Name: Jessica Nancy Smithson
AGE: 17
DOB: 26 October 1981
Origin:
Jessica Smithson is a product of Sunnydale, born to nice, normal professional parents (her father's a paralegal for a law firm in Los Angeles <NONONO, NOTNOTNOT Wolfram and Hart!>, her mother works as an investment agent for a national firm) who commute to Los Angeles to work. She grew up in a loving home and besides having a fine relationship with her parents, Jessica often looked forward to going to Los Angeles to visit her grandmother (Jessica and her Nana share a close relationship to this very day).
Jessica had a relatively normal childhood, wanting to be a dancer when she was six and getting her parents to sign her up for dancing lessons. As she grew older, she also came to love reading. By the time she entered middle school, she already had a growing collection of books as her dream of becoming the next great Ballerina began to gain some competition; she liked the idea of being a writer.
Over her middle school years she read the books kids her age usually read, but by the time she was thirteen, she discovered her parents' collection of literature (which consisted of large portions of Shakespeare, British literature, and American classics). It was then that Jessica discovered what "real" literature was like. She fell in love with Shakespeare. She devoured Twain. She even began reading and trying to understand Greek tragedies (something many students don't begin to read until high school, if at all).
When she entered Sunnydale High School in 1996, she not only looked forward to it, she did everything she could to ensure that her classes were the ones she'd find fulfilling for her and her voracious appetite for the printed word. Even during her freshman year, a full third of her classes were the high-challenge "honors" courses. She didn't consider herself as being a brain; she merely believed she was preparing for a literature curriculum in college and a career as an author.
It was during that freshman year that again, her dreams began to shift a bit, although not as much as they had when she began to drift from getting the lead role in Swan Lake or the Nutcracker. The bright-eyed freshman discovered that as much as she enjoyed writing her own stories, she just as much looked forward to learning and debating the classics in her Literature class, taught by one Sandra Livingston. Jessica eagerly looked forward to Mrs. Livingston's class every day, knowing that she'd actually learn something new and love it.
The teacher's passion for her job affected some of the students that way; to the woman from Milwaukee (that's how Jessica thought of her until learning that Mrs. Livingston had in fact been Sunnydale High's Valedictorian) was working her dream job and Jessica was her number one "disciple"; in the redhead's case, she was discovering another facet of her favorite pastime, reading. Jessica finally approached the teacher one day after class and asked how she taught with such fervor, especially since she'd never get paid as much for teaching as she would in another profession (Jessica's parents being her example).
The older woman smiled and said, "It's simple. As a friend of mine told me, ‘If you're doing something you love, rather than something you're good at but don't like doing, you'll be a lot happier and live a lot longer.'"
Jessica took those words to heart. She decided that she might like to do something like her teacher, who told her how she'd gotten to where she was. She told her prize pupil that she was on a good track, and she should continue on it. Jessica didn't understand the part about "avoiding jerk-off gigolos," but she started on what she saw as her first steps to a possible dream job of her own (as mentioned in Working Girl).
Jessica continued her honors course load in her sophomore year, although one thing happened that would change her life for the better. When selecting groups to work with for the semester, a transfer student who'd just moved to Sunnydale approached Jessica. David Abhrams was just as into books as she was, and was taking Comparative Literature class for the same reason Jessica had; his father had been a teacher (albeit teaching World and American History) and had decided that he wanted to teach as well. Only he wanted to teach English rather than History, and was glad to see that his new school (his parents had divorced, but under fairly amicable terms, so Mom moved back to her hometown where Grandpa owned a hardware store) had the curriculum he needed. Jessica and her partners welcomed David into their circle, and by the time midterms rolled around, Jessica and David's down to Earth personalities began to click in more ways than class assignments. After one of their partners disappeared under mysterious circumstances, the grieving Jess and Dave became much closer. By the time spring break came to pass, the two were officially an item, although both took it slowly.
