The Henchman

For those of you who don’t want to read the episodes in order, have no fear. By and large, each episode stands by itself. What you may miss out on is an introduction or insight into some of the characters. Lucky for you, thehenchman.net now comes with a Character Bio page.


Brutus
Though fit and lithe, Geoffrey Brutus maintains a scruffy and scrawny outer appearance. He is short for a man, with fairly nondescript facial features. This image, however, is something Brutus has carefully put together, for although he presents himself as a dim henchman, Brutus is in possession of incredible cunning and he needs it, for Brutus champions the Status Quo ideology. Brutus constantly thwarts both his own boss, the super villain known as The Dark Master, and the investigations of Richard Valentine, an agent of the CIA, in order to keep things exactly as they are.


Tom
Thomas Powell, known simply as Tom, is ironically the kind of man you think of when you hear the name Brutus. He is tall and well built, with the kind of appearance that looms over people whether he means to or not. Despite this, Tom is actually a remarkably fair-minded and intelligent guy with a tenancy to stare off into space for hours at a time, lost in his own thoughts. It was possibly this trait that led his superiors to believe they were hiring a simple, vacant thug, but Tom occasionally proves otherwise, saving his colleague’s neck by coming up with that brilliant plan he needs.


The Dark Master
More often called by his given name of Dave by his underlings, The Dark Master was once a bigwig in DARPA, the American defense-research agency, before he got bored and took off with large amounts of money, secret technology and a few researchers. He used these to set up the evil organisation and build the Secret Fortress, from where he constantly seeks to take over the world with crazy science. The Dark Master has a twitching inferiority complex, which often comes through when he decides to announce his latest plans. The speeches go on for hours…


No. 2
The Dark Master has eight ‘lieutenants’, each given a number and usually in charge of one particular wing of the organisation. No. 2 is the second in command of the organisation, but serves more like the Dark Master’s personal assistant and floozie. No. 2 is an extremely buxom and attractive blonde with a reasonable dose of intelligence and a gold-digger personality. Her one aim is to maintain the luxurious lifestyle she enjoys, thanks to the Dark Master.


The Geek
Another one with inferiority complex, the Geek also demands respect, but unlike the Dark Master he fails to receive it. The Geek is an elite hacker (one of many the Dark Master employs) who functions as an informant and a computer systems saboteur. The Geek makes a fair living buying and selling information, but frequently gets on people’s nerves, usually by charging extortionate prices for essential information. Tends to treat people with an abrupt and snappish manner and hates being referred to by his given name, John Collins.


Anya
Anya was a young Russian secretary who happened to get caught up in one of Brutus’ schemes during the kidnapping of a scientist. Anya was clobbered and taken back to the Secret Fortress as well, for blackmail material against the scientist. It is a move that Brutus now undoubtedly regrets, because Anya has adapted rather well to the Secret Fortress’ political climate. Making allies and gaining reputation quickly, Anya begins to further her own goals, competing with Brutus as she does so.


Simon McDowell
One of many researchers in the Secret Fortress, Simon is also the local black marketeer. Has frequent dealings with Brutus as a fence and a general supplier of equipment or favors.


Richard ‘ Dick’ Valentine
As the name possibly suggests, Richard is a detective or investigator. Primarily working with the CIA, Richard also liaises with several other international police forces and acts as the front-man for the investigation into the activities of the Dark Master and the evil organisation. The problem is that Richard actually does rather well out of the occasional sacrifice Brutus throws to him, gaining recognition and standing from his superiors, so Richard also partly adheres to the Status Quo ideal. Of course, there’s always the worry that he’ll find the chance to take down the Dark Master all too tempting.