For the sake of explanation we'll be using Francis Bonnefoy as an example Collector in different scenarios and settings. These scenarios will be simple layouts of different actions and day to day activities that a Collector might go through.
Scenario 1: A Doll becomes a Collector.
Let's say that Francis is a Doll, but has become unhappy with the lifestyle. Perhaps he is too adventurist, maybe he wants to open a business, or perhaps he just wants to be in control. Either way, Francis has the option to change his title from Doll to Collector.
The first thing Francis must do is decide how to become a Collector. Collectors have a large amount of money and he will need said money to change his title. This is where the choices come in.
1.) Francis could ask his current Collector (most Collectors are honored when a Doll asks them for help with Collectorhood, but they usually will not give much money).
If he does ask his Collector, he can get a variety of answers.
The longer you have stayed with the Collector, the more likely you're going to get money due to the long companionship you've had. But because you've had such a long companionship the Collector may not want to let you go.
The Collector may say no if he or she is very formal. Many compare divorce to the act of a Doll leaving his or her Collector. The Collector could decline, if either proud of tradition or does not want the Doll to leave. At the same time, the Doll could treat his/her leaving as a divorce, demanding money or involving the law.
2.) Francis could join a business or start one (this is the more common taken route, due to most Collectors getting their power from here).
Let's say Francis wanted to gain status by joining a business. He could either join a corporation run by Collectors, or a higher wealth shop by Citizens. Some Dolls have their own careers usually in spas or salons.
Whichever job he decides, it'll take some time before he can gain enough money and status.
If Francis joins the corporation he'll start a little below the middle. Being a Doll will make him a favorite of the Collectors that run the place, but will also keep him in the title that he wants to change. He'll have little chance of moving up, but will never move down.
If Francis joins a shop by Citizens then he will be treated as a Citizen. He will be given no special treatment that Dolls are usually treated with. This gives him a fair chance to move up and get status, but because the Doll lifestyle has next to no real work, it will be tough.
If Francis joins a "Doll career" (usually jobs within the beauty or relaxation department) then he will be with other Dolls that are similar to him. These jobs pay well and will give him enough money to buy a Doll within a few months. That will give him much status amongst the Collectors. There is not much downfall to this job until you become a Collector, in which you will need to take another job.
Now that Francis has enough money, he will need to buy Dolls.
While Francis does not have the title of Collector yet, he can buy a Doll.
Dolls have different feelings about another ex-Doll buying them. Some see it as a bad omen; others see it as a great opportunity for the Collector to sympathize with them.
Scenario 2: A Collector born in a Doll's family
Now let's say that Francis is a child of a Doll. It doesn't matter if the parent is a Doll and Collector or two Dolls. Either way Francis is born in higher status that does not have a Maker in it.
Francis will be raised with either Collector practice or Doll Etiquette (refer to previous chapter).
Collector practice involves many things. Young children being raised with Collector practice are taught light discipline and business, such as which stocks are good investments, what to look for in a Doll, and even given small jobs to make money.
As the child grows older simple tasks become more serious and are taught through the Collector of his/her parents. The Collector to be will usually be stripped of any money and must work long and hard hours to be given any. The little money the young Collector is given will be taken away if he/she spends it on unnecessary items or poor stocks.
Many Collectors have written books detailing the life of being a Collector. A small excerpt defines the responsibility one must endure:
"A Collector is the very soul of a Doll, and must react with care and respect to their Doll(s). A Doll is to wear, make, and be what you like, and if the Doll is unhappy it is completely and utterly your fault. If your Doll cries, he/she cries because you have done something wrong. There is no excuse for your Doll(s) being unsatisfactory other than you have failed as a Collector.
The Doll has given his/her life to you as a Collector, and each life is precious to care for. So be uncorrupt, be well, be firm, be commanding, be ideal. You will be unsuccessful otherwise".
This is a very extreme but highly respected way of being a Collector. Many are unable to fully be devoted due to the many Dolls a Collector will usually have, and tend to slip with certain care and respect to each individual.
Along with these practices of business and caring, a Collector must work on social skills. It is nearly impossible to be a Collector and not have the ability to speak publicly.
Because of this, Collectors to be will usually go speech groups that will teach them public speaking and social etiquette. They will also attend many formal parties and host them as well to boost their reputation and status.
With Francis being born in a Doll family (regardless of having a Collector as a parent or both Dolls) he will be raised with a respect for Dolls that will gain him popularity with others. That will be very useful when the time comes to adopt Dolls.
A list of activities a Collector may do in a day in no particular order:
Attend parties
Bring Doll to Maker for checkup
Spend quality time with Doll(s)
Discuss business plans with other Collectors
Order Dolls from Makers
Run the business (whatever it may be)
Screw around
Go to Collector clubs
Get drunk
Live the high life