A lot of times, protagonists tend to be on the youthful side. They’re barely adults who are suddenly thrust into some kind of dilemma that pushes them into hypergrowth.
But sometimes you want to read books with older protagonists. These are the kinds of characters who’ve been through—and learned—a lot. It’s why they have a more complex perspective of the world and life, in general.
Books About Older Protagonists
Here are some books about protagonists who have been there and back when it comes to the journey of life.
1. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
Harold Fry, 65, is retired and living an unremarkable life until he receives a letter from a woman he hasn’t seen nor heard from for twenty years. Bedridden and dying, Queenie Hennessy just wants to say goodbye.
His walk to post a response suddenly turns into a 600-mile quest, all the while believing Queenie’s going to be alive when he gets there. On the way, he reflects on the many mistakes and regrets he’s had over the years.
2. The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain
Albert Entwistle spends his days delivering mail around his village before going home to his cat, Gracie. When he is unexpectedly forced into retirement, he feels lost and useless.
That is until he decides to search for a man who, many years ago, made a mark on him that he has never forgotten.
3. The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa
After a head injury, life for the Professor only exists within eighty minutes. When the time is up, his mind rewinds itself, leaving no memories to remember. A housekeeper, young and astute, is hired to take care of him.
With each meeting—always new to one, familiar to the other—both become more aware of the strange but wonderful something blooming between them.
4. Three Things About Elsie by Joanna Cannon
Florence’s memory has always been spotty, further worsened by advanced age. As she lies in her flat at Cherry Tree Home for the Elderly, all she can do is let her mind wander.
And wander it does to the home’s newest resident who looks exactly like someone who’s supposed to be dead. If he is who she thinks he is, then a terrible secret is about to be revealed.
5. A Man Called Ove Fredrik Backman
Ove’s the grumpy sort—the kind of person with a short fuse who lashes out at everything and everyone. But what if he’s only a cranky old man on the outside?
All that changes when an energetic family moves in next door. Their accidental running over of Ove’s mailbox could just lead to everyone’s lives being transformed for the better.
6. The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
Allan Karlsson arrives at a nursing home, believing it the last stop for his journey in life. Despite turning 100 years old, he’s not exactly weak and senile.
Still not done with life, he climbs out the window for another adventure. Planning to go as far as his cash can take him, he suddenly finds himself on a quirky chase involving drug dealers, the police, and an elephant.
7. Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
Widow Addie Moore receives an unexpected visit from her neighbor, Louis Waters. He comes with a proposal: rather than sleeping alone, they could spend the night together.
They’ve been living in cold, empty houses for years now. But what begins as a modest relationship soon turns into something more complicated—especially when family, friends, and even neighbors get involved.
8. Elizabeth Is Missing by Emma Healey
Due to her advanced age, Maud is slowly losing grip of her memory. Still, one thing she refuses to forget is her best friend, Elizabeth, who she believes missing.
But what can she do when no one believes her, even her best friend’s son? She resolves to find herself, but in doing so, stumbles into a much older—and darker— mystery.
9. Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett
After a coup by the power-hungry Duke Felmet, three witches—Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick—hide away the king’s son until he’s ready to reclaim the throne. Realizing that it will take 15 years for that to happen, the witches hatch a plan of their own before Felmet does irreversible damage to the land.
10. An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten
Throughout her life, 88-year-old Maud has learned that good things can come from mischief and tragedy. It’s why she currently enjoys living a quiet life in her rent-free apartment.
She’s not above murder when maintaining that quiet life. But when police discover a dead body in her apartment, will her innocent facade finally crack?
Older Main Characters
It’s harder to write older characters as that would require a breadth of experience—both in writing them and shown within the characters themselves. It’s why a lot of writers (who are relatively young) feel more comfortable writing stories about people near or below their age.
However, there are still plenty of standout characters who range from middle-aged to grizzled seniors. They contribute rich life experiences, a sense of maturity, and stability to a story. Sometimes they even dominate the narrative, even when they’re not the protagonists.
What other books with older protagonists do you recommend? Share them in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- 12 Books Where the Main Character Dies
- 15 Books About Villains: Can a Protagonist Be Bad?
- 8 of the Worst Character Types in Fiction
- What is a Protagonist? Common Types and Examples from Literature
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
