Perspectives of a Writer and Musician

Issues related to writing, publishing and playing jazz music: One man's muse.
by Al Stevens

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Location: Florida, United States

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Uncle Sweeter's Biography

To develop a character, I write a simple biography. The biography helps me get to know the character and suggests material for dialogues. A figure's biography is a living document. I add to it as the need arises. I maintain a written biography in order to keep the details of his background consistent.

Uncle Sweeter Dabney is not really my uncle. He's not anyone's uncle as near as I can tell. But everyone calls him Uncle Sweeter. He calls me Sonny.

Uncle Sweeter is in his late 70s or early 80s. He grew up and still lives in the country. He's married, and refers to his wife as "my ol' woman." He dies his hair in a vain and futile attempt to look younger and has a combover for the same reason.

He drinks moonshine liquor in moderation and doesn't go to church. "They want me to take the pledge."

He likes young women but would not dream of cheating on his wife. He takes Viagra when the occasion calls for it. "I got me a six year supply. One bottle." "How many is in a bottle?" "Six."

He doesn't like politicians, especially Republicans. He did a hitch in the Army when he was younger. He is a member of the American Legion. He retired from a factory job and lives on Social Security.

He likes country/western music. The Dixie Chicks are his favorite musical group. "'Specially the one with the sassy mouth and no tits."

5 Comments:

Blogger Lawrence E. Harris said...

I love it. This is the way to go. One draw so much from what you have in just these few sentences.

Has "Uncle Sweater" ever had sex in a car? I think a worthy questions.

Cheers, ComicVent

9:30 AM  
Blogger Lawrence E. Harris said...

I love the post. My question is has "Uncle Sweater" ever had sex in a car before? I think a worthy question. Could work.

9:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Does Uncle Sweeter sit on his porch all day in his underwear and scare the Jehovah's Witnesses away?

4:51 PM  
Blogger Al Stevens said...

I've been thinking about that a lot, Jeff. And other things that I got from Pop. Uncle Bill was the original inspiration, but there's a lot of Pop in there, too. I have a bit on incontinence taken directly from things that Pop said.

10:54 AM  
Blogger Al Stevens said...

Sex in a car? Hmm. Maybe in a rumble seat?

11:00 AM  

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