PLAYER Name: Arden Personal Journal:uponastar E-mail: ardinimartini@hotmail.com AIM/MSN/etc: ardendillo @ Skype | ardendillo
CHARACTER Name: Matthew Williams / Canada Canon: Axis Powers Hetalia Timeline: Present day
Personality: Often written off as the "boring" twin of America, Canada (or Matthew Williams) is much more of a complicated person than many care to take note of. First and foremost is what people do know about his personality from a first impression, which is different by far from what anyone could glean from America. He's a bit shy, very quiet, and not at all in the intimidating way that countries like Germany are. Generally he lacks the ability to command attention the way America, England, and other world powers are able to. Canada tends to fade into the background (literally, if taken from the comic and anime). He definitely thinks before speaking and listens well, unless he's particularly flustered, which isn't all that often. Matthew is very good at keeping a level head and thinking through things rationally for the most part. More on that a bit later.
Both a positive and a negative thing, Canada is very much a product of his family and his history. Nearly everything in his life is a comparison to someone else, as is what usually happens when you have a "brother" who outshines you at almost everything. Canada and America have had and continue to have a fantastic relationship, there is no doubt about that. But, like any sibling knows, it's never perfect. America left England in the Revolutionary War and Canada was the one who stayed loyal to the crown. This, in itself, highlights some of the main differences between the brothers. In Matthew's colonial years, despite Alfred's persuasions, and even a couple of invasions, the northern colony stayed loyal to Arthur until 1867. Even still, there was no revolution or rebellion, because Matthew isn't that kind of a country. Matthew is exceedingly steadfast, and will go to great lengths to avoid confrontation. He hates to fight unnecessarily more than anything. This does not mean, however, that he will not do it when called upon. Matthew and his military fight tenaciously when that call is made. Many overlook Matthew's contributions in favor of Alfred's, but in fact Canada's men and women have fought just as hard and long in several of the major wars and conflicts in contemporary history as the American soldiers.
Originally colonized by France and established the Colony of New France, the main French influences can still be seen in the province of Quebec and Canada's official bilingualism. Matthew speaks both languages fluently, and still refers to Francis as his "Papa" to this day. When France lost Canada in the French and Indian War (or Seven Years' War) to England, a lot changed. Naturally, Canada was upset by the loss of his Papa, but gained a brother in the process. From the beginning Alfred didn't pay much more attention to Matthew than was necessary, but what really came out of this was a feeling of flexibility that Matthew still carries to this day. Francis leaving him in England's possession marked the beginning of a long series of changes and got him very used to playing "second" to everyone. (Even his "pet" polar bear, Kumajiro, doesn't remember his name; Matthew, in a great stroke of maturity, replies in kind by pretending to forget his.) Matthew became used to masking his emotions as a cover to hide his continual disappointment and how hurt he became when things like this happened. He smiled and tried his best to be kind to England and his new brother. Meanwhile, Alfred blossomed and grew exponentially, Matthew remained modest and continued with what he had. There simply wasn't room on one continent for two egotistical Americas, so Canada became the quiet, long-suffering colony of England and settled with that. Due to England's other concerns keeping attention away from the quiet colony, Canada actually developed his own form of reserved independence. He's quite good, with some thought, at making decisions and coming up with logical and peaceful solutions to problems. Matthew is much smarter than he ever gets credit for, again from years of observing the world around him while being under Arthur's protection.
This is not to say that this reputation and history of being in America's shadow victimizes Canada at all; on the contrary it is one of his biggest flaws. Matthew is quick to get complacent and never manages to complain when something is wrong. He makes himself invisible as often as others do it for him. Rather than voicing complaints, Matthew has the nasty habit of making passive-aggressive remarks instead. Raised largely by Arthur and all of his bitter snark, much of that rubbed off onto Matthew in its own way. Never one to openly be aggressive or straightforward, Matthew is much more comfortable to mutter under his breath. It's rare to get Matthew to a point where he's very nasty or a downright asshole about it, but he has been pushed there before. He knows the spots to hit and has made Alfred cry at least once from going off on him. Matthew may be forgiving and let things blow over for the sake of peace, but he'll throw in a comment off-hand when it's least expected. He almost always forgives; he rarely forgets. The War of 1812 is an example of a topic Canada does not enjoy broaching upon for that reason. Another good example of something that will get Matthew's blood boiling is hockey. There is just no room for niceties and meekness in an ice rink where people lose teeth and slam into glass walls. Matt very much enjoys a game now and then and gets noticeably more agitated during hockey season in the NHL.
In a nutshell, Canada is diplomatic, passive-aggressive, and cautious. While it may seem like he's a bit lackluster and is often "forgotten," he has a lot more to him than what many stereotypes let on. He plays peacemaker a lot; he struggles with how to define himself against a global power like America; but, more than he anything strives for comfort and happiness. A true melting pot of cultures, even more so than America arguably, Canada prides himself most on being a source of balance and harmony. Within his own borders Canada has a nation of, generally, polite and happy citizens, and this is reflected in his generally good relations with other nations as well. He doesn't feel the need to define himself with a bang and shows of great power like America does, but prefers to keep his own values he's established, even through the constant and frustrating risk of being overwhelmed by America.
