Character
Higgins plays Magnum's foil. Higgins has been described as representing "the pomposity, elitism, and stuffiness of the Old Guard (literally and figuratively)". John Hillerman has stated that "Higgins in any situation thinks he's the only sane character there, and everyone else is stark raving mad".
In one episode, a Jewish rabbi recounts an encounter with a young Higgins. He describes how in 1946 Higgins refused a standing order to fire on Jewish refugees trying to reach Palestine. When asked how he could disobey, Higgins replied "I was obeying a higher law that does not permit me to shoot unarmed refugees looking for a home."
Higgins is often known for his tendencies to ramble when someone asked him a question. He usually manages to relate it usually to a story in either Korea or World War II but sometimes other events; in one episode, when he is being robbed by people in costumes he says, "I believe I've been in a situation much like this...actually, no, this is a first...but I read about something like this once."
Read more about this topic: Jonathan Higgins
Famous quotes containing the word character:
“What is character but the determination of incident? What is incident but the illustration of character?”
—Henry James (1843–1916)
“Accidents will occur in the best regulated families; and in families not regulated by that pervading influence which sanctifies while it enhances the—a—I would say, in short, by the influence of Woman, in the lofty character of Wife, they may be expected with confidence, and must be borne with philosophy.”
—Charles Dickens (1812–1870)
“People without firmness of character love to make up a “fate” for themselves; that relieves them of the necessity of having their own will and of taking responsibility for themselves.”
—Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev (1818–1883)