I'm rereading 'Dragonsinger' to my eldest. It's a Dragonriders of Pern book, but part of a young adult side trilogy. Really good trilogy, perfect for isolated teens who feel that the world isn't fair. My teenager has been getting a lot out of it, but this time I've been focused on the disability rep.
Camo is a mentally disabled man who works in the kitchens. There are a lot of things about his portrayal that could bother modern readers - the book was published in 1977, and is purposefully creating a fantasy vibe by using outdated language, so the terms used to describe him are ... NOT politically correct. He doesn't get much of a character arc, or any deep looks into his life. One of his friends uses him to score more food regularly, or uses other people's kindness towards Camo for his own gain. People often have an air of tired tolerance and mild exasperation while they direct him at his job, and there's supposed to be a bit of humour in how much work it can be to keep him on task. And the story doesn't highlight any of these as cruelty - they're just an accepted and normal part of life.
But he's one of around a half-dozen supporting characters that are seen as the 'good guys', and he's on the page a LOT. He has friends and a life outside of the main story. He has interests, and other people adapt things to allow him to engage in those interests. He's been integrated into daily life, and found a niche where he's valuable enough in his job that they struggle when he's gone. We get to see him in multiple different contexts, relating to different people, and enjoying himself and the people he's with. He frequently lifts the main character's mood just by being himself, and she sees him as a friend.
(And that kid who uses him? The 10 year old scamp who manipulates everyone? He genuinely likes Camo, and isn't treating him any differently than he treats his other friends! He manipulates other people for Camo's benefit, as well! He's a sweet kid. Just also a brat.)
It's really nice to see a mentally disabled character this integrated into a story. There's no moral lesson built into his character - he's just there because disabled people exist, and the story works better with a disabled character in that role. While there are some scenes where the humour is borderline at his expense, he isn't a joke character. He offers a way for the writer to showcase her worldbuilding in areas the main character might not otherwise point out, and brings interest to scenes that might otherwise be mechanical. He's someone for us to connect with - we agree, Camo, the fire lizards ARE so pretty! We agree, feeding them is MUCH more interesting than cutting that cheese! We agree, those pies sound DELICIOUS, and we want to enjoy them with you!
There's nothing revolutionary happening here. If this book had come out in the early 2000s, it would have had its main character mocked mercilessly for how much of a Mary Sue she is, so he REALLY isn't the focus.¹ But he's HERE. Casually. Part of the warp the story is woven around. Enriching it.
I don't get to see mentally disabled characters a lot. And adult mentally disabled characters with jobs, a life, and a variety of relationships? Who are free to make their own decisions, and aren't constantly under supervision? I'm really glad to be seeing this one.
¹ And she SHOULD be a Mary Sue! You should SEE how excited my eldest gets when characters start telling her how great she is! When her noble sacrifices are noticed and validated. When she's the best, and the coolest. He is loving every second of it and it is feeding a deep need.
