Grell Sutcliffe

Before uncovering their true identity as a chainsaw-wielding, red-obsessed Grim Reaper, Grell Sutcliffe spent a significant amount of time posing as Madam Red’s utterly useless, timid, and bumbling butler.

When roleplaying Grell in this specific era, the key is playing up the extreme, comedic incompetence, the constant theatrical sobbing, and the hilarious contrast of someone trying way too hard to act like a traditional British servant while failing miserably.

Here are four roleplaying scenarios set during Grell’s time as a human butler:

Scenario 1: The Ultimate Tea Spill (Comedy / Phantomhive Manor)

The Setup: Madam Red has brought Grell along for a visit to the Phantomhive estate to see her nephew, Ciel. Sebastian instructs Grell to assist him with serving afternoon tea to the nobles. Naturally, Grell's nerves get the absolute best of them, leading to a catastrophic balancing act right in front of the Earl.

Your Role: You play Sebastian Michaelis (watching with agonizing patience) or Ciel Phantomhive (sitting at the desk, completely unamused).

Starter Prompt: The silver tray in Grell's hands is shaking so violently that the fine bone china sounds like a pair of castanets. "O-Oh dear, oh me, I must be exceedingly careful, yes..." Grell mutters, sweating profusely under their long, tucked-back brown hair. Suddenly, their foot catches the edge of the pristine rug. With a dramatic gasp, Grell launches forward, sending a teapot full of scalding Earl Grey flying directly toward the immaculate fabric of your suit. "KYAAAAH! I'm so sorry!"

Scenario 2: The Practical Joke (Lighthearted / Servant Shenanigans)

The Setup: While Madam Red and Ciel are discussing official business, the servants are left to their own devices in the kitchen. Baldroy and Finny decide to "welcome" the visiting butler by involving Grell in one of their absurd daily chores, completely unaware that Grell is secretly a lethal supernatural being who is currently terrified of a simple garden tool.

Your Role: You play Baldroy, Finny, Mey-Rin, or an OC servant.

Starter Prompt: Grell is gripping a massive pair of rusty hedge clippers like it’s a venomous snake, tears streaming down their face. "M-Master Finnian, please! I don't think I have the upper body strength to prune the rosebushes!" Grell wails, deliberately sniffling and wiping their nose on a handkerchief. "If I ruin Madam Red's favorite flowers, I'll have no choice but to commit seppuku to restore my honor! I'll do it right here on the lawn!"

Scenario 3: A Crimson Slip-Up (Suspense / Foreshadowing)

The Setup: This scenario takes place late at night during the Jack the Ripper investigation. You catch Grell alone in a room, entirely dropping their timid butler act for a brief, fleeting moment. Perhaps they are admiring a splash of blood, examining a sharp object, or speaking in a voice that is far too confident and predatory to belong to a coward.

Your Role: You play an investigator, a Phantomhive servant, or an OC who accidentally walks in on them.

Starter Prompt: The room is dark, lit only by a single candle. You walk in to find Grell standing over a velvet gown Madam Red left behind, tracing a long, manicured finger over the deep red fabric. The nervous hunch in their posture is entirely gone; they stand tall, a brilliant, terrifyingly sharp smile stretching across their face. "Red... it really is the only color worth living for, isn't it?" Grell murmurs to the empty room, their voice suddenly rich, theatrical, and dripping with malice. Then, hearing your footsteps, they instantly drop to their knees in a panicked puddle. "H-Hieee! Please don't sneak up on me like that!"

Scenario 4: The Butler Swap (AU / Alternative Assignment)

The Setup: In an alternate timeline or a temporary arrangement, Madam Red has lent Grell to your household for a week to "learn proper etiquette" from a different master. Grell is absolutely miserable about being away from Madam Red and tries to navigate your specific household rules with their usual theatrical flair.

Your Role: You play Grell's temporary master (an aristocratic OC or another canon noble) trying to get them to complete a single task correctly.

Starter Prompt: Grell stands in the center of your study, hands folded neatly over their apron, looking like the picture of absolute despair. "My deepest apologies, My Lord," Grell says, their lower lip trembling dramatically. "I tried to organize your library by the emotional weight of the literature, but I'm afraid I tripped on the ladder and... well... the history section is currently blocking the doorway. Shall I fetch the ceremonial dagger so I may end my useless life now?"