Miles Dankworth
Miles Dankworth
Miles is driven by an insatiable hunger for status and wealth. Having grown up in modest circumstances, he's determined to never feel financially insecure again. He genuinely believes he deserves success and that the entertainment industry owes him recognition. While primarily motivated by self-interest, he occasionally convinces himself he's helping talent "reach their potential" - though his definition of potential is whatever makes him the most money.
Miles operates through a carefully cultivated network of industry contacts and a polished persona that masks his true intentions. He's a master of the bait-and-switch, promising artists the moon while burying exploitative terms in fine print. He excels at identifying vulnerabilities in others and leveraging them to his advantage. When charm fails, he's not above resorting to intimidation, legal threats, or outright deception. He maintains plausible deniability by working through proxies like Robby Hammer.
Miles's primary resources are his industry connections and his ability to spot marketable talent (even if it's a parrot). He maintains an expensive office in a prestigious location to project success, though he's often behind on rent. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of contract loopholes and industry practices that allow him to exploit artists. His tailored wardrobe and luxury accessories are carefully selected to project an image of success that helps him close deals with both talent and buyers.
Despite his polished exterior, Miles is deeply insecure about his own talents. He's a failed musician himself who couldn't make it as a performer, fueling his resentment of genuinely talented artists. His schemes tend to be short-sighted, prioritizing immediate gains over sustainable business relationships. His reputation for unethical dealings has burned many bridges, forcing him to constantly seek new talent to exploit. His desperation increases as the story progresses, leading him to take increasingly risky actions that ultimately backfire.
Miles initially appears as Stella's pathway to success but quickly reveals himself as an antagonist when he fires her for "lacking confidence." He sees Stella merely as a commodity, and when she no longer seems profitable, he discards her without hesitation. After discovering Whistler's abilities, he manipulates Stella into signing away her rights and sends her on a fraudulent "world tour" to get her out of the way. Throughout the story, he represents the exploitative side of the entertainment industry that Stella must overcome to find authentic success.
A polished man in his forties with a sharp, angular jaw and calculating eyes that never quite match his smile. His immaculate comb-over is suspiciously perfect, betraying his vanity and fear of aging. He exclusively wears tailored suits in conservative colors with subtle pinstripes, paired with Italian leather shoes and a conspicuously expensive watch that he subtly positions to be visible during handshakes. His manicured hands often fidget with his platinum tie clip when he's plotting. Despite his polished appearance, there's something slightly off about him—like a knock-off designer suit that doesn't quite fit right.
Miles speaks in a smooth, practiced cadence peppered with industry jargon and empty promises. His vocabulary is deliberately impressive but often misused. He oscillates between effusive flattery ("You've got star quality, kid, real raw talent!") and thinly veiled threats ("That's not how this business works for people who want longevity"). When cornered, his polished façade cracks to reveal a sharper, more desperate tone. He has a habit of referring to himself in the third person when boasting ("Miles Dankworth doesn't represent losers") and frequently name-drops celebrities he's barely met. His laughter never reaches his eyes.
