‘Ugly’ heroes

SIR – Thanks to Dominic Cavendish for his insightful article (“Why we all relate to literature’s ‘ugly’ heroes”, Arts, January 12). I have a lifelong facial deformity that has led to unkind names and pointing. I recall a neighbour from childhood who looked different, too. How that rural community made his life special was a wonderful example.

I had to face a wider world and will always remember my tears one day, caused by the reaction of some in a new workplace. My manager took me aside and said: “You have a good face.” After that, I never looked back.

I met the love of my life who saw the whole person. When I suggested cosmetic surgery it was laughed out of court because I wouldn’t be the me who was loved so well.

It does not help that villains are often depicted with disfigurements. But as Mr Cavendish rightly says, Quasimodo bore not the mark of the devil but the heart of each one of us. Ian Elliott

Belfast