Vince (Vincenzo) De Marco - Backstory and random facts (Patreon)

The sole heir of the De Marco family, Vince lives without major responsibilities until the age of 17, when his father suddenly dies, leaving

The sole heir of the De Marco family, Vince lives without major responsibilities until the age of 17, when his father suddenly dies, leaving him with the burden of the family's fate - including a significant amount of debt accumulated through years of broken deals and reckless investments. To avoid certain death, Vince is forced to downsize the family's operations, renounce agreements, sell off property, and liquidate almost all assets, effectively going bankrupt. The De Marco name is tainted by the questionable decisions of the late father, leading many subordinates to defect to wealthier and more powerful families.

Part of Vince's salvation lies in Ada, the youngest daughter of the powerful Caruso family, whom he married while his father was still alive. Vince and Ada have known each other since childhood and share a strong bond, although there is no romantic interest. Forced into marriage in an era where divorce isn’t an option - and within a mafia dynamic where family ties are strategic - they support each other as best they can and occasionally share moments of intimacy, making the best of their situation. They care for and deeply respect one another. Their union helped Vince retain at least some allies, though it left him with a significant moral debt to Ada’s father.

At the time of his meeting with Victor (when he is 30), Vince has reestablished a somewhat stable base, albeit still the head of one of the least powerful families in the area, with very few members. The De Marcos primarily deal in racetrack betting, extort protection money from a few establishments, and manage a small part of a casino and a boxing gym. Vince has no real ambition for expansion but is deeply invested in maintaining stability. His daily routine mostly involves office work - located in the back of his gym - and checking in on the various businesses.

He is fully absorbed by his work and rarely indulges in leisure, except for boxing training. Strangely, he shows no interest in taking lovers, consumed as he is by his personal situation. He could be described as rigid, control-loving, deeply tormented, and full of bottled-up anger and frustration from years of sacrifice. Beneath his obsessive shell hides a more impulsive adolescent self, yearning for freedom and a life without constraints. He regrets not being able to choose anything - his job, his family, his wife, his relationships - and part of him longs for a sudden change.

Random facts

His full name is Vincenzo, but he hates it and always introduces himself as Vince instead.

He smokes like a chimney - preferably Philips Morris.

Cares a lot about his appearance.

Speaks Italian with a slight American accent.

Can cook decently, but always repeats the same dishes (especially parmigiana, his all-time favourite dish)

He's not a heavy drinker but appreciates good whiskey, and when drunk (a rare event), becomes extremely annoying.

He’s generally messy except for his office, which is obsessively tidy.

He wears his hair slicked back and medium-length (originally as an act of rebellion against his father), and spends an embarrassing amount of time grooming it.

He is farsighted and needs glasses to read, though he dislikes wearing them in public.

He uses a strong, long-lasting cologne.

He gets angry very easily, often turning red with rage - which also happens in moments of intense embarrassment.

Having had no relationships besides Ada, he’s completely incapable of flirting.