"There are relatively few science fiction or fantasy books with the main character being an old person"

The quote by Elizabeth Moon highlights an interesting space in the category landscape of sci-fi and dream: the notable deficiency of older protagonists. This observation reveals a layer of complexity in these categories that frequently focus on youth, maybe owing to standard narratives focused around growth, discovery, and the coming-of-age trajectory. More youthful characters tend to embody the traditional hero's journey-- starting quests, challenging and overcoming fresh obstacles, and frequently representing ideals of prospective and future promise.

However, the lack of older primary characters ignores the rich tapestry of experiences and wisdom that these people can give a story. Older characters have a wealth of life experiences, having already browsed numerous personal and social difficulties. This collected understanding might provide unique viewpoints and services within the speculative worlds they live in. In dream and sci-fi settings, where the stakes often include saving worlds or reimagining societies, the inclusion of experienced protagonists might provide rejuvenating, multidimensional storytelling.

Additionally, older protagonists could deepen themes of legacy, memory, and the death of knowledge, offering stories checking out the reconciliation of previous and present. Their stories may look into concerns such as grappling with obsolescence, the anxiety of fading significance, or the tensions in between tradition and development-- discussions urgently required in modern discourses around aging and generational change.

Integrating older characters can likewise boost representation, acknowledging that experience, growth, and change are not confined to youth. It supports diverse storytelling that spans a broader spectrum of human experience, contributing to more inclusive and sensible worlds. Just as sci-fi and dream permit readers to explore imaginative worlds and existential questions, embracing older protagonists can enhance the categories' capacity to challenge stereotypes and expand the narrative horizons. Therefore, the quote welcomes authors and readers alike to reevaluate the functions that age and experience can play in speculative fiction.