Edward Cullen

Meyer stated that the original concept of Edward originated in a dream. In this dream an “average girl” and a “fantastically beautiful, sparkly … vampire … were having an intense conversation in a meadow in the woods.”

The pair “were discussing the difficulties inherent in the facts that … they were falling in love with each other while … the vampire was particularly attracted to the scent of her blood, and was having a difficult time restraining himself from killing her.”

This profile includes S P O I L E R S.

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Background

Powers & Abilities

Edward Cullen is a 109 year old vampire. Edward has many powers common to all vampires, such as superhuman strength and speed, heightened senses, and strong leaping ability. Even among vampires Edward is considered fast, leaving a blurred image as he runs.

Edward is said to be bullet proof, he’s definitely hard to injure and even then can heal completely in seconds. Apparently, a vampire’s bite may leave a lasting scar that vampires cannot heal completely from as seen when Jasper reveals his forearms in Eclipse.

Speaking of bites, Edward does not have traditional fangs as a vampire but all of his teeth are coated in venom.

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Other abilities

Edward also has the ability to read minds and often read the thoughts of all those around him. Whomever he concentrates on he can read. Sometimes he reads thoughts as if he is over-hearing a conversation.

Edward fights his desire to kill humans and even evil people he will normally only intimidate. When fighting other vampires, Edward tries to grapple, immobilize, then rip the head from the body, or smash his opponent into solid objects like stone walls.

His kind do not share many of the weaknesses associated with traditional vampires. For instance, Edward does not need to be invited to enter a home; he may cross running water as easily as anyone else. The Cullens casts a reflection in mirrors and can be captured on film. Sunlight only causes his skin to sparkle like diamonds.

Holy water, garlic, and crucifixes have no negative effect nor does silver. A stake through the heart would damage him for sure but there is no evidence it would immobilize or slay him.

Decapitation, then burning is the only sure method. It does appear that enough damage to the brain will kill this kind of vampire. When damaged they break apart as if made of stone.

Edward’s skin is cold to the touch, he has no heartbeat. I’m not certain he is undead though.

Edward is a member of the Cullen family which means he has allies. Whenever things are happening in the vampire community, Edward has mentioned that “we” are tracking it. His and Alice’s psychic abilities are part of this but it also suggests a network of communication most likely through Carlisle’s allies.

Video

About Edward’s vampiric nature.

History

At the age of 17, Edward was dying of Spanish Influenza. His mother pleaded with Carlisle, his doctor, to save her son. Little did she know Carlisle was a vampire. In a moment of compassion he changed Edward who was then joined to his family.

Edward resented Carlisle for curbing his thirst for blood and rebelled against him and his ways. Wanting to know how it felt to hunt and to taste human blood. Edward rationalized his hunting of “evil” people. Since he could read minds, he could identify them by their evil thoughts.

He felt his killings were justified… for a while. He eventually returned to Carlisle.

WA

A century later, in the state of Washington, under the near-constant cover of constant rain, there is a small town called Forks. It’s somewhat remote and has a small population of just over 3,000. The Cullen family cover story is that they moved down from Alaska a few years ago.

Carlisle and Esme Cullen have several adopted children and it appeared to others as if they were playing match-maker with their kids. They are always together and don’t date outside their own family. Weird.

Edward was intrigued by Bella when he first met her for two reasons. First, here was the only person on Earth that he could not read their mind. Second, her scent was intoxicating.

The unique, potent aroma of her blood proved to be a powerful temptation, awakening the dormant beast within and very nearly destroying the life the Cullens had constructed for themselves.

He tried to avoid her but found himself drawn to her. In the school parking lot, Bella was nearly crushed by an out of control van but Edward interposed himself between her and it revealing his extraordinary physical strength.

Stalker

Edward, somewhat obsessed with her, began stalking Bella. It took Bella lots of research but soon she revealed that she knew what Edward was. Even still, she could not live without him.

They begin to date openly and Edward brought Bella to meet his family. They play baseball but were interrupted by rogue vampires who had been hunting in the area. James, a tracker, realized Bella was human and began a hunt to kill her. Edward read his mind and his family went into action to save Bella.

