Norman Thayer Jr. is a fictional character from the play and film "On Golden Pond," created by Ernest Thompson. He is portrayed as an elderly man who spends his summers at a family cottage on Golden Pond in Maine. Norman is characterized by his sharp wit, love for nature, and complex relationship with his family, particularly his daughter. Throughout the story, Norman grapples with aging and the challenges it brings, including memory loss and health issues. His interactions with his wife, Ethel Thayer, and their daughter, Chelsea, highlight themes of love, reconciliation, and the passage of time.