Born into the name Eberhardt Bulstrode and growing thence into a barreloid body and spadelike hands, he knows early on that the field of careers is less than open to him. His archetype counselor needs only a glance to slot him as a Stepfather, subclass Blustering/Cruel.

Eberhardt wants to show willing: he grows a mustache and takes squinting lessons. But his cuffs lack malice, and his tirades feel rehearsed. Gifted children in his watch rarely develop even hints of megalomania.

“Do you have to be so… so three-dimensional?” asks the counselor.

Eberhardt needs all his strength not to deprecate himself.