Mayor Aldric Hawthorne, a figurehead mayor imposed by Lord Edmund Harrington, is a pitiable and weak-willed individual who lacks the authority and autonomy to govern Silverbrook effectively. Physically, he embodies excess, with a portly figure and an insatiable appetite for indulgence.
Despite his well-meaning intentions, Mayor Hawthorne is largely relegated to a ceremonial role, serving as a mere puppet for Lord Harrington’s machinations. He lacks the strength of character and the assertiveness required to make independent decisions, often deferring to Lord Harrington on matters of importance. The townspeople are keenly aware of his impotence and view him as a hollow symbol of leadership.
Mayor Hawthorne’s gluttonous nature and insatiable desire for excess are apparent in his lavish lifestyle. He is frequently seen indulging in decadent feasts and extravagant banquets, while the common folk struggle to make ends meet. His extravagant expenditures, funded by the taxpayers’ money, further deepen the resentment towards him.
The townspeople harbor suspicions that Mayor Hawthorne is nothing more than a pawn in Lord Harrington’s grand scheme to consolidate power. While they may sympathize with the mayor’s lack of agency, they understand the consequences of openly challenging Lord Harrington’s authority and choose to tread carefully.
Mayor Aldric Hawthorne serves as a visible reminder of the oppressive grip Lord Harrington has on Silverbrook. The people yearn for a true leader who can champion their interests and stand up against the overreaching influence of the noble. However, until such a figure emerges, they are left to bear the burden of Mayor Hawthorne’s impotence and the whims of his manipulative master.