Trouble Is My Business

Characteristics are used to describe a person’s personality, quality, and features. These traits set every individual apart. In the short story “Trouble Is My Business” by Raymond Chandler the author reveals many distinctive traits about Marlowe. From him being able to take a lot of physical punishment, to using his fists well, and also handing out insults and wisecracks. With this, you may never know what Phillip is capable of at any given moment. The character Marlowe Marlowe is known for his constant need of liquor, especially scotch. Throughout the story, there are different times and places that the author, Chandler, makes sure that the reader acknowledges that Marlowe has a bottle at all times when in need of a shot. Frequent alcohol users use alcohol for various

When someone decides to belittle him and think that he will not retaliate, he surprises them with a slander. Towards the beginning of the story Marlowes assistant Anna, had set up an appointment with Mr. Jeeter. Upon his arrival, he was bothered that he had to wait which lead him to insult Marlowe saying that he was not a gentleman and Marlowe countered with “You’re not the Jeeter of tobacco road are you?” I asked him. --- “wait a minute nothing,” I said. This party said I was not a gentleman. Maybe that’s O.K. for a man in his position, whatever it is- but a man in my position doesn’t take a dirty crack from anybody. He can’t afford to unless, of course, it was not intended.”’ (257). It doesn’t matter who you are; Marlowe doesn’t take the disrespect from anybody. He also makes wisecracks that help lighten the mood. At one point Marlowe was in the elevator with a few men, and one of the men were named beef, Marlowe took it upon himself to make a crack out of it by commenting with “’ What’s the matter, Beef?” “He’s in a stew,” I said’ (278). No matter the situation Marlowe always could make jokes out of his