James Wesley

Name: James Wesley
Canon: Daredevil | (Marvel Cinematic Universe)
Canon Point: S1 E11, post death
Age: ~late 30’s/early 40’s
Appearance: Here
History: MCU wiki
Personality: While little is known about James Wesley on a personal level, he comes off as what might be described as the world’s deadliest secretary. In public light he is immaculately and expensively dressed in designer suits and a Cartier watch. He appears in general to be intelligent, well-spoken, educated, and polite. He has a knowledge of art and fine wine that matches his wardrobe and is known to speak Russian, Japanese, and Mandarin in addition to his impeccable English. His mannerisms are characterized by a certain economy, his movements precise and measured befitting a man who tends to use his mind more than his body in solving problems. This intelligence also comes into play in the execution of his job; a man who is nothing short of ruthless, efficient, and Machiavellian to the extreme. He can be quite charming and mannered in one moment and lie point blank to a mob boss the next. Though, arguably, any normal person seems to find him vaguely unsettling after too long. When not being diplomatic, Wesley tends to very cold, disconnected, and expresses outright disdain and a lack of empathy towards humanity. When it comes to doing what is asked of him, Wesley does not care about the cost to others, either in terms of physical or mental harm. While he tends to delegate such tasks, he is not above getting his hands dirty if the situation requires. Nevertheless, it could be said that Wesley is not an inherently violent man. He is certainly comfortable in the face of violence, though he doesn’t seemed to be especially trained in the implementation of it. He rarely bats an eye at Fisk’s brutality but there are moments in which he shows a flicker of distaste. In the very least, it’s certain that does not enjoy it for its own sake. One of the most notable things about him, though, is that for a man who is incredibly cocky to the point of over-confidence, he does not seem to care about slights against himself. While generally snobbish and haughty, he is never too proud to hold his tongue. This attentiveness extends not just to words but matters of his own comfort, right down to offering Fisk a handkerchief first when the both of them had been splattered with blood, despite his own neatness.

He does not seem to care about people on a general, global level, but individually he shows respect only to those that in their own right command respect and show it to others. Outside of his employer, he has a mutual regard with Madame Gao; unlike the contentious relationship he has with Nobu, who was often pushy and disrespectful towards Fisk. To people that do not show due deference or manners, or even those he does deem it worth his time to be completely diplomatic, Wesley can often be condescending and bitingly sarcastic. The truest question when it comes to Wesley’s nature is: what are his motivations for doing what he does if personal interest does not play a part? In his own words, “I’m not here because I want to be, I’m here because I’m needed.” In those terms, it could be suggested that Wesley finds purpose in his skills being of real use, as he seems to genuinely enjoy his job. It’s clear that he feels a bit betrayed or uncomfortable when it becomes clear that neither Fisk nor Gao require his translation skills. To him, being of service is not something to be demeaned but honored. Even still, Wesley’s loyalty to Fisk is unwavering despite being lied to. He believes in the man, not his cause.

It’s his relationship with Wilson Fisk that cuts closer to who he really is. Though only Fisk is heard to use the term, they are not just employer and employee, but friends. When the two are alone together Wesley tends to drop his mask both on a metaphorical and semi-literal level; he removes his glasses and expresses subtle moments of concern, doubt, and frustration with Fisk that never otherwise break through his cold exterior. Without such moments one would suspect that Wesley lacks the capacity for feelings at all. In point of fact it might be that the way Wesley is needed is more emotional than otherwise. If there is anything he cares about it is, above all things, Fisk’s emotional happiness. Acting as the de facto face of his employer’s business for quite a while, he is used to shielding Fisk in professional and personal situation and worries when that arrangement changes. He expresses real worry when Fisk goes to first approach Vanessa the first time, clearly being more than willing to make that overture on Fisk’s behalf. After this, however, he actively encourages their relationship amidst the dissention from the other bosses that ultimately results in the attempt on her life. He then clearly worries about her well-being. It is during this pivotal and tense time that Fisk professes to Wesley, “we seldom get everything we want”, to which Wesley says, with sincerity, “But…some of us deserve to.” This is not a platitude to placate Fisk as he evidences far too much respect for the man to lie to him. It’s in this same scene, like many before it, that Fisk thanks him, to which Wesley responds with a small smile that is completely unlike the disingenuous one he offers the rest of the world.

The reasons for this loyalty is nebulous without knowing their past. It’s reasonable to assume they’ve known each other for a good number of years; likely a portion of the time that Fisk mentions he’d spent abroad. Wesley seems to respect refinement and cunning, traits which are abundant in Fisk as well as Vanessa, as he evidences only quiet contempt for even the majority of Fisk’s allies. What is certain is that for a man who places such high regard for respect that must be earned, then so must loyalty be earned. It is possible that Fisk saved Wesley’s life in some manner or another; or perhaps this emotional need flows far deeper to something closer to romantic, unrequited or otherwise. Regardless of interpretation, It is ultimately the factor of his stringent attentiveness and worry for employer on top of his massive hubris that leads to Karen gaining the upper hand and ending his life.

Powers and Abilities: Master tactician and planner. Highly skilled in diplomacy and business. Multilingual (English, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese). Basic firearms proficiency. Otherwise perfectly ordinary human.

Inventory: Cartier watch, Handgun, box of ammunition

Samples: TDM 1 TDM 2