James was eventually killed by Edward and his family, Bella survived with a broken leg and an envenomed bite from James. Edward sucked out the poison and had control enough to withdraw in time before killing her.

The two went to Junior Prom together, Bella made it known she wanted to be turned. Edward refused.

New Moon

On Bella’s 18^th birthday. Alice gave her a gift and asked her to come to a party at the Cullen’s home. Bella accepted but at the party cut her finger opening a gift. One drop of blood fell and Jasper, the newest vegetarian vampire, could not hold back. He attacked Bella. The others restrained him.

Edward brooded over what happened with Jasper. Edward felt he must make the decision to turn Bella or not and if not, what? He decided it best that he and his family leave Forks. He would not put Bella in danger any longer.

In what would be one of the hardest things he’d ever had to do in his life; Edward gave up the one thing he loved above all else. He abandoned Bella in the woods near her home and she was devastated. He left immediately promising not to interfere in her life again.

Edward could not resist at least knowing what was happening in Bella’s life and asked Alice to watch her decisions. She did. Edward continued to keep his distance as promised.

Bella cliff-dove and was presumed dead by Alice. Edward called her home from Rio de Janeiro. Jacob angrily tells him Charlie isn’t there he’s attending a funeral. Edward believes it’s Bella’s funeral and realizes he cannot live without her.

Masquerade

He travels to Italy to petition the Volturi for his own death. The request is denied because they want to preserve his talent to read minds. So, Edward decides to provoke them into killing him by appearing in daylight at noon for hundreds of humans to see. Bella and Alice race to Italy and stop him.

The Volturi demand an audience with them. They decide to kill Bella as she is human and knows too much about them. Edward fights to protect her but finds he is outmatched by the Volturi named Felix. Aro was amazed when Bella offered her own life for Edwards. He allowed them both to live as long as Bella is to be turned soon.

Bella puts it to a vote. All the Cullens vote yes except Rosalie and Edward. A date was set. After Bella’s High School graduation she would be made vampire. Jacob tried to dissuade her but Bella would have none of it. Edward finally agreed to turn Bella himself but on one condition.

She must marry him.

Eclipse

Bella and Edward seemed to be at an impasse. Edward refused to change Bella unless she first marries him. Bella refused to marry Edward because her parent’s marriage and two out of every three marriages end in divorce.

Her Dad had grounded her because of recent events. He also begged her to hang out with other friends, like Jacob. Edward sabotaged Bella’s truck after Alice warned him she would go visit the reservation.

At school Alice had a troubling vision about Victoria; Edward read her mind at the same time. To keep Bella safe; Edward took her to visit her mother in Jacksonville, Florida. When they returned, Jacob was waiting for them.

Bella went to the reservation with Jacob. When she returned he noticed the scent of a new vampire in her room. The Cullens setup a protection detail for her while some of them hunted this new vampire, still others watched for Victoria’s return. Jacob and his tribe began protecting Bella and Charlie to free the Cullens to hunt their enemies.

Graduation arrived and with it Alice had another vision. Victoria’s vampire army was coming to Forks. Jacob volunteered his pack in helping to fight the army. Edward agreed since it would mean more protection for Bella. Vampire and Werewolf trained together and learned how best to fight the newborn army.

Edward proposed to Bella and she accepted.

When the newborn army arrived, the plan was simple. Lure them into a field where Jasper determined they would be at a disadvantage. With the surprise of the wolves the Cullens would have the upper hand. To sweeten the pot, Bella spread her blood around on trees and rocks.

It would drive the newborns wild and further hinder their fighting ability. Bella was taken to a campsite far up the mountain by Jacob, carrying her to hide her scent. Edward and Jacob would protect her there. The cold weather proved to be difficult and dangerous for Bella at that height.

Edward, whose body produced zero heat, grudgingly agreed to Jacob cuddling with Bella to keep her from freezing.

On the day of the battle, Edward purposely talked to Bella of marriage so Jacob would hear. Jacob, in a rage, decided to sacrifice himself fighting the newborn vampire army. A desperate Bella kissed Jake to make him change his mind.

