Characters in the history of American Gothic
Paige Turco as Gail Emory
Gail is Caleb's cousin, a striking young woman who returns to Trinity after learning of
Caleb's plight. Possessed of an extraordinary sensitivity, Gail is often haunted by
foreboding images of past and future events, leading her to explore roads from which
others might shy away. This talent has helped her as a journalist, but it's left an indelible
mark on her psyche, there's nowhere to run when the horror is inside you.
Having lost both parents to a fire when she was eight years old, Gail grew up in
numerous foster homes and developed the kind of self-reliance common to people
who've had no one to count on but themselves. In Caleb she sees a kindred soul, a lost
child in need of protection. And in her desire to help him, she may ultimately help
herself. For there are many unanswered questions in Trinity, questions relating to her
parents' deaths... the mysterious behavior of much of the populace... and the strange
attraction/repulsion she feels for Lucas Buck.
Brenda Bakke as Selena Coombs
Selena is the living embodiment of the duality of Trinity, a sweet school teacher by day,
a seamy "man-eater" by night. She is Lucas' disciple and confident, ever eager to do his
bidding as long as her personal security is insured. If this Doctor is a problem, Selena
will gladly cut out his heart and hang it on her mantle, as long as it makes Lucas happy.
One day, she's hoping he'll propose... and if he doesn't, that son-of-a-bitch may well be
her next victim.
In the Faustian tradition, the Devil's objective was always to capture the souls of the
innocent. Lucas' goals are more tangible: Money, Lust, Power... the stuff that made
America great. To reach these ends, Lucas gives the people what they want. If a
woman needs a job, he'll make a phone call. If a young couple needs money for a
house, he'll loan it to them. And if a child needs an education, he'll gladly put him
through school. Faux benevolence creates a mountain of debt, and you can be sure
Lucas will see these debts repaid.
Gary Cole as Sheriff Lucas Buck
The war between good and evil is as old as time. It has been waged on the bloodiest of
battlefields and in the deepest recesses of the soul, yet throughout history, a balance has
always existed - the Light has tempered the Darkness. But in the seemingly bucolic
town of Trinity, South Carolina, that balance has been challenged by the ominous
presence of one man, Lucas Buck.
Lucas is evil incarnate. He is the Black Knight who has tempted Man for centuries, a
malevolent spirit who has charmed and seduced with an inexhaustible hunger for
control. In his present form, he's assumed the role of benevolent town sheriff, a likable
lawman only too eager to lend a hand when his community is in need. Of course, every
favor has its price... and with Lucas, that price can be lethal.
Though his main objective is to dominate all who cross his path, Lucas' ultimate goal is
to raise a child capable-of carrying his spirit into the next millennium. If he has his way,
that child will be Caleb Temple, an illegitimate son born by a woman "some had called a
Saint". Because of the light that eminated from this woman, Lucas decided that any
progeny of hers might someday pose a threat. Thus he elected to force himself upon
her, in effect poisoning the well and securing his future. Now this child of polar
opposites is ten years old, and as far as Lucas is concerned, ready to begin his
apprenticeship.
Lucas Black as Caleb Temple
A smart survivor, Caleb Temple has spent most of his short life caring for an
emotionally traumatized sister and father who'd never recovered from his wife's
"suicide." As orchestrated by Lucas, both of these people meet tragic ends leaving the
boy vulnerable and alone. In this state, Lucas expects to take him under his wing... until
Gail Emory intercedes.
Sarah Paulson as Merlyn Temple
Merlyn Temple is the spirit of Caleb's dead sister, and though she will appear only to
the boy, her insights and guidance will help everyone. For she is the light that Lucas has
battled since the beginning of time, and as our heroes come to learn, may ultimately
hold the key to his destruction.
Jake Weber as Dr. Matt Crower
Though Lucas is a mortal man with human vulnerabilities, his spirit is eternal. What Gail
soon discovers is that she is a vision from his past, a great love lost centuries before to
a crime of passion. Lucas fears she may have returned to seek revenge upon him, and
his first impulse is to vanquish her... until she's granted custody of Caleb. Now, in order
to win the boy, Lucas may have to win the woman.
One major obstacle in that quest will be Matt Crower, a 'Yankee Blue Blood" and
Harvard educated doctor who's recently come to town following the deaths of his wife
and daughter. Matt is a recovering alcoholic, a decision tragically spurred by the fact
that he was driving the car that killed his family.
In an effort to start a new life, Matt has taken a job at the local hospital, working
overtime to help the needy and hopefully find some redemption for himself. Lucas views
him as an overzealous do-gooder, asking too many questions and getting into places he
doesn't belong. As he begins to gain Gail's trust, Lucas will send him a message... a
message packaged in the shapely form of Selena Coombs.