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:
“Eccentricity: strength of character doubling back on itself.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“People who wish to salute the free and independent side of their evolutionary character acquire cats. People who wish to pay homage to their servile and salivating roots own dogs.”
—Anna Quindlen (b. 1952)
“Most bad books get that way because their authors are engaged in trying to justify themselves. If a vain author is an alcoholic, then the most sympathetically portrayed character in his book will be an alcoholic. This sort of thing is very boring for outsiders.”
—Stephen Vizinczey (b. 1933)