Is My Character Too Young?

So I have a character whose father is a high-ranking member of my world's Secret Police. His character arc is that his father is grooming him for a government position. At one point his father gets him a job as an assistant to an official and he becomes privy to some classified information. The thing is this character is supposed to be 15-16 years old and I wonder it's a bit unrealistic for someone that young to get that much responsibility. Am I wrong? If not, what types of responsibilities are more age appropriate?

Well, giving that his dad's working for a State Sec, it would make sense to bring him in at a younger age.

However, 15-16 is a little too young to be trusted around someone with classified information; 18-19 might be a bit more realistic, as he's expected to be mature enough and loyal enough that he won't be too much of a security risk.

Another problem with being too young is that most 16-year-olds should be in school for most of the day (which is why there are special work permits for young employees), and they legally CAN'T have a full-time job thanks to child-labor laws.

Depends on the society. In a world without a universal educational policy, it would not be unusual to start someone with on the job training at that age. In a world in which family background can confer status and privileges, a son that young might learn his own fathers secrets.

edited 8th May '17 1:28:31 PM by DeMarquis

I'd make the character at least 18, if for no other reason than that I'm sick and tired of the Kid Hero trope.

I think you want to ask yourself this: what did this character do or what is this character capable of that he was entrusted with such responsibility and privileges at such a young age? Depending on the story you're writing, you might not have to worry about the character being so young. Instead, see it as a way to build the character. After all, someone that young being in such a position is not likely, so what did they do to get that position?

to be honest, make him 17-19. it feels like it could make sense unless this is a different culture.

There's also a matter of how corrupt the government is. If his father's rank is high enough, many people could turn blind eye on him appointing his underage son to an important post. Nepotism is a thing, after all.

edited 9th May '17 4:44:06 AM by Millership