It worked and gave Jacob false hope. The battle with the newborn vampires was quick and decisive. No losses on the side of the Cullens and werewolves. All of the newborns were killed, save one. Jacob was the only injury, being nearly crushed.

The Volturi finally stepped in and to demonstrate that they’re in control destroyed the one newborn given sanctuary by the Cullens, Bree Tanner. August thirteenth was the date set for his wedding with Bella.

Breaking Dawn Part 1

The wedding of Bella and Edward was here at last. Bella’s mother and step-father come up from Florida for the ceremony. Bella wore the engagement ring Edward gave her, the sapphire encrusted hair piece of her grandmother, and a long white wedding dress.

They were wed in the sight of family and friends; although once they touched they may as well have been alone. They had eyes only for one another.

Irina and Edward’s other cousins arrived from Alaska. Jacob even made an appearance but had to be removed before he started a fight.

Edward took Bella to Rio de Janeiro Brazil for their honeymoon. Carlisle gave the newly-weds a gift; a house on the beach of a private island, Isle Esme, and they honeymooned there for two weeks. They may’ve planned to stay longer but Bella found herself pregnant and the baby was already growing at an accelerated rate.

Edward, concerned, secretly brought her home to Forks and moved back into the Cullen’s family home. Two weeks later, Jacob visited and found Bella well into her pregnancy and in very bad shape. She weighed a mere 75 pounds.

Jacob failed to convince her to give up the child. When Sam and the rest of the pack decided to kill the abomination that was the half-immortal child by killing its mother Jacob quit the pack. Seth and Leah followed him.

Jacob warned the Cullens of what would come. Sam and the others surrounded the Cullen’s house and waited for an opportunity. Meanwhile, the Cullens hadn’t hunted for weeks and were already weakened.

Hungry like the wolf

To complicate matters further, the child was incompatible with Bella’s body and attacked her from the inside depriving her of any kind of sustenance. Carlisle gave her human blood to drink and that worked. The baby’s thirst was quenched, it continued to grow.

Alice, Jacob, Edward, and Rosalie were discussing baby names with Bella when the placenta detached unexpectedly. Bella bent down and when she did there was a cracking sound in her back as her spine splintered and she tumbled.

The baby had to be delivered immediately or it would die. Since Carlisle was away, Rosalie began the emergency C-section but Bella’s blood nearly made her attack she had to be removed from the room.

The baby, Renesmee, was delivered successfully. Bella however died at that moment. Edward injected his venom directly in her heart trying to turn her before it was too late. He also bit her several times but there was no response.

When Sam and the others heard Bella was dead they decided it was time to kill the newborn half-vampire and headed for the Cullens. Jacob, angry over Bella’s death, had the same idea and went inside to kill Renesmee himself. However, when he locked eyes with the baby he automatically imprinted on her.

The pack descended on the Cullen’s house and the battle was joined. Outnumber Edward, Alice, and Jasper would have lost but were soon joined by Carlisle, Esme, and Emmett. Then by Seth and Leah and finally Jacob who faced down Sam.

When Edward revealed to everyone that Jacob had imprinted on Renesmee the fighting was done. Whoever a wolf imprints on cannot be harmed. It’s their most absolute law.

Bella’s body heals fully in seconds. When she opens her eyes they are bright red. Carlisle reports to the Volturi an addition to his Coven.

Breaking Dawn Part 2

Bella was alive! Her second life had begun. Edward knew as a newborn Bella would be dealing with her thirst so he took her hunting. When she caught the scent of human blood on the wind, a rock climber, she went after him.

Amazingly, she was able to restrain herself, saying she had to get out of there. Edward offered to help her off the mountain. She instead leapt down on her own. Edward was amazed by her.

Upon returning home Bella learned that Jacob imprinted on Renesmee and was furious but still allowed him to stay near her.

Alice gave Bella a cottage as a birthday present so she and Edward could have some privacy. The Cullens decided they’d eventually have to lie to Charlie. They’d tell him Bella had died so he could mourn and move on. Then they too would move on.

