Direct Characterization Of The Father By Hugh Garner

679 Words3 Pages

Characterization refers to the process by which an author creates the unique traits, flaws, and motivations of the characters in their story. It's one of the main elements in storytelling, as it helps to make characters appear more realistic and relatable towards the readers. A well constructed character not only helps advance the plot but enhances the emotional development of the story. While constructing an individual, authors may use direct characterization which explicitly states certain traits. However, authors may also place insinuated depictions of characters into their text, often to indirectly provide information. By understanding and exploring the characters emotions and motives, it provides insight into a character's inner world, …show more content…

Without the build up of characters within a story, there is little lead up to the climax, leaving the story very static. The author in this story explores characterization largely in the expression of John Purcell, drawing the focus onto his attitude towards his relationship with his family. In this short story we find that John's personality is explored primarily using the process of indirect characterization. His internal thoughts told from John's perspective continually mentions his reasoning behind his actions, which pushes forward the drive into the initial conflict. By using John's internal convictions to voice his thoughts and opinions, the author slowly builds the protagonist of this story. Memories shown from Jhons dialogue relays the past from which the problem may stem from, and not only does this build our protagonist, it also builds Johnny, his son and the explanation of their interactions. With this, we find that Johnny is also characterized by his interactions with his father, giving the reader a better understanding of why the climax occurred. Huch Garner used comparisons from John's actions to his thoughts to convey the round character portrayed as the protagonist. As the story progresses characters are built upon their interactions with John and allows the readers to understand what kind of character might be portrayed