Copper (Richard Clayton) gives a gun to Dennis, who is looking through the window, in a scene from the THE STAR short story The Sun Also Rises - Anthony Minott

The story is about Rose Dixon, a mother and a teacher struggling to raise a wayward son while being forced to put up with a cheating and abusive husband who no longer loves her and shows it in every way. She also has to put up with a nagging, though well-meaning, mother.

The story has many twists and turns and although Rose is well-intentioned, she cannot prevent a series of events from happening.

Today, we talk to cast member Richard Clayton who plays Copper, Dennis' friend who turns out to be a bad influence. You can also be a part of the experience by sending us your feedback to star@gleanerjm.com or sending a short text message about the story to 467-2165. NO calls will be accepted on this number.

CHARACTER: Copper

REAL NAME: Richard Bailey

WHY HE WANTED TO BE A PART: I read the character search and discovered I had everything that was needed for the part. I had the tattoo, the plaits and the complexion, and so I signed up. My father who saw it also encouraged me to be a part of it.

MOST CHALLENGING SHOT: None. I understood what I had to do and from Rosie told me what to do I just did it. In the basketball scene she was like you've been doing this a long time, and I was like, no but it was because I knew what was needed.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTER? A bad influence.

OTHER PART HE WOULD HAVE PLAYED: I was all right with mine. I couldn't be the granny, the mother or any of the women so I was happy you know (laughs).

DID YOU EXPECT TO BE GIVEN A PART? No. When I sent in my photo I thought that a lot of people would be entering so I didn't expect to get the call. When I got it I was surprised.

FAVOURITE PART? When Sample (George Nikon) came for his gun while I was on the corner and I was on the ground begging for my life.

HOPES AND DREAMS: To get recognition. There were girls in my community who used to look down on me. When they see this now I can say 'see I am somebody'. Also, I want the opportunity to be in other short stories, ads, and so on. For me it's not about the money, but the exposure because the money will come eventually.