Posted by John Lambert on June 08, 2004 at 06:42:20 from 24.84.34.215 user John.
In Reply to: Re: Terror of the Seas polite and well behaved? posted by John Nichols on June 06, 2004 at 18:54:24:
"But the D's are not normal at all - they are just bloody perfect characters."
Well, John, I can't say I agree with you about Dorothea, although I find Dick a little hard to believe. When Dorothea does, says or thinks something I can actually see her. She is very real to me, in a way that John and Susan are not. I can't say I have ever known anyone exactly like her, but have met a few who bear a remarkably close resemblance. In fact, when I was nine years old I playfully pushed a girl like her off a bench at school. I was appalled at the loud screams she emitted. I have regretted doing it ever since - not because of the screams - but because I shattered her self-possession. I think one of the best things about knowing children that occasionally - occasionally - you will find one who has that certain air of self-possession. Serious, yes. Earnest, perhaps. Mature, certainly, which might come from having somewhat older parents who brought up with quite a definite adult view of life. I also feel that the S and As were the first children she had ever really known. I used to like Titty the best, but now I think it's Dorothea. She really comes alive for me. I think it extremely touching the way she looks after Dick. Perhaps she was AR's favourite too. What is the great man's secret, anyway, that he can make such wonderful characters who remain friends of the reader for so many years?