Ignatius is an eccentric among eccentrics, a picaresque anti-hero who is a genius in his own mind but woefully unequipped to deal with the realities of modern life. He waddles the streets of New Orleans wearing an eye patch and a scarf, devouring Lucky Dogs and hatching plots to unite the reluctant workers at a downtrodden pants factory. Even the characters of theat city -- so famous for its many and varied characters -- find him odd. But Ignatius is either one crazy person or the sanest guy in town, beset from all sides by dunces out to get him. I haven't figured out yet whether he is a mastermind or just plain nuts -- perhaps I, like his old flame Myrna Minkoff, recognize both his brilliance and his infuriating refusal to just grow up and get on with it already. Yet all things come to fruition in Ignatius' wake, because his wildly inappropriate behavior forces the other characters to make tough choices.

Sent by Rachel Zoch | 9:24 AM ET | 01-25-2008

Congratulations on giving your son a great name from a great character. Ignatius makes us think, and makes the world a better place for his being in it!

Sent by Steed Jones | 4:59 PM ET | 01-28-2008