At 63, I’m still a couple of years from the textbook definition of geriatric, but I’ve always felt mentally (and lately physically) older than my chronological years. Besides, I live in a wonderful 55+ community, so I have plenty of fodder for story ideas.
This is the first Malice publication I’ve submitted to, but I couldn’t pass up this particular theme since I so enjoy characters “of a certain age.” My story features an 82-year-old woman thrust unwillingly into the role of amateur sleuth, and writing about her got me thinking about some of my favorite older characters in books and on screen. They’re not all sleuths, but they share a couple of notable traits. First, they all exhibit that geriatric snark my friend referred to, and second, they display a keen sense of insight gained through life experiences.
Here's my short list of compelling senior characters:
Ove (A MAN CALLED OVE, by Fredrik Backman). Ove is a curmudgeonly, depressed man with a big heart that he can’t totally succeed in hiding.
- Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron (THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB, by Richard Osman). These four are among the best characters I’ve read in a long time. I tried to choose one to highlight but just couldn’t. They all have unique characteristics that contribute to the delightful group dynamic.
- Miss Marple (Books by Agatha Christie). I couldn’t leave Jane off the list, right? Her humor tends to be the under-her-breath type, and I find that appealing.
- Charles Haden Savage and Oliver Putnam (ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING). These two play off each other so naturally. It’s a pleasure to watch this over-the-top series.
- Olive Kitteridge (OLIVE KITTERIDGE, by Elizabeth Strout). Olive is an irascible, prickly retired teacher, so I identify with her. Her sharp tongue and sarcasm hide a vulnerability that becomes evident as the book progresses.
- Thelma Post (THELMA). Played by June Squibb, Thelma is based on a real-life grandmother who, after being victimized in a phone scam, takes matters into her own hands. You can’t help but admire this woman.
- Charles Nieuwendyk (MAN ON THE INSIDE). I don’t know if I love this character as much as the supporting cast on the show, but the ensemble delivers. I laughed out loud multiple times during each episode.
Who are your favorite characters of a certain age?
The Callie Cassidy Mystery series is available on Amazon Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and paperback.
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Lori Roberts Herbst writes the Callie Cassidy Mysteries, a cozy mystery series set in Rock Creek Village, Colorado, and the soon-to-be-released Seahorse Bay Mysteries, set in a Texas cruise port town. To find out more and to sign up for her newsletter, go to www.lorirobertsherbst.com
I'm fond of the killers of a certain age in Deanna Raybourn's books.
ReplyDeleteOooh, I'll have to check that out.
DeleteGreat list! I sometimes enjoy a respite from sparkly young characters.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteI enjoy writing about older characters as well. One of my favorites is "Mom" in the Seamus McCree series, who among other things, can take on almost anyone at darts.
ReplyDeleteI love my older characters. I take my own snarky nature and amplify it!
DeleteWhat wonderful reminders. My fav – and it’s almost a cliché – is Jessica Fletcher. Who could resist, and then there’s Mrs. Polifax. As a Jersey girl, I can relate! Good luck with the submission!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Even if it's not selected, I have a story written!
DeleteThat first paragraph cracked me up.
ReplyDelete😂
DeleteIt would take a lot to top Miss Marple, but I think Jessica Fletcher is a great second. I’ve read that they are bringing back Murder, She Wrote, this time starring Jamie Lee Curtis. Be interesting to see how that turns out.
ReplyDelete