The Characters In Truman Capote's In Cold Blood

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In Cold Blood is a novel based on true events of a murder written by Truman Capote. Perry Smith and Richard Dick, have committed murders of four family members of the Clutter family. From the beginning, it’s obvious that the novel focuses on many characters and one becomes more interested in learning about how their personalities will open out during the novel. Several characters in the novel fit the description of the protagonist, including Perry, Dick and Herb Clutter. Therefore, the most expand the character and the obvious protagonist in the novel is Perry Smith as the narrative revolves so much around him. The author constantly refers to Perry throughout the novel every time Capote wants to introduce a new perspective and therefore this makes him stand out for the protagonist. For instance, the author provides details regarding Perry’s past. Perry recalls “Six of us riding in an old truck sleeping in it, too, sometimes, living off a mush and Hershey kisses and condensed milk… which is what weakened my kidneys-the sugar-content- which is why I was always wetting the bed” (131). This shows the author is trying to show us the poor background that he had, and he was never raised by his parents and later was raised by abusive orphanages. The novel represents Perry as mendacious and a criminal for being guilty of the murder of the Clutter family. Even though Perry is a criminal, the readers desire to learn more about him and learn …show more content…

In the novel In Cold Blood, Truman Capote provides so much information about Perry than any other character. Within the novel, Capote expands so much interest in Perry’s personalities and it develops throughout the novel. Capote believes there is still some good in Perry, and this is what makes the reader so obsessed with Perry. Also, the author portrays Perry as a victim of circumstance as seen through the inclusion of his abusive childhood background, his vulnerabilities and crush dream, which is why he makes such a great