Epilepticon Day 3: Favorite Epileptic Representation
If you’d asked me “What is my favorite epileptic character?” a few years ago, I would’ve had no answer. Now, thanks in large part due to epilepticon, I not only know several epileptic characters but I have a whole list of favorites:
Prince Myshkin from The Idiot. While most Victorian books cast epileptics as deviants and criminals, Myshkin was the original sympathetic epileptic hero. He’s also just a very interesting and complex character, being a 100% Russian Sad Boy™ over his epilepsy one minute and then talking about the pure ecstasy that happens when he experiences a seizure the next minute. His story line is a roller coaster of emotions and I loved every moment of it.
Angie from The Sacred Disease. We don’t often talk about the experiences of epileptics who go off their medications but I think it’s really important to discuss. Angie’s story does a great job of illustrating both why someone would choose to stop their meds while still addressing the risks of doing that.
Isaac Hammoudeh from Mis(h)dra. He’s got a fascinating story and is probably one of the most relatable epileptic characters, dealing with college, family issues, and trying to obtain a consistent supply of meds.
Ruth from Fast Color. I am just a sucker for stories where epileptic characters struggle only to come out on top and Ruth has to go through some of the toughest battles. Also, she has super powers but they’re not related to lightning or electricity. She has the ability to cause earthquakes, which is just so cool.
Ollie Paulot from Because You’ll Never Meet Me. I’ll be honest, I haven’t read this book’s sequel yet. But from the first book alone, we have a fully realized teen character who is funny, outrageously confident, and willing to go to great lengths to help his friends. Very solid rep.
Emma Cooper from Throat. She’s a teenage epileptic space cadet vampire who plays soccer in her free time. I almost feel like any future rep should just pack it in. No way will this be topped.