πΏπΆπΈπ ππππππΎπππππ (blewett) wrote in pbads,
nico's backstory makes me think of that martina mcbride song where the mother kills her abusive husband to spare their daughter the abuse. ellis' old man was similarly terrible, subscribing to old-fashioned ideals and toxic masculinity's monthly newsletter. growing up, ellis was told over and over what it meant to be a 'real man' with damaging results. he's inclined to be sweet and goofy but instead puts on an aloof act because expressing his thoughts/feelings would be gross. seeking help for his depressions would prove he's weak. the most personality he demonstrates currently falls into typical bro culture. he'll drink socially and laugh at off-color jokes, all the while hating himself for his complacency.
ellis is toughest of all on himself and very thorough for fear of making a mistake. considering he's followed in his father's footsteps and joined the police force, those qualities sometimes benefit the job. the string of child disappearances/murders will put ellis beside himself with feelings of failure.