The lazy and amiable narrator of P G Wodehouse’s Jeeves and Wooster series, Bertie is a character I can’t help liking. Being of the upper class, he leads an idle existence and enjoys his life as a bachelor. Yet he’s not a snob. His endearing naivety contrasts with the intelligence and wit of his valet, Jeeves.
Bertie Wooster has a very distinctive narrative voice, full of old-fashioned slang and abbreviations. He also exaggerates a lot. His spluttering politeness and inability to hurt anyone can get him into trouble. And he does get into trouble, in every story of course, whether through misunderstandings, offended relatives, items stolen from country houses, women who decide they’re going to marry him, or friends getting into scrapes. He has a great sense of humour too.
The character of Bertie was famously played by Hugh Laurie in the TV series (1990-3). I think it’s a decent portrayal of Bertie but the books are funnier.
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