Character Analysis
(Avoiding Spoilers)
Grew Up… in a loving and happy family. But things were never the same after his dad died in a tragic airplane accident while serving as a co-pilot in a training exercise at TOPGUN (The United States Navy Fighter Weapons School).
Profession… fighter pilot attached to the strike fighter squadron VFA-87 Golden Warriors. Rooster is called back to TOPGUN after graduating to train for a secret mission. Out of the twelve trainees that return, only six will be chosen to fly the mission. Rooster is determined to be one of them. The only problem is that his instructor is none other than his dad’s old wingman, Maverick.
Interests… playing the piano (just like his old man), working on airplanes, and flying.
Relationship Status… single. Being a fighter pilot is a highly dangerous occupation, and the impact of his father’s death on him and his mother likely dissuades him from starting his own family. That, or perhaps he’s too focused on being selected to fly the mission for any sort of romantic distractions.
Challenges… coming to terms with his father’s death as well as letting go of his hesitation in the air. Even 36 years later, he can’t forgive Maverick for the mistakes he made in the air that led to his father’s death. The tension between Rooster and Maverick carries into training. When Maverick tries to give him advice, Rooster snaps back “My dad believed in you. I’m not going to make the same mistake.”
Personality… ambitious, level-headed, and talented, but not overconfident. Rooster knows he’s a good pilot, but his anger and fear often prevent him from using his skills to their fullest potential. He’s also definitely one to hold a grudge, albeit a reasonable one.
