The Irving character referred to in this crossword is John Irving's character, Garp (4 letters) and his father, RIP (3 letters). Garp is the protagonist of John Irving's novel, 'The World According to Garp' and RIP is a former World War II fighter pilot. Garp is a writer and a devoted family man who struggles to make sense of the world around him. RIP is a complex character who is both loving and distant towards his son.