The novel In Cold Blood is full of aspects that make this book come to life in the reader's mind. However, his most impressive usages of these concepts come together to form the characters Dick and Perry, the antagonists in the story. In Capote's efforts to give the reader a full understanding of the mindset behind both characters, as well as a glimpse into their lives, he uses certain literary techniques, along with subtle language in his effort to bring Dick and Perry to life. Capote integrates strong usage of diction, imagery, and pathos, which affect both characters, as well as sympathy which effects Perry the most. It is fairly obvious that Capote favors Perry over Dick. He pushes sympathy Perry's way and makes it seem like he does not …show more content…
Capote's specific usage of diction in phrases such as "in one hand holding, gripping, a handkerchief," and "gagged with adhesive tape" (63-64), lets the reader create an accurate picture of what the crime scene looked as it was being discovered for the first time. By showing the brutality that was used throughout the murder, the characters are automatically named as ruthless, heartless, and terrors to the city. Ironically, as Dick and Perry are first introduced, they are being seen as ordinary civilians. By stating, "Three aspirin, cold root beer, and a chain of Paul Mall cigarettes" (14), Capote uses imagery to expand on the picture of what Perry looked like and how he acted, before the murder. He is successful in making Dick and Perry come to life. However, towards the end of the book, when the mug shots are released, his specific grouping of words to describe the same people changed the idea of their personalities and faces completely. He writes, "an arrogant face, tough ... of pain and hatred ... filled her with terror" (164). Capote describes Dick and Perry with increasing intensity as the story goes on and portrays them with growing emotions each