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.
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Charlie seems hot! Ha Ha!
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Hmm, more scary than hot. 🙂 He has Liam’s build, but that’s about where the resemblance ends.
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Very touching post. I look forward to visiting you again.
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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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It sounds like an intriguing story.
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Thanks, Stacy. I like to show something of what’s made a character what he or she is.
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Interesting! I have been to New Zealand. My daughter lives in Auckland.
Happy A-Z April!
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Thanks for visiting, both country and blog! 🙂
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Charlie sounds shadowy and intriguing!
Damyanti Co-host, A to Z Challenge 2014, Latest Post
Twitter: @damyantig
#atozchallenge
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Thanks, Damyanti!
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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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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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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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I can relate to that. 🙂