Why older characters are interesting
Yes, that is a photo of my backside further down this post. I’ll explain why in a minute.
Fell heavily while leaving my morning shower two days ago. Hurting bad. All upper body. Well, from twisted left hip upwards. Ribcage, shoulders and neck all hammered. Right elbow’s immobile. The ME/fibro fallout from damage like this takes a long time to pass. Four months on from the fall I took in the summer and some things still hurt.
And you know what? It’s all invisible. People still say, “you’re looking good.”
Here’s the photo.
a rear view of me
No big deal. I enjoy photography and sometimes model for friends. Anyhow, it isn’t the bum I’m talking about. It’s the legs. You see those muscles? Old distance runner’s muscles. They still look good, don’t they? You can’t tell they hurt all the time as if they’ve been hammered with a baseball bat. Unless I tell you, you don’t know.
And that, finally, is the point I’ve been rambling towards.
Older people usually have more hidden stuff going on inside than younger people, simply because we’ve been around longer. That’s true in real life and it’s true in fiction.
That’s why my favourite book and movie characters are old buggers. Tough and moody, like Philip Marlowe and Sam Spade. Vulnerable and brave, like Rose Sayer. Melancholy and many-layered, like George Smiley. Torn between a true love from the past and a vital loyalty in the present, like Ilsa Lund. Courageous and creaky, like Indiana Jones.
Beautiful young things are lovely, and they can be very interesting, but they really can’t have much of a past. And it’s the bruised onion layers of experience being slowly revealed that makes a character come alive for me.
What do you think?
Larelle said,
November 28, 2008 at 11:11 am
You definitely have a point, David. I know my reference will be chiche’d (no surprises what I’m going to reference), but for me, something like Casanova conveys that for me. Yes, when Casanova is young and sprightly (David Tennant) – sure he’s hot and you can see why the ladies gush, but the story was a nostalgic look-back by the older Casanova (Peter O’ Toole), who still had the powers to flirt and seduce – and bed! I was as much in lust for Mr O’ Toole at his age as the older Casanova than I was Mr Tennant as the young Casanova.
Larelle said,
November 28, 2008 at 11:11 am
Ooh, btw, NICE legs and bum!
David Bridger said,
November 28, 2008 at 11:37 am
Thanks, Larelle!
As you know, I’m not a massive fan of DT except when he’s playing Doctor Who. And, come to think of it, it’s the age and mystery of the Doctor’s character that I find attractive – not DT’s looks and personality.
Sophia said,
November 28, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I’m glad to see older characters mentioned, as my NaNo/current WIP’s MC is a man in his 70s, with lots in his past and Alzheimer’s in his present and future, and he’s the best character I’ve ever had, I think. I loved your post – I’ve copied a couple of the sentences into my novel’s notes file for inspiration. Thank you.
Damn it all on the fall in the shower. Best wishes sent your way. (HUG)
David Bridger said,
November 28, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Thank you, Sophia. For the hug and for the honour.
Your WIP sounds wonderful!
On a limb with Claudia said,
November 28, 2008 at 5:53 pm
I think older characters fascinate us because they give us a look into our parents, grandparents, teachers and all older-elders. These characters are neutral to us, so we can see our elders in a more neutral light – flawed, with their own problems, but not as evil or intentional as they feel when we’re related to them.
My take!
Nice ass!
David Bridger said,
November 28, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Yours is an interesting take, Claudia.
And thanks!
anniegirl1138 said,
November 28, 2008 at 7:08 pm
I think we are all drawn to those who are older than we are. When I taught middle school, the kids only wanted to read about kids who were older than themselves and engaged in activities they weren’t ready for. It’s a way we learn.
Now that I am nearly 45, I find it difficult to relate to young characters in books or movies. I guess there is a “been there, done that” quality to them and I have no interest.
I am reading Updike’s Witches of Eastwicke because I am going to read the Widows sequel soon and want to refresh my memory first. I am impatient with the characters though. Thirty-ish and still caught up in the foolishness of women at that age.
Older characters are our future and younger ones our past. And we only age in one direction.
David Bridger said,
November 28, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Thanks for your take on it, Annie.
(And I’m sorry to hear about your recent trouble. I hope it settles well for you.)
jamiemollart said,
November 28, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I didn’t know you were a runner David. Oh, actually I think I did, I think we may have mentioned it before. I’m back training again tomorrow after the half marathon. London Marathon next year- first one. Am nervous, but excited!
Whats the Eastwick sequel like? hasn’t had the best of reviews
David Bridger said,
November 29, 2008 at 12:19 am
Good luck in London, Jamie! Enjoy your training.
Jillian said,
January 7, 2009 at 2:22 am
I never looked at it that way, but I guess I have to agree. However, I believe that there is also a naive quality that readers appreciate when they read. That is, if your younger character is SUPPOSED to be naive, and if it adds to the reading.
But, always looking for a new perspective on things, as I’m currently in the middle of my own novel, thank you.
Renée said,
January 30, 2009 at 12:09 pm
There’s definitely more seasoning, more patina, with age.
Your legs look strong. It inspires me to be more serious about my off-and-on running.