Foul Language in Fiction -- Author vs. Character

[WritersRequiem]

Okay, so this one has been bothering me recently. I imagine I'll get quite a range of answers on this one, but any advice or guidance might help. Let me get down to it--what is done when an author knows his character would say something foul, but the author her/himself would not?

Maybe I need to break it down a bit more. First of all, I have no qualms about swearing up a storm in any piece of fiction I write, particularly if the associated character is that sort of being. However, there are certain words I shy away from. In a piece I'm working on now, an older gentleman becomes like a grandfather to a little girl, but he absolutely despises the girl's mother. It is in first person view--the view of the older man. Anyway, he wants to use the "C" word (sorry ladies) in his narrative, but I have some serious qualms about using that in any fiction and rather wish he'd not. He is dying to, I can feel it, but I won't let him. Another problem is that he doesn't want to use it in his story for the little girl's sake, but feels that the mother deserves it. I guess, in a sense, there are actually three angles here.

So, what do I do? There is some serious friction between the man and the mother, and I feel he should have his way or he'll give up on me and the story will go flat, but I'm wary of such insults. Any pointers?

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

I feel that any language/action which helps to develop the characterization of the individual character is not only valid but essential.

And welcome to the MB, and keep posting!

Long days and pleasant nights

[Haunted]

You describe the gentleman is being older and very fond of the little girl whose mother is not so nice. I sense an extreme anger at the mother (for what I don't know, but the gentleman does). Does he mean to degrade her?

I don't think he would say such a word. I did not get from your description that he would use such a word. Surely there is another word that is just as venomous but more appropriate for an older gentleman.

[Charms7]

If this was my dilemma, I would choose to let an inner dialog transpire wherein this struggle takes place and then Grandpa can say what he would normally say bearing in mind possible repercussions concerning his granddaughter. In other words, I would opt to keep it real. Even though it is fiction.

[FlakeNoir]

You could try making something up. It wouldn't have to be completely original, maybe a mix of something old, something new, something borrowed, something... almost disgustingly vulgar. Almost being the operative word - it might satisfy the old man, while still allowing you to keep your conscience clear. Good luck!

[Nero]

You could narrate his using the word out of dialogue.

Something that happens in the middle of conversation such as:
-------------------------------------------------
"Conversation, blah blah blah"

Then he called her something that rhymes with punt and has nothing to do with kicking. He'd bottled that one so long he practically threw the word at her.

Then the "reaction" or however you want to go about taking it from there.
--------------------------------------------------

It would be one way to do it

[WritersRequiem]

Many good ideas. I should enunciate that his using the word is actually in the narrative, not in conversation, and that he has a strong hate for the mother because she abuses her daughter--badly. I suppose I can do as Nero suggests and narrate his use of the word without actually saying it, but now that I've read your suggestions I might just go ahead and let him use it. Give the oldster his chance, and simply throw my hands in the air if someone has something to say about it in the final cut. "Not my choice; he really wanted to say it, y'know?" Something along those lines. Like SK says, "Reality is Ralph", so I should be able to either sneak this one by or weasel it through.

Thanks, all.

[staropeace]

Charms pounded dat nail!

[xwordslingerx]

Personally, I've had characters that have said things I would never even dream of saying in real life. Sometimes characters happen that way. But, if you really truly have a problem with it, then find another word. There are plenty others you could use, I'm sure. =)

[Srbo]

Hi,

I feel that any language/action which helps to develop the characterization of the individual character is not only valid but essential.

Exactly.

I don`t see Sai King shying away from using profanity...and look where he is today.
The story needs to be told the way you feel it should be told, and if there is some sensitive soul out there " Who Can`t Take It "...yeah, well, so sad, to bad.