Matthew Mumphry

Matthew Maddeus Mumphry (born September 12, 1975) is a former high school English teacher turned resilient survivor in the post-apocalyptic world following the Last-Light event. Known for his gruff demeanor and unwavering determination, Mumphry has navigated the treacherous landscape of a world overrun by monsters and Arcana. Once a dedicated educator and loving family man, he now struggles to stay alive amidst the ruins of civilization, haunted by the loss of his wife and children. His story is one of adaptation and perseverance, embodying the indomitable human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Diegesis

Early Life

Matthew Maddeus Mumphry was born on September 12, 1975, in Austin, Texas. He was the only child of William and Elizabeth Mumphry. His early life was characterized by a strong interest in history and literature, which he pursued avidly through his school years. Matthew's parents nurtured his curiosity, encouraging him to read widely and explore his interests.

Military Career

Right after high school, Matthew joined the United States Army. His service began in 1993, and he quickly found himself deployed to Somalia, where he participated in the Battle of Mogadishu. This experience was harrowing and formative, leaving a lasting impact on him. Matthew was known for his bravery and quick thinking during the battle, earning him several commendations, including the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal.

During his military career, Matthew rose to the rank of Sergeant. His experiences in the Army taught him resilience, leadership, and the importance of camaraderie. These traits would later become crucial in his survival during the post-Godfall world. After completing his service in 1997, Matthew decided to pursue higher education, carrying with him the discipline and determination forged in the military.

Education

Matthew attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he majored in English and minored in Education. He graduated with honors in 2002 and went on to earn his teaching certification the following year. During his time at university, he was known for his keen intellect and passionate debates about literature and history.

Career

Matthew began his teaching career in 2003 at Jefferson High School in Austin, Texas. As an English teacher, he was well-loved by his students for his engaging teaching style and his passion for literature. He was known to go above and beyond for his students, often organizing extracurricular activities such as book clubs and writing workshops. His dedication earned him several teaching awards and the respect of his colleagues.

In 2015, Matthew's bravery and quick thinking were put to the test when he managed to stop a school shooting. A troubled student had brought a gun to school with the intention of causing harm. Matthew, displaying remarkable courage, managed to confront the student and knock him unconscious before the police arrived. This act of heroism was widely recognized and earned him a commendation from the school district and the local police department.

Personal Life

Matthew married his college sweetheart, Anna Bell, in 2005. They had two children, Samuel and Abigail (named after her mother). The family lived a relatively quiet life in the suburbs of Austin. Matthew was an avid reader, a passionate amateur historian, and enjoyed hiking and camping with his family. Despite his gruff exterior, he had a deep love for his family and often showed his softer side to them.

The Last-Light Event

On August 8, 2048, the Last-Light event occurred, plunging the world into chaos. The sun vanished from the sky, and the world was enveloped in perpetual twilight. Monsters and Arcana emerged, leading to the near-extinction of humanity. Matthew's life was irrevocably changed. His wife and children were lost in the early days of the catastrophe, leaving him to survive on his own.

Life After Godfall

Following the Last-Light event, Matthew was forced to adapt quickly to the harsh new reality. The skills he had honed as a teacher—critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience—became crucial for his survival. He joined various survivor groups, offering his knowledge and skills to help them stay alive. However, he eventually found himself separated from these groups, struggling alone in the ruins of the world.

Nomadic

Years into the Godfall, Matthew had become a seasoned survivor. His journey took him through various ruined cities and desolate landscapes. He learned to scavenge for supplies, fight off monstrous creatures, and navigate the treacherous terrain of a world gone mad. Despite the constant danger and despair, he remained determined to survive. His nomadic lifestyle was marked by a series of temporary alliances and constant movement to avoid the ever-present threats.

M's Exposure

In the story's events, Matthew finds himself in the ruins of a fallen high-rise building. With no memory of how he got there, he navigates the overgrown, debris-strewn environment, battling not only the physical challenges but also the psychological toll of years spent in perpetual danger. His encounter with a zombie in the high-rise highlights his struggle for survival and the unyielding will to keep moving forward, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Personality

Matthew was known for his gruff exterior and often harsh demeanor. Even in his younger years, he was considered a grumpy man, quick to criticize and slow to praise. Despite this, he had a softer side, particularly towards his family and those he felt a duty to protect. His students often saw glimpses of this kindness, masked by his stern teaching style. In the post-Godfall world, his tough exterior became a necessary shield, but those who knew him well understood the depth of his compassion and the pain of his losses.

Appearance

Younger Years

In his younger years, Matthew was a striking figure. Standing at 6 feet tall, he had a strong, athletic build from his time in the Army. His dark brown hair was kept short in a military style, and his sharp, intelligent blue eyes often seemed to pierce through the façade of those around him. He had a chiseled jawline and a clean-shaven face, which added to his authoritative presence. His demeanor was often stern, but those who knew him well could see the warmth in his smile when he was with his family or engaging in his passions.

Godfall

Years of hardship and survival have taken their toll on Matthew. His once athletic build has become lean and wiry, a testament to the constant struggle for survival. His dark brown hair is now streaked with gray and grown out in a rugged, unkempt manner. His face is marked by several scars, and his once clean-shaven look has given way to a grizzled beard. His blue eyes, though still sharp, are often bloodshot and carry a haunted, weary look from witnessing countless horrors. His clothing is a mismatched collection of scavenged gear, practical for the harsh conditions he faces daily. Despite the rough exterior, there is a resilience in his posture and a determination in his gaze, showing that he remains unbroken even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Capabilities

• Critical Thinking: Matthew's background in education made him an excellent problem-solver.
• Survival Skills: Years of nomadic life honed his abilities to scavenge, fight, and navigate dangerous environments.
• Leadership: Despite his gruff demeanor, Matthew was a natural leader, capable of guiding and protecting those around him.
• Adaptability: His ability to quickly adapt to new and dangerous situations made him a formidable survivor.
• Military Training: His time in the Army provided him with combat skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Trivia

• Literature Lover: Matthew had a personal library of over 1,000 books before the Last-Light event.
• Hiking Enthusiast: He enjoyed hiking and camping trips with his family, skills that became invaluable in his post-apocalyptic life.
• War Veteran: Matthew often referenced his time in Mogadishu, hinting at a military background that he rarely discussed.
• Memorabilia: He carried a locket with a picture of his wife and children, a small reminder of his life before the apocalypse.
• Unyielding: Despite the harshness of his new reality, Matthew never lost his sense of hope and determination to keep moving forward.