INTODUCING THE FAMILIES (PART 1): The Carters

Just so we keep everything in tact, I'll be introducing everyone piece by piece. Tonight, we'll begin with the Carter family. Blue collar factory worker family headed by Lucas Carter, factory worker at Jackson Davis' Atlantic Motor Corp. I use actual actors as sort of an avatar for the characters, just to give everyone a visual of what I was going for

Meet the Carter family right now!

LUCAS CARTER

Robert Newman

A simple, blue-collar guy, Lucas has worked at the Atlantic Motor Corp.'s central factory in Two Harbors, MN for the past 30 years. A guy who just wants to provide his family with the best life he knows how. His girls are his life, and he wants to protect them from harm, even if it costs them their happiness.

He resents the presence of the rich Davis family in his life. Working as the president of the local auto worker's union, Lucas has spent his life dealing with the Davises, and in particular Jackson Davis, CEO of Atlantic, and their relationship is far from friendly. This goes back even farther for Lucas, as the two knew each other in high school, when Lucas dated Jackson's now-wife, Marian.

Lucas is a man who's fought hard to get ahead to make a life for his family, and maybe a little bit to keep up with Jackson, his adversary.

ANNA CARTER-CAREY

Bobbie Eakes

Part-time waitress at local diner, Anna's main priority is her family. She's a very traditional sort of woman, and has resisted the thought of pursuing her own dreams all her life.

Anna's impulsive tendencies have remained buried for a long time, but come out when her children or husband (or marriage) are threatened, leading her to act out in surprisingly brash ways, despite her demure, conservative nature.

Anna is extremely loyal to her family, sometimes to her own personal detriment. She longs for a better lifestyle, but is too proud to ask for help, and too concerned for her husband's confidence to risk going to school and pursuing her own goals at the risk of alienating her husband. She resists the feelings of resentment in her, but isn't prepared to fight for what she wants for herself.

Anna has never got on well with Marian Jackson, and with good reason. Her husband used to be in a relationship with Marian in high school and into college. Anna blames Marian and Lucas' breakup for Lucas never completing college. Marian is one of the only people she knows that can truly raise her ire.

KAYLA CARTER

(uncast)

Though off-canvas, the Carters' eldest daughter still in her parents' and siblings' hearts and minds at all times. Kayla has moved from Two Harbors to New York to attend college and hasn't returned since, due to disputes with Anna. Kayla finds Anna too invasive in her life and feels her mother puts pressure on her to be someone she isn't.

Kayla is a liberated sort, and a thorn in the side of her parents.

STEPHANIE CARTER

Jacqueline MacInnes Wood

Stephanie is an extremely thoughtful, intelligent young woman. Very unlike her mother (probably on purpose), Stephanie is very clear-headed and rarely acts without thinking things through. On track to finish med school, she will soon become a doctor and is intent on working as a surgeon at Lakeview Memorial Hospital in Two Harbors.

Stephanie thinks highly of her family, and is proud of her blue-collar roots. Unlike her sister Hailey, Stephanie wants for a simple life, and is in no hurry to find a man. Her mother insists she'll end up an old maid, but Stephanie knows love will come in time and doesn't let her mother's well-meaning nagging get to her.

Stephanie often acts as a sounding board for her younger, less-secure sister, Hailey. Stephanie relishes the opportunity to advise Hailey, and the two sisters are close. This bothers Anna somewhat, but she resists the urge to interfere, as Stephanie provides at least something of a window into Hailey's state of mind, which Anna doesn't want closed off to her.

HAILEY CARTER

Brittany Underwood

Hailey is much more traditional than her older sisters. Concerned with her looks and boys all through high school, she was a handful for Lucas and Anna. The baby of the family, and "mama's little miracle", Hailey was born prematurely and barely survived her first month. Anna spoilt Hailey rotten, which drove her older sister Kayla nuts. She and Hailey rarely speak and are civil even more rarely.

Steph, though critical of Hailey's vapid nature, understands her sister better than most anyone else. She often acts as liaison between Anna and Hailey, and hopes to guide Hailey to a more well-rounded place in her life.

Hailey doesn't share her mother's impulsiveness, but Hailey does have a strong desire to move up in the world and away from her blue-collar life. She believes she's found that life with her fiancé Brad Davis, whom her family disapproves of. Drawn to his traditional good looks, money, and status, he's actually her second choice in a mater after his younger brother Colin Davis. However, her relationship with Colin soured in high school and they barely speak. Still, he lingers on Hailey's mind when she's with Brad, and their similarities act as reminders to Hailey of Colin. This makes Hailey feel incredibly guilty, and causes her to overlook some of Brad's less favourable qualities.

Despite her family's protests (especially after witnessing some of Brad's less charming moments), Hailey insists on continuing with her wedding plans. But will her feelings for Colin eventually take over and ruin her life with Brad?