12 year-old Giles and self image

[dragonyphoenix]

In the story I’m working on, the one where Giles is suddenly twelve, I use a number of different nicknames for him. His aunts call him Rupes. His mother calls him Roo. Even Faith calls him Giles.

This got me thinking that Giles isn’t a sixty year-old man in a sixty year-old body, he’s a sixty year-old man in a twelve year-old body. His self-image is going to take quite a beating. He is going to have to reinvent himself although probably not right away. I can see him hanging onto his old self-image tooth and nail before he finally realizes it isn’t working. That’s sort of fun although I really don't believe it'll be explored in the comics.

Comments

[velvetwhip.livejournal.com]

I think it's great that you're exploring it your way, which naturally can be far more in depth than a comic book can be. I look forward to seeing where you go.


Gabrielle

[dragonyphoenix.livejournal.com]

It's not getting explored in this story other than he decides to go back to working with Buffy. Part of that would be holding onto his old identity although this story if Faith's PoV she wouldn't pick up on that.

I'm not sure if I'll write it or not. I'd really like to focus on original work but this is a fascinating idea.

[dragonyphoenix.livejournal.com]

No, you weren't skewed from the point at all. Other people's comments were so helpful with the story I'm working on that I was looking for more of them here.

Which rather does argue that I am planning to write this.

[rbfvid.livejournal.com]

Fascinating idea, and Giles as "Roo" is adorable)). Can't wait to read it.
Oh, yes, and the whole '12 years old Giles' thing reminded me of this cosplay (http://bow-ties-and-superheroes.tumblr.com/post/86323521335/rupert-giles-cosplay-featuring-hector).

[dragonyphoenix.livejournal.com]

I looked up nicknames for Rupert. They have both Rip and Ripper and I have to wonder if that's because of BtVS or if those were nicknames earlier.

Yeah, that Hector makes a cute Giles.

[gillo]

It is a really interesting idea. What is more, he has company in that strange situation of having an old head in an excessively young body. Angel and Spike are both so much older than they look; so was Anya, of course. It was mostly only touched lightly for comic effect, as when Anya wanted a beer, but there are all sorts of intriguing questions associated with it. Not only the physical stuff - coping with puberty when the mind has been through it long ago, or suddenly having more energy than he used to, or having to remember he's smaller and more vulnerable. There's also the adjustment - and all the well-meaning advice or schadenfreude from those around him.

It would be really interesting to see this extended...

[dragonyphoenix.livejournal.com]

Oooh, I'd forgotten Spike. I figured he'd have to go to Angel for advice, which he would hate.

Oh Goddess. Well-meaning advice. Yes! That's delightful.

[gillo]

Buffy would know all about being trapped in a body which is not as strong as you're used to and doesn't do what you want it to. It was Giles's fault, after all, and I'm not convinced she'd be wholly above reminding him of the Cruciamentum...

[dragonyphoenix.livejournal.com]

*squeals in delight* I hope that wasn't too high-pitched a squeal! I'd hate to discourage you from sharing more awesome ideas.

[gillo]

You have my email if you want to bounce ideas around...

[dragonyphoenix.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Red Satin Doll (red-satin-doll.livejournal.com/) is going to stop sending me cakes. I told her I'd get back to Giles as the Big Bad after I posted this.

[dragonyphoenix.livejournal.com]

I was planning to ask you to do a beta on my CoF remix, but I see you're working on your MA. Do you have time? 4300 words.

[gillo]

Not a problem - the essay I posted was handed in three weeks ago - all that's left is to wait for the results! Send it on by all means. You have my email I think?