Richard “Buster” Parke O’Brien
A curious and energetic teenage boy whose thirst for knowledge often leads to trouble.
Core Belief
"Experience is the best teacher, and rules are meant to be broken in the pursuit of knowledge and adventure."
Worldview
He sees the world as a playground full of exciting possibilities and challenges. He is impatient with the limitations imposed by adults and eager to test his own abilities and push the boundaries of what is possible.
Personality
Buster is a whirlwind of youthful energy and curiosity. He is impulsive, reckless, and often insensitive to the consequences of his actions, but also genuinely eager to learn and experience the world. He is fiercely independent and resents being held back by adults.
In Their Own Words
"“Here in New England, when I want to learn how to do anything, you and Aunt Charlotte say: ‘Dear me, Richard, wait till you grow up. Then you’ll understand.’ Down in Oklahoma, dad just gives me a check and says: ‘Go to it.’”"
"“Grown-up folks are so darn stingy! You’d think any man would be glad to let a fellow take his car to pieces and study it out, then test it for speed and endurance, ’specially when the fellow has never owned anything better than a measly little runabout in all his life. But no.”"
"“Gee, ain’t it fierce? Ain’t it, now! How’s a fellow to learn about cars and engines and things if folks won’t ever give him a chance to try ’em out? And I’ve got to find out how to do things and make things and run things; I’ve _got_ to know!”"
Discussions with Richard “Buster” Parke O’Brien
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Miss Edith Preston
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