Folly's Friends and Family

Folly (Bjork)

Folly is a singer, a writer, a dreamer, and a rebel. Since childhood, she has been haunted by the feeling that the life she is living isn't quite real, somehow. She has tried to combat the feeling by living her life as fully -- some would say as recklessly -- as possible, but so far the only real things she has ever found are her music, to which she has devoted her life, and her former lover, Syd.

Syd (Ewan MagGregor)

Not long before her eighteenth birthday, Folly met a wild and charismatic drummer calling himself Syd Chance. They quickly fell into an intense relationship based on their shared passions for sex, drugs, and -- especially -- music. Syd was also Folly's first introduction to the idea of Amber: sometimes, usually after getting high, Syd would lead Folly through shadows to other beautiful worlds, would talk about being real, would speak -- usually a little cryptically -- of his home and family in Amber. He disappeared again, without a trace, almost six years ago.

Brij (Isabelle Adjani)

A former gymnastics champion, Brij has lived in the spotlight since childhood, succumbing to many of the temptations that beset so many celebrities. Her only child, Folly, resulted from one of her many extramarital affairs, but she has never directly acknowledged that fact nor provided any information about the identity of her lover. Headstrong and temperamental, she has always had a rocky relationship with her daughter, but the recent death of her husband has subdued her most combative tendencies.

Pelle (Clint Eastwood)

After a serious injury derailed his gymnastics career, Pelle became the coach and manager of nine-year-old gymnastics sensation Brij Kuli, guiding her to six world championships and international stardom. He eventually became her husband as well, his quiet, gentle personality providing a stabilizing influence on the wild young woman. If he knew Brij's only child was not his, he never let on -- he loved and nurtured Folly with all his heart. He died of cancer not long after Syd departed Texorami.

Soren (Ralph Fiennes)

Musician, dreamer, and jack-of-all-trades, Soren has served as Folly's bandmate, protector, and confidant in a friendship that has endured since childhood. Always the youngest and smallest in his class as a child, he responded to frequent bullying by taking up martial arts and collecting weapons. He is quiet and melancholy by nature, distrustful of most people, and slow to form attachments, but unswervingly loyal to those he counts among his friends. It was Soren to whom Syd entrusted his drums just prior to his departure from Texorami.

Haven (Tori Amos)

Another of Folly's childhood friends and the daughter of a minor noble, Haven has played piano in every band Folly ever formed. Though as cheerful and fun-loving as Folly, Haven tends to be much more level-headed, often serving as the voice of reason when her friends' schemes become too far-fetched -- or dangerous. In addition to her musical endeavors, Haven is currently studying mathematics at Adler University.

Bastien (Gabriel Byrne)

A teacher, pianist, and symphony conductor, Bastien was Folly's favorite music teacher, as well as a surrogate parent after she left home: before she started earning enough money to rent her own place, Folly lived with Bastien and his family for a few months. His intensity is softened by his dry wit and his fondness for his daughter Gish.

Gish (Kate Bush)

Gish is Bastien's only child and Folly's biggest fan. Since her mother's death several years ago, Gish has been living with Folly for several weeks each year when her father leaves town for concerts. As she approaches adolescence, she increasingly relies on Folly for guidance and understanding.

Ash (Trent Reznor)

Lead guitarist for Folly's band, Ash is a bit of a anarchist. He is also brash, reckless, and frequently short-tempered. However, he is great fun when he is in a good mood, and in music circles he is widely considered one of the best electric guitarists in Texorami.

Tjaden (Milla Jovovich)

Tjaden plays a variety of instruments -- mostly stringed -- in Folly's band, including acoustic guitar, mandolin, and bass as well as flute and percussion. Several years younger than Folly, she is shy, quiet, idealistic, and a bit of a romantic. Despite their dissimilar natures, she and Ash have been dating quite successfully for almost a year.

Trick (Bono Vox)

Manager of the Furrowed Brew, Trick was the instigator that led Folly and Syd to form their band, Happenstance. Friendly and laid back, and always ready with advice or a sympathetic ear, he is something of a parental figure to the musicians and students who frequent the Brew. Even years after Syd's departure, Folly's band still plays at least two gigs a month at the student pub.

Ianna (Tilda Swinton)

Bastien's late wife, Ianna was an opera singer and Folly's childhood vocal coach. Her life was cut tragically short when she fell victim to a serial killer a few years ago.