Charles Portis, born on December twenty-eighth, nineteen thirty-three, was an acclaimed American novelist, writer, and screenwriter. He is best known for his remarkable works, including the novels Norwood, published in nineteen sixty-six, and the iconic Western True Grit, released in nineteen sixty-eight. Both of these literary masterpieces were later adapted into films, with True Grit inspiring not only a sequel but also a made-for-TV movie adaptation.
Portis's True Grit was notably adapted into a second film in two thousand ten, further solidifying its status in American culture. His unique storytelling style, characterized by deadpan humor and picaresque plots, has garnered him a dedicated following among readers and writers alike.
In two thousand twenty-three, The Library of America celebrated Portis's literary contributions by publishing his Collected Works. In the introduction, editor Jay Jennings aptly describes him as a singular American genius, highlighting his inventively comic approach to Western fiction and the unforgettable characters he created.