Dynamic Characters In Greasy Lake

A character is defined as a “fictional representation of a person” (230). A strong character is essential in literary fiction, especially in a genre of writing such as short story where the author has a limited amount of time to tell a story. The authors’ goal is often to create a realistic depiction of a person; one that will keep readers engaged and drives the momentum of the plot. In every story-but more specifically a short story- the protagonist is the catalyst for the plot. Authors use many different types of character classifications such as round, flat, stick, dynamic, or static.to build an interesting story. In the short stories, “A&P,” and “Greasy Lake,” the narrators of the story are dynamic characters. Updike and Boyle use the epiphanies

His dynamic character is revealed when he takes a stand for the girls in the store. A dynamic character is one who “grows and changes in the course of a story, developing as he or she reacts to events and to other characters” (Updike 232). Sammy is proven to be a dynamic character during his confrontation with his manager. His epiphany comes when he becomes fully aware that, in the eyes of a wealthy, easygoing girl like Queenie, he must seem just like Stokesie and the prudish Lengel. His desire to separate himself from them—to prove that he is different—compels him to quit his job. He is given the opportunity when Queenie and her friends attempt to pay for their goods and the girls are confronted by the manager who insists that the their attire isn’t “decent.” Sammy then comes to their defense when he decides that the way that they are being treated is poorly enough for him to quit. “You didn’t have to embarrass them” (Updike 238). Sammy claims. This is s far cry from the self-centered character that we saw in the beginning of the story. His view and attitude of the world is changed towards the end of the story due to the characters and situations that he has encountered.

The Short Story, “Greasy Lake,” written by T. Coraghessan Boyle, tells a completely different story but contains a narrator whose dynamic character is revealed during his own epiphany towards the end of the story. The narrator of “Greasy Lake” appears to be the quintessential rebel at first glance. He is doing everything in his power to appear “bad” to his friends and anyone who is around him. “We wore torn-up leather jackets, slouched around with toothpicks in out mouths, sniffed glue and ether and what somebody claimed was cocaine,” he then goes on to claim, “We drank gin and grape juice” (Boyle