Charlotte

Charlotte is an unconventional character in As The Orb Turns who appears in the story "Charlotte." She is unconventional in that she is a drawing brought to life by unknown means.

Bio
Charlotte began life as a drawing by Clarence Roland after a "random burst of inspiration." The following morning, Clarence awoke only to discover that his drawing had somehow come to life. When she spoke her words appeared on the page next to her head, and Clarence was able to respond by simply writing back. Clarence discovered that Charlotte could interact with anything he drew for her (a dresser, a dinnette set, food, clothing, etc.)

Charlotte can also step into different pieces of paper, provided that they are flush. She is able to correct Clarence's math and show him different formulas to try. However, she stated that lined paper annoys her and that she prefers plain drawing paper.

She is also able to step into paintings and woodcuts. However, she cannot step into photographs or, interestingly, religious icons (the theology behind icons is that they are "windows into heaven"--semi-portals into another realm; whether Chalotte could not enter due to this or for another reason is anyone's guess). When she enters picture with people in them, the people "like statues... frozen."

Real?
However, one reasonable interpratation is that Charlotte was not truly animate, but the Clarence was hallucinating. Charlotte is never seen by any other character, and the reader only observes her through Clarence's persepective, and as the story progresses, we discover that he can be a somewhat unreliable narrator.

On the other hand, Charlotte does correct Clarence's math, and his improved grades because of her could be taken as the external verification of Charlotte's sentience. Also, Clarence displays no signs of hallucination or insanity prior.

Meta-info
Charlotte's inspiration came from two principal sources: SCP-085, another sentient drawing; and the concept of an artist or writer getting to speak with their characters/creation. She was given her name by Lotz's then-girlfriend, Iulia.