Appearance:
* Tall and imposing: He commands attention with his physical presence, exuding an air of power and dominance.
* Pale and gaunt: His pallid complexion and sharp features suggest a life spent indoors, consumed by intellectual pursuits.
* Piercing gaze: His eyes are described as cold and piercing, reflecting his ruthlessness and lack of empathy.
* Aloof and distant: He carries himself with a certain coldness, maintaining a sense of superiority and detachment from the common folk.
Personality:
* Ruthless and cruel: Aycliffe shows no mercy or compassion, readily employing violence and intimidation to maintain his authority.
* Ambitious and power-hungry: He is driven by an insatiable desire for power and control, willing to manipulate and exploit others to achieve his goals.
* Hypocritical and self-righteous: While claiming to uphold justice and righteousness, Aycliffe operates under a twisted moral code, justifying his actions with false piety.
* Intelligent and manipulative: Aycliffe is a master manipulator, utilizing his intellect and cunning to control others and orchestrate events to his advantage.
* Paranoid and suspicious: He constantly fears betrayal and sees enemies in every corner, fostering an atmosphere of fear and mistrust.
Beliefs and Values:
* Deeply religious: Aycliffe is a devout believer in God and the Church, using religion to justify his actions and maintain control.
* Strict and unforgiving: He holds a rigid and unforgiving interpretation of morality, demanding absolute obedience and punishing any perceived transgression.
* Fear of dissent: He views any questioning of his authority as a threat and reacts with swift and severe punishment.
Overall:
John Aycliffe represents a powerful and chilling figure, embodying the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corruption that can occur within institutions like the Church. He is a formidable antagonist who relentlessly pursues his goals, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in his wake. His character embodies the themes of fear, oppression, and the struggle for justice in "Crispin: The Cross of Lead."