Thursday, April 3, 2014

The A to Z Challenge: C is for Charlie


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.

14 comments:

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    1. Hmm, more scary than hot. :) He has Liam's build, but that's about where the resemblance ends.

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  2. Very touching post. I look forward to visiting you again.

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    1. Thanks, Karen. Yes, the clearances were a tragic time, and the effects of such events can result in deep and long-lasting damage.

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  3. It sounds like an intriguing story.

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    1. Thanks, Stacy. I like to show something of what's made a character what he or she is.

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  4. Interesting! I have been to New Zealand. My daughter lives in Auckland.
    Happy A-Z April!

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  5. Charlie sounds shadowy and intriguing!
    Damyanti Co-host, A to Z Challenge 2014, Latest Post

    Twitter: @damyantig
    #atozchallenge

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  6. It's funny, Charlie is a name that I can see fitting anyone (as opposed to Benjy). But once you add the Liam Neeson, well...

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    1. I 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.:)

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  7. This sounds really interesting I have always been a sucker for the Highlands... Must be something to do with kilts.

    Micah

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