How Does Lochner Use Characterization In A Soldier And A Liar

A Soldier and a Liar Literary Analysis
Caitlin Lochners’ novel, A Soldier and a Liar, based on a world brink of war, Lochner expresses that main character Lai Cathwell may be the only hope for peace. Throughout the novel Lochner uses imagery, perspective, and clear characterization of each character. Lai Cathwell plays an important part in the book and Lochner shows that Cathwell can hold her own, and read others thoughts. Lochner clearly expresses the emotions of her, including many of the other characters, with bolded words and strong emotions. As an author, of course she has her own unique writing style and chooses to show it. According to a source, https://study.com/academy/lesson/methods-of-characterization-in-literature.html, characterization

Well, the first thing that sticks out as a reader is “Don’t go easy on her like that; Johann says. He shoves his chair under the table with a clap as loud as if he’d slammed a door” (Lochner 55). Lochner clearly shows the emotions of Johann, aka Al, and how he was feeling in this moment, also including the vivid imagery for the reader to understand and picture. Johann was obviously angry in this moment, and Lochner wanted people as readers to know, while also helping them to picture what is going on in that moment, including the “clap as loud as if he’d slammed a door” to give the reader a better image. Including, “She hugs me closer, pulling me to her this time, so that I’m the one being comforted now” (Lochner 154). Cathwells compassion towards Jay also shows the reader an understanding of what is happening in this scene, showing the imagery, and the characterization of

Lochner switches between two perspectives, the perspective of Jay and the perspective of Cathwell. While doing this, the reader can see where each character is coming from, and their initial thoughts on one another, including other characters. From the perspective of Jay “I head to the mess hall for lunch and happen upon Cathwell and Johann. They’re sitting across from each other at one of the many long tables placed end-to-end together to form neat rows down the room. Both of their presences radiate a brilliant, happy yellow hue” (Lochner 185). Lochner is expressing the inner thoughts and feelings of Jay at this time. Jay was usually a critical thinker and did not enjoy the happiness, all due to his father. After he had met Cathwell, things had changed for the better, and Lochner obviously chooses to show this. Jay could tell that they were having a good time, and chose to join them. Coming from Cathwells perspective “The afternoon after Jay decided to join the Order–a fact that still makes me bounce with every step” (Lochner 225). She was expressing her happiness that had come from his decision, and her thoughts on it. Again, as a reader it helps them to understand, and makes it