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

[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).

[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...