Character research: 'Top Boy'

As mentioned in my 'Trailer Research: Kidulthood + Topboy', I have researched Topboy to help me with my characters. Although the two characters below are not brothers, I feel that their representation follows a similar portrayal to my two main characters - Joe and Tay.

Ra'Nell

In general, Ra'Nell is a significant example of a character who has a goal, change and problem. The character aims to stay away from drugs and gangs as well as showing a passion for football (similar to my character Joe). However, he is left to deal with his ill mother who suffered from depression anxiety where at one point the character is left living by himself. Despite his efforts to stay away from drugs, he is eventually dragged in because of his friend Gem.

Dushane

Dushane however is portrayed as one of the main leaders for the gang 'Summerhouse'. He is frequently portrayed in huge drug scandals and is involved in crime scenes, mostly revolving around murders. This allowed me to develop ideas for my character Tay as it helps me to show what gang life is, which furthermore enhances the reality of my story. However Dushane is very clever in what he does - in the series he is only arrested once where he is released on bail despite nearly every episode involving or planning drug scandals or murders. 

Relationship

Although the relationship between Ra'Nell and Dushane are quite subtle and weak, it has allowed me to gain ideas for my project. Even though the two characters aren't related, Dushane is often shown to help Ra'Nell e.g. he helps Ra'Nell's sick mother. However the relationship between the two characters isn't exactly close - it basically consists of Dushane looking after Ra'Nell. This therefore allowed me to develop this relationship into something more personal and emotive, as I have created a relationship with two brothers who both have different ambitions (Joe avoiding the gang and drug life similar to Ra'Nell, and Tay who is near enough the opposite, like Dushane).