The couple continued to date during summer vacation, managing to avoid more deaths close to them. Jessica had finally began to question the death rate in her hometown, but her boyfriend's theory made good sense (see David's bio for his sensible <but totally WRONG!!!> beliefs). She was happy with her life and David was quickly becoming a major part of it.
As their junior year began, Jess and Dave were surprised to find that Mrs. Livingston, having anticipated their desires, had already arranged for them to be in her class in the same period (something they'd been worried about for the couple of weeks leading up to the beginning of their junior year). They weren't going to argue and happily accepted the favoritism (something Jessica usually tried to avoid). Of course the pair made their "own" group for their class, but there weren't quite as many students in the last hour class as they'd hoped, so it seemed like they'd be a "solo act." The one student who didn't join with one of the other groups was a new exchange student, who bounced around groups for months (including one or two assignments with her and David). Jessica, for her part, thought the girl would be a good catch for them; the woman obviously loved to read and enjoyed the class as much as they did.
Mrs. Livingston apparently thought the same thing, if for different reasons. In December, Shaw approached Jessica and David after school and asked if she could join their group on a permanent basis. David's reaction, given Shaw's preference of hanging out with members of the senior class, was somewhat sarcastic. Since he'd been out with the flu during Thanksgiving week, he hadn't been on hand for Amy Madison's "big announcement" regarding Shaw in the cafeteria. Jessica stood up for Shaw, having an actual disagreement with her boyfriend and telling him why she associated with upper classmen; Amy was related to Shaw, and Shaw's only family. Another point in Shaw's favor was that the seniors she did spend time with were considered by their peers as some of the most unpopular kids in the school. Her argument not only swayed Dave (because it was true), but also made an impact on their applicant, who appreciated a <almost> total stranger sticking up for her (Dating Blues 2).
Jess welcomed Shaw into their circle, with her boyfriend following suit. Over the next two months, the lonesome Scotswoman began to open up a bit and the three found themselves becoming friends (they were the only ones Shaw actually spent social time with outside of her cousin's circle of friends). Jessica knew a little about losing someone and she and Shaw talked about it at least once. On Jessica's side, she didn't have as many girlfriends as most juniors, although it was just the way things had happened, rather than because she was shy or a loner (she's anything but). But she saw that in Shaw's case, friends were something the girl needed and craved. What helped with Dave was that Shaw loved many of the same sword and sorcery novels he had grown up on (not to mention their distasteful love of PRO WRESTLING!). Shortly after, in January 1999, another transfer student from Boston, Massachusetts, Faith Pryce, joined their group.
In mid-March, Mrs. Livingston made a surprise announcement; their next assignment, one that would count for a major portion of their final grade, would be a little… different. A professional author would critique their original stories. While most of the class started buzzing, Jessica nearly fainted at the name of the author; Diana Tregarde.
The Awesome Foursome (as Faith had "unofficially" named their group) began working on their story idea. Unlike some of the other groups, who were going to do "cookie cutter" romances (since that was their guest's area of expertise), Jessica enthusiastically supported David and Shaw's idea of using a fantasy story overlaid with "Earth-type elements." This was a challenge Jessica relished and it showed her skills as the leader of the Lit Group; while David outlined the sword and sorcery elements using his own preferences (with aid from Shaw), and the Twin Towers of Tactlessness did the research on historical Earth mysticism on which to base their own characters, it was Jess who organized the information, developed the outline and order of events, and let her three friends bounce ideas off her head, having the final say on the matters to keep the story from being too fantastic.
Jessica did get some help when she decided to make her own character a practicing Earth-type witch. She thankfully accepted the research aids and books her library assistant friends gave her and it helped to flesh out her character (For Every Action). When the time came to hand in their outlines and meet the author, Jessica gave as good as she got from her teacher and Ms. Tregarde. In the three weeks en route to finishing their assignment, Jessica's group had earned their "A's."
