In Northern Ireland, from the late 70s to the early 90s, the IRA killed over 40 alleged informers.

But the man who often found, tortured and sometimes killed these people on behalf of the IRA

was himself an informer, a secret British army agent with the codename Stakeknife.

Who gets to play God? And why me? Why my family?

When lies are still being told to this day, who do you believe?

I wouldn't even know where to start, and I'm with the IRA.

Steakknife.

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This is the BBC.

Today, what makes an unforgettable character? We look at some of literature's most

enduring personalities. And as John Harvey's Frank Elder takes a bow, discover how you dispense with them

when you're through. Ed Docks marvels at Jane Austen's people management skills. But first,

let's go back to basics.

If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was

born and what my lousy childhood was like and how my parents were occupied and all before they

had me and all that David Copperfield kind of crap. It has been suggested again that I should

apply for a post at one of the progressive schools,

where my methods would be more suited to the system.

First day of New Year has been day of horror.

Cannot quite believe I am once again starting the year in a single bed in my parents' house.

I wonder if they'll smell it if I have a fag out of the window.

Three inimitable voices there. Holden Caulfield from Sallinger's Catcher in the Rye, Muriel

...