Character feature: Kessler Kristofferson
Niklas' younger brother and partner in crime.
Name: Kessler Kristoffersen
Characteristics:
Passionate
Jocular
Trusting
Loyal
Courageous
Background & Appearance: Kessler has a tall and lanky build—standing a full head taller than his older brother, Niklas. He is by all accounts dapper and well groomed, favoring expensive clothes despite having little income to afford them. The Kristoffersen family never had much money, so as a child, Kessler always inherited Niklas' already-worn-out clothing, making him especially sensitive to his attire as an adult.
Motivation: Kessler seeks the luxurious things in life—the fancy clothes, the fine dining—but he doesn't have much of a vision for how to achieve it. He takes things day by day, and although he understands Niklas' drive and determination, he doesn't share it fully and has reservations about their gun-smuggling scheme. Still, the promise of wealth and influence appeals to him. He, even more than Niklas, resents that they served and fought in the Great War to earn their place amongst their countrymen, but no one sees them as Americans because of their Danish accents (often confused for German accents, which infuriates both brothers). Whereas Niklas' temper is a slow burn (more analytic and pragmatic), Kessler is passionate and quick to anger, particularly inclined to fight when his allegiance is questioned or someone makes an advance on his girlfriend, Kosena. He is loyal and trusting to a fault.
Habits: Smokes a briar pipe, prone to excessive drinking when in a social setting.
Pet peeves: Disloyalty/betrayal, greed, and arrogance.
Get to know Kessler better in Black Cordite, White Snow, available February, 2024.