The glee the group felt was tempered by the problems suffered by two of their number. Shaw lost someone she had had a crush on and it tore her heart out, only to go through more a week later when she and Faith were accosted by two college boys who tried to rape them. Jessica and David were both horrified at the near miss but began to notice for the first time, just how close their partners had truly become. Jessica did what she could to help Shaw and Faith deal with their issues, being one of only two people outside of Shaw and Faith's immediate support group who knew what had happened (the boys plea bargained for a sentence of 10-20 years and the case was quietly settled with little fanfare) (Soul Sisters, Blast For The Past).
Near the end of April, Jessica began looking toward obtaining a summer job to gain a little experience (and money) for college. She was overjoyed to find that the town library had a spot open and quickly snatched it up. She was disappointed that Dave couldn't land a similar job, but at the same time she was glad to help Shaw land her part-time position. It was while celebrating at Mickey D's that Scottie let slip she had the hots for someone, and Jessica let her have the third degree, thoroughly enjoying herself (Working Girl). She still needles Shaw and waits for details on this possible (in Jess's mind, inevitable) coupling of Shaw with this Liam guy.
As the school year ends (before Blast For The Past), Jessica and David are quietly continuing their relationship, although they aren't sure if they're actually in love or not (they are, but they haven't yet realized it). Jess continues to spend time with David, Shaw, and Faith (including talks with the girls about what happened back in April, and they appreciate her support) and get ready for summer vacation. She and David have saved enough money that they are thinking of going to Los Angeles for a week just to have fun, although they're still making plans on what they're going to do (Jess's Nana has agreed to let them stay at her place <and act as unofficial chaperone>). Jess is happy with the way things are going and eagerly looking forward to her future, which looks bright even for someone who lives near the doorway to That Place Which Will Never Freeze Over.
Race: Human.
Description:
Jessica is a finely conditioned, attractive young woman. While she isn't what most would consider "drop dead" gorgeous, or a potential run way model, Jessica can hold her own in most circles. She stands five-foot-six and weighs about one hundred ten to one hundred fifteen pounds. She has a heart-shaped face which is paler than one might expect for someone born and raised in California (Jessica doesn't like getting tans; she burns too easily), touched by a dimples in each cheek that only show up when she laughs hard. Her eyes are the deep blue color of sapphires, and she shows this off by wearing sapphire jewelry (usually a necklace and matching stud earrings). She has orange-red hair the color one usually associates with fire (thus one of her nicknames, although for some reason she seems to lack the temperament sometimes associated with redheads).
Jessica's body is well proportioned, adding to her attractive appearance, although she rarely flaunts that fact (unlike a friend from the East Coast who shall remain nameless). She's also deceptively strong for her size; she works out regularly with a regimen of aerobics (which she does on her own time to augment her dancing lessons). Until three years ago, she took acrobatics classes (not for competition; again it was part of her dancing). She works hard to keep herself in shape.
Her physical condition and prowess are not commonly known by most of her classmates (the two other girls in her Lit group know she likes to dance, but not that she used to do backflips twice a week). Part of this is because of her mode of dress. Here her parents have truly rubbed off on their little girl. While her friends do the "dress to kill" (Faith) or "fashionable yet functional" (Shaw), Jessica's typical wardrobe is "Corporate," ranging from "Casual" to "Powerhouse." When she's at school or doing something other than hanging around the Bronze, she doesn't look like someone who should be lugging folders and a backpack around a high school. She looks like someone who should be a junior partner at a law firm or moving up the corporate ladder somewhere. Her favorite outfits are a, blouse, khaki work slacks, low heels or flats, and light jewelry as accents; or b, women's business blazer (over a shirt or blouse), sensible (but good looking; she's still a woman) skirt, appropriate hose, and professional looking heels.
Her preferred way of dressing, combined with her usually calm, quiet confident attitude, make her attractive in that Ally McBeal way rather than the Baywatch Babe way. Which she would thank God for every day if she realized it.
