Sunday, 21 June 2026

Identifying

I do not spend much time identifying with fictional characters but which ones might I identify with?

Of Nicholas van Rijn's trade pioneer crew, neither David Falkayn nor Chee Lan but maybe Adzel because of his meditation and studiousness.

Of James Blish's magicians: none. (A book with nothing but villains!) 

Of Alan Moore's Watchmen: Doctor Manhattan.

Of Neil Gaiman's Endless: Destiny.

Of SM Stirling's five American time travellers, Mark, who says:

"'I'm really not good at the nonverbal stuff, you know.'"
-To Turn The Tide, CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO, p. 337.

Paula, who has been dropping hints, has to spell out that, when she suggests going to bed, she means together - a woman who realizes the need to take the initiative.

(We are just about to go to our daughter's place for Fathers' Day.)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kaor, Paul!

And I identify with, or better put, admire: Nicholas van Rijn, Dominic Flandry, Gratillonius, Anson Guthrie. And Artorius in Stirling's Antonine books. But the socially hapless Mark is amusing!

Ad astra! Sean

paulshackley2017@gmail.com said...

I admire, e.g., Artorius, without identifying with him. I cannot combine his academic work with his military experience.

Anonymous said...

Kaor, Paul!

But it should be possible to vicariously appreciate his military experience.

Ad astra! Sean

S.M. Stirling said...

Paul: he always -wanted- to be a historian; he ended up at West Point due to family tradition.

Sean M. Brooks said...

Kaor, Mr. Stirling!

Artorius was also motivated by loyalty to the US, that it was right to serve it.

Ad astra! Sean