Carlisle commented that they would come back to the area at another time, perhaps in a few decades. Jacob had to do something; he had to be near Renesmee.

So, Jacob drove to Charlie’s house and told him Bella was alive and at the Cullens but that she was different. Then he transformed to his wolf form in front of Charlie revealing his secret. Charlie met Bella and could tell she was different but took it all surprisingly well.

Renesmee continued to grow. Irina, their cousin from Alaska, was coming to visit when she watched Renesmee catching snowflakes with Bella and Jake. Irina believed Renesmee was an immortal child, a crime by Volturi law, and went immediately to the Volturi with the information. She stood with them against the Cullens.

Alice had a premonition. She sees the Volturi coming for them. The Cullens make a decision not to fight but to request help from Carlisle’s contacts around the world. Those contacts would witness to the Volturi about Renesmee, that she is not immortal.

They went first to their cousins in Alaska then to others around the globe. Alice and Jasper went off on their own.

Rider’s on the Storm

As Carlisle’s vampire friends came, more Quileute’s phased. The vampires numbered 27 in total. They promised not to feed on humans in the area while they visited.

Bella was known as a “Shield” for her resistance to mind reading and illusions. This meant her mental abilities allowed her to defend against mental attacks.

Bella drove Jake and Renesmee to Charlie’s leaving Edward at home. That night, all the vampires along with Jacob and Renesmee gathered around a camp fire and talked of old battles. The next morning they met the Volturi on an empty open snow covered field.

Jacob, Sam, and the rest of the pack joined the Cullen’s side. Still, the Volturi outnumbered them two to one.

Aro read Edwards thoughts by touch and sees the truth, that Renesmee is not an immortal child. Aro then demands to meet Renesmee. She communicates with him through touch and he is astounded by her, a half-immortal. For giving incorrect information, Irina was killed and burned right there. Her Alaskan sisters had to be restrained.

Aro then tried to entice the Cullens to fight by having Jane use her pain ability on Edward. Bella was able to shield all of them from her. Aro reasoned with his followers that even though no crime had been committed Renesmee should still be killed. The unknown. What she will become is more dangerous than a battle with the Cullens and wolves today.

Just then, Alice and Jasper arrive to let Aro know what the future holds for Renesmee as Alice had already seen it. Aro need only touch her hand and he would know what her premonitions have shown about the child… but would it be enough to convince him?

Description

Edward is a fit attractive teen who stands out in a crowd. He practically has no body hair except for his eyebrows and the hair on his head which he keeps combed straight back in an almost 1950’s style but would have been considered too long and wild for that era. He also wears sideburns that extend to the bottom of his ears.

Edward’s skin is fair resembling white marble without blemish.

Edward’s priveleged life allows him to wear the best and drive the best. Edward wears a black leather wristband on his right wrist displaying the Cullen family crest.

Personality

From the outside, Edward appears to be aloof and a bit of a snob. He hangs with his family and doesn’t make friends as if he’s above all that. As if he doesn’t need it. Edward does not play sports or join in any other school activities.

Usually, if you saw him he would just be brooding silently on his own or with his family.

Because Edward is a vampire he tries hard not to jeopardize his secret or his families’ safety. Revealing the secret of what he is would be devastating. Since he can read thoughts Edward doesn’t need to have conversations to learn what others think.

If you could get to know him, you would learn that Edward is quiet and sensitive, a good listener who can come off a little shy. His good looks and quiet demeanor are part of his charm and makes him easy to talk to, once given a chance.

Edward trusts the advice of his maker, Carlisle, and is devoted to his family/coven. Carlisle instilled in Edward a sense of morality uncommon to most vampires, and the refusal to consider humans as food.

Edward is a fan of music and has a large collection of CDs and Albums. He likes to dance and play piano. He also reveals to Bella that he is fascinated by watching her sleep since he can no longer do it.

Edward is extremely protective of Bella and would give his own life to save hers. Central to their story together, he’s constantly trying to avoid accidentally hurting her, due to his vampiric nature. Though Bella wants to be changed into a vampire Edward believes this would damn her soul.

