Characterization
Actor Stan Kirsch says of his character, "Richie is a streetwise, street smart, seventeen/eighteen year old guy, who's had kind of a rough time growing up." Fellow actor Adrian Paul thinks, "I think Duncan finds him very much as a young Duncan. He's brash, (...) he's very quick, quick-talking, has a sense of humor, and Duncan finds that very beguiling, I think." From a nonchalant, tricky and irresponsible character, Ryan had matured through the series. Starting from petty thieving and an irresponsible attitude, he developed into an individual with a distinguished personality. His 'ask for help reflex' might have been underdeveloped at the start, but his instinct to offer help was always part of him. He was particularly vulnerable to damsels in distress, but was always ready to play the hero. Canadian actor Adrian Holmes auditioned for the role of Ryan.
Read more about this topic: Richie Ryan (Highlander)