Abilities (uncommon): Jessica does not have any supernatural or paranormal abilities. Nor is it believed that she has any potential for magic or witchcraft.
Abilities (learned): Jessica is an intelligent young woman with a wide variety of interests. Her level of intelligence isn't in the class of Willow Rosenberg or Alison Jarman (both of whom have IQ's around or at 140, the level of a genius), but it is well above average for a high school junior; her current grade point average is in the 3.5 range, making her a possible candidate for Valedictorian in the class of 2000. She's already a member of the National Honor Society.
Jessica's goal in life is to become an educator teaching Literature. She knows that besides the educational lessons she needs, it's best if she gains some practical experience in working with books (which led her to apply to the Sunnydale Town Library for the summer). She has taken three years of honors classes in English, English Literature, Comparative Literature, and Drama (to understand the acting aspects of plays like those written by Shakespeare or Greek tragedies). Jessica plans to continue this heavy course load into her senior year and has already begun applying to colleges. Currently, she is preparing applications to UCLA, USC, Stanford, and the University of California branches in San Francisco, Berkley, and Sunnydale. Even though her parents make enough money in their professions to pay for her college education, Jessica plans on doing what she can to make it on an academic scholarship if possible.
Jessica's classes (and her razor-sharp, but not photographic, memory) have given her a strong grasp of not only analyzing written works, but also writing her own, helping others with their writing (or teaming up to combine her talents with others in collaborative efforts), and also the ways that the lessons she learns can be taught. Also, while there are others who might be better at pure research, it's Jessica who usually finds the best way to organize and prioritize what different people come up with from their research, or to put in presentation form (this is part of the reason she is head of the Lit group in her class).
Besides Jessica's dreams and skills dealing with teaching, she is also a skilled dancer, a talent that comes from years of taking lessons. While she isn't going to set Broadway on fire anytime soon, Jess can leave your typical teenager in the dust when cutting a rug, even in the modern styles teenagers favor. Jessica's favorite dancing styles outside of the Bronze are ballet, Irish, and jazz, with her personal favorite being the last.
Another skill Jessica has "learned" is some of the tricks for dealing with people. As the daughter of two professional people, Jess has learned how to read and anticipate people's moods. This makes it easier for her to deal with classmates, and her normally professional demeanor and appearance usually get people to take her seriously, despite her age.
And of course, Jessica has a wide collection of books going back to the time she was ten years old. She reads a wide variety of subjects (fiction and non-fiction), just as David does, and the couple often trades books that the other doesn't possess. Jessica's favorite fiction genres are romances of all types, poetry (especially Keats), mysteries (her favorites are Agatha Christie and James Patterson), and the classic works of Twain, Hemingway, and Dickens.
Current Status: (include here if the person is immortal or not): Citizen of the United States with no criminal record. Junior at Sunnydale High School in Sunnydale, California. Part-time employee of the Sunnydale Town Library. Jessica is not an Immortal, nor is she a Pre-Immortal.
Proficient weapons: Jessica has no weapons or martial arts training, and has no experience in combat. Although it's commonly known that she carries a nasty can of pepper spray in her purse and isn't afraid to use it.
Current beliefs:
Jessica's current lifestyle is pretty simple; she goes to school, spends time with her friends and boyfriend, and works to get ready for her senior year (not to mention college in another year and a half). She is also getting ready to work at her summer job and hoping to use the experience in achieving her goal of someday teaching.
Unlike some students at Sunnydale High, Jessica appears not to fall into any one category; she's not exactly a card-carrying member of the Popular Girls, the Jocks, the Brains, or the Motorheads (those are the car guys). While she isn't unknown (she belongs to the Drama Club and worked for the school paper as a sophomore and junior), she isn't a high profile, gung-ho Prom Queen wannabe (like say, Harmony Kendall or the pre-Slayerette Cordelia Chase). Although she dresses up every day, she's not doing it to show how above everyone else she is. She's doing it because it's the way she is.
