Amid the recent roiling seas of public murder and on-purpose mayhem came the news that film star Robert Redford had died at 89. As one among millions who enjoyed his movies — whether acting or directing — I have always been especially struck by Redford’s persona … his off-screen character.

Or, more to the point, struck by the contrast between his persona and what we see too much these days on multiple screens.

A caution: Drawing conclusions about actors can be tricky. Their storytelling universe depends on make believe. That reality, however, should neither diminish the message of their films nor paint thespians and the stories they tell with a broad brush, regardless of genre.

Still, exploring Redford’s life, what he valued and with whom he surrounded himself, reveals a fairly clear pi

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