Charlie is already in his middle years when we first meet him. From the age of around five he had an extremely hard childhood.
As a small boy he was a victim of the Highland Clearances, the forced displacement of much of the population of the Scottish Highlands, losing his home, his family, and even his country. This left him a hard, bitter man, almost incapable of showing affection, and wary of trusting anyone. He is in many ways his own worst enemy.
Forced from their homes:
Packed onto a boat, never to see Scotland again:
Charlie shows how deep damage can run; he also (I hope) shows the power of forgiveness.
I envisage him with Liam Neeson's build, but with red hair, now greying, and a full beard.
Charlie seems hot! Ha Ha!
ReplyDeleteHmm, more scary than hot. :) He has Liam's build, but that's about where the resemblance ends.
DeleteVery touching post. I look forward to visiting you again.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen. Yes, the clearances were a tragic time, and the effects of such events can result in deep and long-lasting damage.
DeleteIt sounds like an intriguing story.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stacy. I like to show something of what's made a character what he or she is.
DeleteInteresting! I have been to New Zealand. My daughter lives in Auckland.
ReplyDeleteHappy A-Z April!
Thanks for visiting, both country and blog! :)
DeleteCharlie sounds shadowy and intriguing!
ReplyDeleteDamyanti Co-host, A to Z Challenge 2014, Latest Post
Twitter: @damyantig
#atozchallenge
Thanks, Damyanti!
DeleteIt's funny, Charlie is a name that I can see fitting anyone (as opposed to Benjy). But once you add the Liam Neeson, well...
ReplyDeleteI caught up with an old friend a while back, after losing contact for some time. She now has a cute little boy - called Charlie! I had to set my mental image well and truly to one side.:)
DeleteThis sounds really interesting I have always been a sucker for the Highlands... Must be something to do with kilts.
ReplyDeleteMicah
I can relate to that. :)
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