Characterization In Noah's 'Outsider'

Noah utilizes indirect characterization in the vignette “Outsider” of his memoir Born a Crime to convey the theme of the way that race affects social status. As he is narrating Trevor’s years in Sandringham Hhigh Sschool, Noah mentions the way that friend groups and cliques are based on the color of one’s skin and their race: “People were still grouped by color … they all blended and shaded into one another” (138). He utilizes visual imagery of colors to depict how racially uniformed groups are despite attending a racially diverse school. Essentially, Noah indirectly characterizes the lack of racial diversity in friend groups, how individuals tend to stick with others who look like them, whilst those who do not fit in, like Trevor, are left to be

He establishes a metaphor and further emphasizes visual imagery, comparing Trevor to a chameleon while using imagery to depict the way that Trevor has built his own social status despite not quite belonging, Trevor manages to do so by blending in like a chameleon who blends into his surroundings. Noah indirectly characterizes Trevor’s differences in race and the way being mixed leads to Trevor having to put an effort in to not be a total outcast at school. He then concludes the chapter using a final comparison: “[Trevor] was like a weed dealer … The weed guy was always welcome at the party. He’s not a part of the circle, but he's invited … because of what he can offer” (Noah 140). Noah uses a simile to compare a weed dealer to Trevor’s social stance, weed dealers are often seen as outsiders, but never outcasts as they are “always welcome at the party” (140). Trevor is funny and he offers to buy people food so long as they pay him to do so, hence why Trevor blends in despite being mixed and