Angel's Alley Tidbit: Character Inspirations-Nick Callahan

Writers get these things sometimes. Awesome images of people or characters that fit your own so well. So, yes I am one of these crazy nutso people, and you know what's funny? So many of my characters look like some of my favorite people. Observe: 

Nick Callahan

This is the first character in "Taking the Rap"(now called "Angels' Alley") that started dancing around in my head. Now, when I first met this character, he resembled James Cagney. He was built like Cagney, spoke like Cagney(oh, that rapid-fire speech pattern I love so much!) probably even looked like Cagney. Like this:

 But then he began too evolve. Several times. There were even a couple of drafts where he spoke in my head with a Washington Heights accent, and spit words with the same rhythm, though not the same speed as Cagney. In short, he turned into Leo Gorcey. See pic below:

Which wasn't much of a surprise anyway, since both Gorcey and Cagney have the same speech pattern, and the characters they play have the same type of personality. Observe:

So of course, the two actors with the speech patterns that appeal to me get the lead character in a play I writing. Go figure. 

James Cagney in color! You're welcome.

Also, being a writer, and someone who is constantly thinking and writing of her characters during her revision process and then I do things like this:(NOTE: If you want to avoid spoilers do not highlight where indicated.)

Name: Nicholas Callahan

Known As: Nick , or Nicky(only to certain people)
Appears In: Angels Alley(aka Taking the Rap), Not A Criminal, Fire Escape

Relationships: Davey Callahan, older brother; deceased

                       Ivy Callahan, younger sister

                       Johnny Moreno, best friend; *SPOILER ALERT*later brother-in-law
                       Mark Vecchio, mentor; *SPOILER ALERT*later brother-in-law
                       Ash Valerio, friend
                       Dutch Kelly, friend
                       Gyp Merrick, nemesis
Marital Status: confirmed bachelor
In Later Years: Employed by Federal Bureau of Investigation Justice Department
                         Undercover criminal investigations(circa 1950)
Death:  Gunned down *SPOILER ALERT* by Gyp during and undercover operation; died from
             injuries incurred.