The Fades: Character Profiles
Paul (Iain De Caestecker)
17 years old. Paul’s one of those kids who’s never quite worked how to fit in. But beneath his geeky exterior lies something quite juicy and beautiful – he’s one of these guys that the word “ethereal” is meant for. Other than to his best friend Mac, he talks only when he needs to, out of certain knowledge that anything he might say would probably be under-appreciated. He’s always known he’s different and always not wanted the job. In some ways his journey through the series is the journey of someone who learns different can be great: Paul is special, it’s as simple and as complicated as that.
Mac (Daniel Kaluuya)
17 years old. Unlike Paul, Mac talks – well – most of the time. A hive of knowledge and theories he is almost a walking encyclopedia of geeky film quotes – yes, Mac has a lot to communicate and seemingly not a lot of time. The son of a police detective under pressure, Mac would always say he’s cool with his place in the world, but the truth is – Mac doesn’t want to be this invisible person that people walk through. As Paul develops his Angelic powers, so Mac will feel increasingly left out. Mac and Paul have always been a double act – and if Paul [Iain De Caestecker] outgrows him, he’s scared he will be left nothing. He may not have any special powers, but Mac is also our hero – he’s Paul’s wingman and right at the heart of everything.
Sarah (Natalie Dormer)
Sarah is beautiful, complicated and damaged. Cursed by her powers and torn from the comfort of her loving home and family, she eventually managed to rebuild her life and find solace with Mark. Before things went wrong all over again. Sarah can be tough and determined and is incredibly loyal. She is Juliet to Mark’s Romeo – hopelessly in love but always just out of reach.
Neil (Johnny Harris)
Afraid of nothing and afraid of everything, Neil is perhaps the unlikeliest warrior in the world. Generally unwashed and unshaven, Neil is an orphan who has left the conventional world behind to commit himself entirely to the Angelic cause. He lives on the edge, and quite likes it there because he can see everything. Teacher, learner, helper, angelic, and a surprising mentor for Paul.
Anna (Lily Loveless)
17 years old, Paul’s twin sister – and far from identical. She’s witty, acerbic, the leader of the cool kids. So for Anna, being related to someone like Paul is not an easy business – in fact it’s a total embarrassment. Anna has always put fitting in above everything else, so to have someone twinned with her who clearly doesn’t fit anything – well, it’s annoying. Anna is a teenager, she’s fierce, she’s uncompromising, and she’s kind of wonderful.
Jay (Sophie Wu)
17 years old. Jay makes the world better just by being in it. She’s one of those people who everyone likes. Good friends with Anna, she’s always been part of the popular, beautiful crowd. But, unlike Anna, she’s not afraid to do things differently… step outside of her circle of friends. She and Paul may be worlds apart in terms of street cred but she sees something in him that she’s drawn to.
Mark (Tom Ellis)
A man who had things just so – Mark is wounded in ways he doesn’t know by the loss of Sarah, the woman he loved. A great teacher and a good guy, Mark is going to see his life eaten alive through the series. Yes, an everyman. But in many ways the beating heart of this opera, Mark will try so hard to make the right decisions, but will be dragged into darker and darker spaces by the decisions he makes.
Helen (Daniela Nardini)
An Angelic with the ability to heal in one life, a vicar in her other – Helen is a powerful combination of strength and spirituality.
She’s strong, determined, and a rock to Neil and Sarah. Wise and uncompromising at all times.