The Wolf of Badenoch
The Wolf of Badenoch explores the life and death of Alexander Stewart, a medieval warlord whose fundamental choices affected all of Scotland. Death has come to visit Alexander on the last day of his life and challenges him to a game of chess. But Death has some vital lessons for Alexander about those choices, as his immortal soul hangs in the balance...
The Characters
Characters: 7 Males, 3 Females, 1 Any Gender.
Actors: 3 Male, 1 Female
Alexander Stewart
Description: The "Wolf of Badenoch," third son of King Robert II. He is the emotional heart of the play; the narrative follows his choices and ultimate undoing through the haze of memory.
Note: The actor also doubles as Tourist #5.
Character Age: 40s–60s (must be able to portray the character from his teens to his 60s).
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: White man, actor age range: 30s to 50s.
The Man in Black
Description: An ageless, eternal figure representing Death. Requires immense gravitas.
Note: The actor also doubles as the Tour Guide.
Character Age: Any Age
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: Open to any race or ethnic identity.
Malcolm
Description: Alexander’s servant and a surrogate son figure; son of Hendry.
Character Age: 20s
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: White actor, age range: Teens to 30s.
King Robert II
Description: The King of Scotland and Alexander’s father.
Character Age: 30s–60s
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: White man, actor age range: 30s to 50s.
Bishop Bur
Description: A provincial Bishop and land rival to Alexander. He serves as an unintentional, if not entirely pious, moral compass.
Character Age: 30s–50s
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: White man, actor age range: 30s to 50s.
Hendry
Description: An older servant and surrogate father figure to Alexander.
Character Age: 30s–50s (must portray the character from his 30s to his 60s).
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: White man, actor age range: 30s to 50s.
Euphemia
Description: Alexander’s wife, later estranged.
Note: The actor also doubles as a Tourist.
Character Age: 20s–30s
Gender: Female
Casting Requirements: White woman, actor age range: 20s to 30s.
King Robert III (John)
Description: The eldest son of Robert II and successor to the throne.
Character Age: 50s
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: White man, actor age range: 40s to 60s.
Earl of Fife (Robbie)
Description: The second oldest son of King Robert II.
Character Age: 50s
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: White man, actor age range: 40s to 60s.
Doubling breakdown (Male/Female/Either): Tour Guide/Man in Black (M)
Tourist #1/Hendry/Earl of Fife (E)
Tourist #2/Robert II/Robert III (M)
Tourist #3/Euphemia (F)
Tourist #4/Bishop Bur (M)
Tourist #5/Alexander (M)
Malcolm (E)