jesper is "generally quiet", but it's hard to describe because... He is and he isn't. I think there's a lot of time where he won't be saying anything important, but the way I envision him is that his mouth is going almost non-stop. Walking around, laughing, muttering to himself but it isn't exactly comprehensible, or making any sense.
Dana asked me if I could think of anything that would upset him, and I'm not exactly sure. I don't see him getting too upset or hurt emotionally, and I'd really like to keep his angst levels on the lower side lol, but I believe Jesper truly wants to serve and be helpful so if Yarrow were frustrated with him, I could see him being hurt. He's also playful most of the time, so if it were a very serious moment and Jesper isn't acting "right", I could see it being frustrating.
Without sounding like Gollum lol, I do see Jesper switching between first and third person when referring to themselves. Usually depends on context and usually because they tend to speak in simple sentences.
I know it's only been a few days now with a new character, but I've been picturing that when Yarrow and Jesper are just getting to know each other, Jesper initially retreats to their bag at night to rest. As time goes on, I imagine that maybe Yarrow has put out a bundle of linens and cushions for Jesper to sleep on... I suppose I will find out. Or maybe like a raccoon, Jesper begins taking fabrics and secretly making a little nest so that he can stay with Yarrow instead of the bag. Ok big cute if true but then Yarrow takes the makeshift bedding and contributes to it and makes it a real lil place to sleep... Good stuff.
Praying Yarrow is a heavy sleeper because I'm imagining Jesper flat on their back, mouth open, snoring...