Sick Old Uncle Vern
AGE: Late 70s
Appearance and Health:
Sick Old Uncle Vern is a weathered, elderly man who seems to be perpetually accompanied by a variety of medical equipment. His nose is notably prominent, a feature that Shane (a family member or close acquaintance) often points out. Vern's physical presence is marked by the colostomy bag he carries and the IV lines that are attached to him, filled with fluids of various colors and textures—some boiling, others clearly cold. These peculiar IV contents are a mystery to all, raising doubts about their medical legitimacy. Despite his frail appearance, Vern's eyes gleam with a mischievous light, and he moves with surprising energy for someone of his age and condition.
Personality:
Vern is the quintessential storyteller, armed with a one-liner or anecdote for every conceivable situation. His stories are often long-winded and his jokes frequently veer into the vulgar and inappropriate, delivered at the most inopportune times. Despite this, his intentions are rarely malicious; Vern simply craves laughter and the attention it brings. He is loud and brash, often speaking over others and steering conversations back to himself, but his charisma and humor endear him to those around him, even if they sometimes cringe at his remarks.
Social Behavior:
Vern has an unmistakable affinity for young women, not in a predatory sense, but more as a self-proclaimed charmer and old-school flirt. He prides himself on his ability to deliver a compliment and will go out of his way to interact with women in their early twenties, often regaling them with tales of his younger days. Married seventeen times, Vern considers himself a seasoned romantic, always ready to offer unsolicited advice on love and relationships.
Quirks and Habits:
Incessant Storytelling: No matter the context, Vern has a story to tell. These tales range from his colorful youth to exaggerated accounts of his adventures.
Vulgar Humor: His jokes often cross the line of good taste, particularly in mixed company or formal settings.
Attention-Seeking: Vern loves being the center of attention and will often interrupt others to steer the focus back to himself.
Mystery IV Contents: The fluids in his IV are a constant source of speculation, as their appearance and temperatures change, and their purpose remains unclear.
Charming Younger Women: Vern delights in charming women much younger than himself, always with a compliment or flirtatious remark.
Relationships:
While Vern's abrasive and often inappropriate behavior can be off-putting, his family and close friends understand that his antics come from a place of wanting to connect and entertain. They tolerate his eccentricities because, beneath the layers of crude humor and self-absorption, Vern has a good heart. He is particularly fond of Shane, who seems to be one of the few people who can keep Vern in check with a well-timed comment about his "nose nose."
Legacy:
Sick Old Uncle Vern is a character that leaves a lasting impression. His larger-than-life personality, combined with his relentless pursuit of humor and attention, ensures that he is remembered fondly, if not a bit exasperatedly, by those who know him. His stories and one-liners, no matter how inappropriate, become part of the family's lore, passed down and retold with the same exasperation and affection that Vern himself inspired.