[canon] Matthew Williams / Canada || Axis Powers Hetalia || reserved || 1 of 2
Name: Arden
Personal Journal:
E-mail: ardinimartini@hotmail.com
AIM/MSN/etc: ardendillo @ Skype |
CHARACTER
Name: Matthew Williams / Canada
Canon: Axis Powers Hetalia
Timeline: Present day
Personality: Often written off as the "boring" twin of America, Canada (or Matthew Williams) is much more of a complicated person than many care to take note of. First and foremost is what people do know about his personality from a first impression, which is different by far from what anyone could glean from America. He's a bit shy, very quiet, and not at all in the intimidating way that countries like Germany are. Generally he lacks the ability to command attention the way America, England, and other world powers are able to. Canada tends to fade into the background (literally, if taken from the comic and anime). He definitely thinks before speaking and listens well, unless he's particularly flustered, which isn't all that often. Matthew is very good at keeping a level head and thinking through things rationally for the most part. More on that a bit later.
Both a positive and a negative thing, Canada is very much a product of his family and his history. Nearly everything in his life is a comparison to someone else, as is what usually happens when you have a "brother" who outshines you at almost everything. Canada and America have had and continue to have a fantastic relationship, there is no doubt about that. But, like any sibling knows, it's never perfect. America left England in the Revolutionary War and Canada was the one who stayed loyal to the crown. This, in itself, highlights some of the main differences between the brothers. In Matthew's colonial years, despite Alfred's persuasions, and even a couple of invasions, the northern colony stayed loyal to Arthur until 1867. Even still, there was no revolution or rebellion, because Matthew isn't that kind of a country. Matthew is exceedingly steadfast, and will go to great lengths to avoid confrontation. He hates to fight unnecessarily more than anything. This does not mean, however, that he will not do it when called upon. Matthew and his military fight tenaciously when that call is made. Many overlook Matthew's contributions in favor of Alfred's, but in fact Canada's men and women have fought just as hard and long in several of the major wars and conflicts in contemporary history as the American soldiers.
Originally colonized by France and established the Colony of New France, the main French influences can still be seen in the province of Quebec and Canada's official bilingualism. Matthew speaks both languages fluently, and still refers to Francis as his "Papa" to this day. When France lost Canada in the French and Indian War (or Seven Years' War) to England, a lot changed. Naturally, Canada was upset by the loss of his Papa, but gained a brother in the process. From the beginning Alfred didn't pay much more attention to Matthew than was necessary, but what really came out of this was a feeling of flexibility that Matthew still carries to this day. Francis leaving him in England's possession marked the beginning of a long series of changes and got him very used to playing "second" to everyone. (Even his "pet" polar bear, Kumajiro, doesn't remember his name; Matthew, in a great stroke of maturity, replies in kind by pretending to forget his.) Matthew became used to masking his emotions as a cover to hide his continual disappointment and how hurt he became when things like this happened. He smiled and tried his best to be kind to England and his new brother. Meanwhile, Alfred blossomed and grew exponentially, Matthew remained modest and continued with what he had. There simply wasn't room on one continent for two egotistical Americas, so Canada became the quiet, long-suffering colony of England and settled with that. Due to England's other concerns keeping attention away from the quiet colony, Canada actually developed his own form of reserved independence. He's quite good, with some thought, at making decisions and coming up with logical and peaceful solutions to problems. Matthew is much smarter than he ever gets credit for, again from years of observing the world around him while being under Arthur's protection.
This is not to say that this reputation and history of being in America's shadow victimizes Canada at all; on the contrary it is one of his biggest flaws. Matthew is quick to get complacent and never manages to complain when something is wrong. He makes himself invisible as often as others do it for him. Rather than voicing complaints, Matthew has the nasty habit of making passive-aggressive remarks instead. Raised largely by Arthur and all of his bitter snark, much of that rubbed off onto Matthew in its own way. Never one to openly be aggressive or straightforward, Matthew is much more comfortable to mutter under his breath. It's rare to get Matthew to a point where he's very nasty or a downright asshole about it, but he has been pushed there before. He knows the spots to hit and has made Alfred cry at least once from going off on him. Matthew may be forgiving and let things blow over for the sake of peace, but he'll throw in a comment off-hand when it's least expected. He almost always forgives; he rarely forgets. The War of 1812 is an example of a topic Canada does not enjoy broaching upon for that reason. Another good example of something that will get Matthew's blood boiling is hockey. There is just no room for niceties and meekness in an ice rink where people lose teeth and slam into glass walls. Matt very much enjoys a game now and then and gets noticeably more agitated during hockey season in the NHL.
In a nutshell, Canada is diplomatic, passive-aggressive, and cautious. While it may seem like he's a bit lackluster and is often "forgotten," he has a lot more to him than what many stereotypes let on. He plays peacemaker a lot; he struggles with how to define himself against a global power like America; but, more than he anything strives for comfort and happiness. A true melting pot of cultures, even more so than America arguably, Canada prides himself most on being a source of balance and harmony. Within his own borders Canada has a nation of, generally, polite and happy citizens, and this is reflected in his generally good relations with other nations as well. He doesn't feel the need to define himself with a bang and shows of great power like America does, but prefers to keep his own values he's established, even through the constant and frustrating risk of being overwhelmed by America.