Character Challenge: Dec 2021
Character Challenge: Dec 2021
The worlds of literature, cinematography, theatre, cartoons, & mythology
offer so many characters – which inspire you?
Directions
#1: For the month of December 2021 we shall engage in the Character Challenge. Spanning the worlds of literature, film, epics, mythology, and any other form, which character(s) inspires or intrigues you?
#2: Share with us your chosen characters as well as, in a word, phrase, or sentence, WHY that one appeals to you.
#3: Multiple entries welcomed.
#4: We shall compile all entires for public viewing.
#5: Anonymous entires welcomed; otherwise, we will just place your first name.
I love this challenge but have been flummoxed by all my possibilities for a few weeks. But here goes:
At one end of the spectrum is my beloved Gandalf, who sums up the vicissitudes of life in this short exchange with Frodo, who despairs about his burden in The Fellowship of the Ring:
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
Gandalf’s pragmatism, ability to see joy, and willingness to acknowledge evil have sustained me for years.
How wonderful – this is one of the first books that comes to mind for me as well – so glad you said book and not movie, though I never saw the movie.
Wonderful characters and quotes indeed!!!
Now, seemingly on the OTHER side of the spectrum, but truly another bird of a feather is Captain Augustus McCrae of Lonesome Dove, possibly the only book I’ve read more times than the Lord of the Rings.
Gus (as his close friends call him!) is just as courageous, pragmatic, joy filled, and philosophical as Gandalf, with just a touch more humor. Some of my favorite Gusisms:
Gus McCrae : I’m just tryin’ to keep everything in balance, Woodrow. You do more work than you got to, so it’s my obligation to do less.
Gus McCrae: Lorie darlin’, life in San Francisco, you see, is still just life. If you want any one thing too badly, it’s likely to turn out to be a disappointment. The only healthy way to live life is to learn to like all the little
everyday things, like a sip of good whiskey in the evening, a soft bed, a glass of buttermilk, or a feisty
gentleman like myself.
And of course:
Gus McCrae: The older the violin, the sweeter the music.
Now in this case…I did see the movie…first…and then read Larry McMurtry’s book…and they were both gems, but as usual I like the book better – and YES, Gus is a fantastic character!!! Thanks for sharing Annie!!