Charles Whitaker is a man who looks slightly out of touch with modern society. He wears tailored suits, although of a cut and style that looks straight out of the war-time era, and his hair and moustache, although well groomed, are kept in a fashion that is several decades out of style. Although he presents a respectable appearance, he also gives off the impression of a man set in his ways.

In his usual environment and social circles, he is not the only one. As a Professor of Cryptology at Oxford University, he doesn't look out of place from the other eccentrics who live in their bubbles of individual research and discovery that call the University their home.

However, he stands out more so than usual during his secondment to the University of New Orleans where he teaches night classes. His appearance and mannerisms mark him out as a visitor to the city, and his strong, crisp Oxford English accent (also referred to as the Queen's English) leaves no doubt as to his origins.

He is rather verbose, and has a tendency to use fifty words when five will do, particularly when the topic of conversation intersects with one of the many subjects that he has studied. A particularly enthusiastic man when presented with the opportunity to learn, he will jump at the chance to educate either himself or others, sometimes to the detriment of the task at hand.

Although he has the appearance of a man in his late thirties, he has survived through two world wars, and has seen the loss and devastation that such events leave behind. As such, he has an aversion to violence, and will seek a peaceful solution to conflict whenever possible.