Mateo Torres

Mateo José Torres

Mateo Torres is a feisty and short-tempered Mexican-American high school sophomore attending the conservative Benedictine Catholic High School. Born and raised in a devoutly religious Catholic family, Mateo is the youngest of three siblings. His family has a strong cultural connection to their Mexican heritage, often celebrating traditions with elaborate gatherings and festive meals.
Mateo is known for his fiery temper and passionate nature. He's fiercely protective of his friends, particularly his best friend, Ethan St. Hilare. Despite his short fuse, he has a good heart and a strong sense of justice. His loyalty is unwavering, and he's not afraid to stand up for what he believes is right.

Mental characteristics

Mental Trauma

Mateo grapples with the pressure to conform to the conservative values of Benedictine Catholic High School. Being part of a marginalized community in this environment has occasionally led to feelings of isolation and self-doubt. However, Mateo finds solace in his strong support system, particularly in his friendship with Ethan St. Hilare, Calico Andrews, and Benjamina Brown.

Personality Characteristics

Likes & Dislikes

Likes:

• Music: He has a love for traditional Mexican music, which provides a connection to his roots.
• Art: Despite his tough exterior, Mateo enjoys expressing himself through art, often sketching in his notebook during moments of introspection. He has a hidden talent for drawing, a skill he inherited from his artistic grandmother. While he hasn't fully embraced this talent, it serves as a therapeutic outlet for him.

Dislikes:

• Hypocrisy: Mateo has a strong aversion to hypocrisy, particularly when it comes to people who don't practice what they preach.
• Injustice: His sense of justice is a driving force, and he cannot tolerate witnessing any form of unfair treatment.

Social

Contacts & Relations

Mateo's best friends are Ethan St. Hilare, Calico Andrews, and Benjamina Brown.

Family Ties

In the Torres household, religious values are central. His parents, Rosa and Francisco, instilled a deep sense of faith and tradition in their children. His elder siblings, Isabella and Alejandro, are often portrayed as role models for Mateo, excelling in academics and actively participating in church activities. This dynamic sometimes puts pressure on Mateo, who feels the weight of familial expectations.
While his relationship with his immediate family is generally strong, Mateo struggles with the conservative views of his parents, especially when it comes to matters of personal identity and self-discovery. The clash between his religious upbringing and his own inclinations creates tension within the household.

Religious Views

Raised in a devout Catholic household, Mateo finds himself leaning toward agnosticism. While he respects the traditions and values instilled by his family, he's on a personal journey to explore his spirituality and form his own beliefs.
The clash between Mateo's religious upbringing and his personal beliefs causes internal turmoil. He grapples with feelings of guilt and confusion as he questions his faith and tries to reconcile it with his evolving understanding of identity and acceptance. This inner conflict occasionally surfaces in moments of frustration and anger, contributing to his short temper.

Ethnicity

Hispanic/Latinx

Pronouns

He/him

Gender

A cisgender straight male.

Presentation

Masculine

Known Languages

Mateo is fluent in both English and Spanish, Mateo serves as a bridge between cultures. His language skills make him approachable and relatable to a diverse group of people.