Truly older characters remain rare in fiction, often being valorised for youthful traits or reduced to clichés—such as wise mentors, comic relief, or frail victims. In contrast, real older adults are complex, dynamic, and worthy heroes of their own stories, despite physical or neurological challenges.
In a youth-obsessed society, displaying the power of older characters is essential to challenge stereotypes and shift the narrative around ageing. Through discussion, exercises, and examples from literature and film, we’ll explore age-related themes with nuance and learn how to craft vivid, authentic and three-dimensional older characters that resonate with readers.
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