Unlike some girls who get talked down to by the Popular Clique or the Jocks (like Buffy, Willow, or Xander), Jessica seems to fly under their radar. Mainly this is because of Jessica's personality. Jess is, quite simply, a well-adjusted young woman who doesn't seem to let the things that matter sooooo much to other teenagers get to her. She has (and seems to exude) a quiet air of calm self-confidence born of knowing who she is and what she's capable of. Her wardrobe isn't just a way her parents' influence has rubbed off on her; it's also an indicator that this seventeen-year-old junior feels comfortable with herself, something that more than a few teenagers would envy. If Harmony or one of her lackeys made a comment, Jessica (as opposed to Cordelia, Buffy, or Alison) would just shrug a bit and ignore them, not deigning to answer.
She knows herself and truly believes herself capable of handling almost any situation life throws at her. She's someone who's also down to Earth, knowing when something is beyond her capabilities. She has a support network that includes her parents, her grandmother, at least one teacher, her boyfriend, and her other friends at school. But at the same time, she allows herself to be a kid. She has dreams of what she wants to do with her life. She dances. And she's making great strides in getting ready to take the next steps in getting to where she wants to go.
All in all, a nice normal kid who doesn't lose sight of reality (even the reality that is life in Sunnydale, although she doesn't know about the truth), but still allows herself to dream and lose herself in her books.
What is the one most important thing you can say about the character?
Jessica is probably a member of what sometimes seems to be that rarest of characters at Sunnydale High; a well-adjusted, happy, smart kid who seems to be cruising through life without any extra angst or issues that might require a good shrink and shock therapy.
Jessica (and her boyfriend, David) fill a niche that more than one author (I'm not alone in this <GGG>) thinks our various heroes should have; normal friends from outside the team, who have no powers and do not actively take part in the fight. Jessica and David might seem to be a paradox of sorts. They are normal, everyday American kids, but they fill an important role in the lives of Faith and Shaw; that of the "anchor" to a civilian (what we would call "normal") life. They're the someone(s) that the Twin Towers of Tactlessness can go to when they want to temporarily forget that the weight of the world (or at least the 38,500 people of Sunnydale) rests on their shoulders (as it does the rest of the team). They give the Soul Sisters two things; one, someone with whom they don't have to ever talk about fighting or saving the world with, a taste of a normal life, and two, it gives them (however unconsciously) a look at the reason they do what they do, so that their friends (and complete strangers) can live their lives without having to know what lies in the darkness.
It's the same for many characters; Buffy has Joyce. Cordelia and Willow have Patty Driscoll (Jack's character from Daughters of the Moon and Prom Night). Oz has the Dingoes. Amy has her father, stepmother, and two kid sisters. Some of the kids have Alison (until the point she decides whether or not to join the team), while Alison has her father and Ted. Given their backgrounds and recent pasts, Faith and Shaw don't have that. Faith had her foster sister, but circumstances broke them apart. So Jessica is one of those who, while not yet knowing what their friends do some nights, is someone that the girls need, even if they don't fully realize it.
Jessica is not going to be someone who comes into her own abilities/powers/special circumstances down the road. She has no powers. She doesn't do magic. She isn't mentioned or even thought of in any ancient prophecies. Like I told Tenhawk, and I think this sums it up quite nicely:
"Jessica's a nice, normal girl. She doesn't have powers. She doesn't have a special destiny. She isn't scheduled to take part in a prophecy to save the world. All in all, she's a nice, normal person who hangs out with her boyfriend and a couple of girls who save the world every Tuesday.
Except during sweeps, summer hiatus, and nights that they're preempted for local sports."
Favorite quote: "I know what I want to do with my life, and nothing's going to stop me from accomplishing my goals. I think that's a professional attitude."
Nicknames: Jess, Smitty, Red, Blue Eyes, J-Girl (that from Faith), Firehair (that also from Faith, and Jess likes it), Carrot Top (THAT one also from Faith, but Jess DOESN'T like it).