In the short story “Marigolds” by Eugenia W. Collier, dramatic characterization is used to deepen the meaning of the theme by making the readers analyze the story and the characters more critically. In “Marigolds,” Collier uses Lizabeth’s actions throughout the story to create depth as to who she is to make the readers see the theme more clearly. This would be when Lizabeth tears up the marigolds after all her emotions build up and she has to face Miss Lottie at the end. Collier does this to show Lizabeth’s final realization of the woman whom she is coming to be and how she is changing when going through losing her innocence. Secondly, the author Eugenia W. Collier uses dramatic characterization to tell the reader about