Chapter Text
Quick character synopsis!
Crowley's ego is painfully inflated— he's just won gold at Beijing and is the current reigning world champion. In the past, he's been a massive headache for judge panels, notorious for disputing results (asking too many questions), and regularly antagonizes the media, but he's sweet with fans. He's a visibly queer, unconventional skater that has clawed his way to the top and isn't afraid to challenge the traditions of the sport. His technical skill is unmatched, and he's known for his remarkable jump execution, flexibility, speed, precision, and provocative performances which have garnered headlines like temptation on ice, all things which have earned him the moniker The Serpent. But sometimes he can go too hard, too fast. Figure skating is his lifeblood. It's the only thing he knows, the only thing he cares about. Proving himself as the world's best skater is both his salvation and inevitable downfall.
Aziraphale is almost the complete opposite in every way. He hasn't been skating his whole life and comes from a background of ballet and ballroom dancing. The transition to skating came from the first time he stepped on ice and felt a thrill unlike anything he's ever experienced. It was new but familiar, and took to it quickly once he learned how to apply his previous disciplines to his skating style. It didn't take long for him to earn the moniker The Angel on Ice with his classical preferences and the ethereal way in which he commands the rink. He's known for his well balanced routines, endurance and incredible spins, and wields a hidden power with effortless elegance. He's a stickler for rules and regulations, and to some effect tradition (except when it comes to his white skates, he likes how they look). He has a tendency to play things too safely, though.
Some other little tidbits:
Some inspirations for Crowley are Nathan Chen, Javier Fernández, Stéphane Lambiel, and Johnny Weir, and some of my inspirations for Aziraphale are Shoma Uno, Jason Brown, and John Curry. In my head I have amassed a skater shaped Frankenstein's monster for each of them, picking out bits and pieces from multiple skaters and applying what I think fits their character. Yuzuru Hanyu is one of those with so much range that many of his programs make me think of them both. In this artwork, they are both wearing costumes inspired by Johnny Weir.
Anytime you see Crowley drawn with his longer, shoulder length hair, this is the visual cue for "post-fall" Crowley, a point in the story where his life and his relationship with Aziraphale take a turn.
Crowley has a scar on his left eyebrow that looks suspiciously like it could have been done with a skate. It's just a knick, but it makes you wonder.
Also, please check out this lovely artwork of Crowley as he's seen here by Bloomenvogel here. And these fantastic drawings by doodlebugs100, found here and here.