Edward retains a lot of the traditional mindset and dated patterns of speech from his early-20^th century human life. He believes in courting his bride-to-be before marriage.

Edward has a laugh that is almost silent. The air passing through his teeth which kind of sounds a little like curtains rustling.

DC Universe History

In the DC Universe, Edward and his family would have a better chance of revealing their abilities and sparkling skin without revealing their true identity as vampires. Since the DC Universe is filled with super powered individuals the Cullens may find friends to help them against the Volturi.

Edward would be drawn to the heroic community as a chance to have a more normal life and to be accepted into a larger group, perhaps joining the Outsiders.

He would still have to control his thirst and maybe some of the rest of his family wouldn’t be as able as he to do that. If he went this route and kept the fact that he is a vampire a secret, give him the Dark Secret drawback.

Quotes

“I’m sorry. I’m just trying to figure you out ; you’re very difficult for me to read.”

Bella: “You know your mood swings are kind of giving me whiplash.”
Edward: “I only said it would be better if we weren’t friends not that I didn’t want to be.”
Bella: “What does that mean ?”
Edward: “It means if you were smart you’d stay away from me.”
Bella: “Ok, well let’s say for argument’s sake that I’m not smart. Would you tell me the truth ?”
Edward: “No, probably not. I’d rather hear your theories.”
Bella: “I have considered… from radio-active spiders and kryptonite…”
Edward: “That’s all super-hero stuff, right ? What if I’m not the hero ? What if I’m the bad guy ?”
Bella: “You’re not. I can see what you’re trying to put off but I can see that it’s just to keep people away from you. It’s a mask.”

Bella: “So. What ? You read minds ?”
Edward: “I can read every mind in this room apart from yours.”

“I feel very protective of you.”

Bella: “How old are you ?”
Edward: “Seventeen.”
Bella: “How long have you been seventeen ?”
Edward: “A while.”

“This is why we don’t show ourselves in sunlight. People would know we’re different.”

“I’m the world’s most dangerous predator. Everything about me invites you in. My voice, my face, even my smell as if I wouldn’t need any of that.” (moves at super speed) “As if you could outrun me !” (leaps down from a high place) “As if you could fight me off !” (uproots a small tree from the ground with one hand) “I am designed to kill.”

“So, the lion fell in love with the lamb.”

“Can you keep your thoughts to yourself ?”

Edward: “I’ll take care of her Chief Swan.”
Charlie: “Uh-huh, I’ve heard that one before.”

“You’re my only reason to stay alive. If that’s what I am but it’s my job to protect you.”

Edward: “I was trying to protect you.”
Bella: “By lying to me ?”

(After Edward refuses sex with Bella)
Bella: “You don’t… it’s fine…”
Edward: “Believe me I want to. I just want to be married to you first.”
Bella: “You really make me feel like some kind of villain trying to steal your virtue or something.”
Edward: “It’s not my virtue I’m concerned about.”
Bella: “Are you kidding ?”
Edward: “It’s just one rule, I want to leave unbroken. It might be too late for my soul but I will protect yours. I know it’s not a modern notion.”
Bella: “It’s not modern. It’s ancient.”
Edward: “I’m from a different era. Things were a lot less complicated.”

Bella: “We have to tell Charlie.”
Edward: (laughs) “It is highly dangerous.”
Bella: “It’s a good thing you’re bullet-proof. I’m going to need that ring.”

“All the men I killed were monsters… so was I.”

“No measure of time with you would be long enough but let’s start with forever.” (Edward’s toast at their wedding)

“I am nothing if not traditional.”

“Carlisle, I’ve never thanked you for this extraordinary life.”

By Ethan Roe.

Source of Character: The 2008 film Twilight; 2009 film The Twilight saga : New Moon and 2010 film The Twilight saga: Eclipse; 2011 and 2012 films The Twilight saga: Breaking dawn part 1 and 2 character played by Robert Pattinson.

Helper(s): Wikipedia; imdb.com , Currer, eickeric.

Writeup completed on the 20^th of June, 2013.