Characterizations in a story

Characterization happens for me in two ways. It happens for the character telling the story, and the character who is being talked about.

Here is an example of something I wrote for this specific blog. Although the main character of the story is Ryan, the focus is on Lew. This tells you about how Ryan thinks, as well as how Lew acts.

Details about Lew:

- Lew Perkins, 5’ 2” 120 lbs, looks more like a woman than a man, wears plaid coveralls to show as if he carries weight then he doesn’t, works at the textile mill, mother stayed after dad did a walk-out at age two, tries to drink beer but always orders a lite at the local bar after hours, teased by his friends, of which he has two, drives a pick-up, took his wife’s last name because she is someone who makes the rules, including that one.

Details about Ryan:

- Nothing but what you learn from him watching Lew.

Other details:

- Side character of Stevie, who helps antagonize Ryan to do something about Lew.

- Big Elk Tavern

-Textile Mill layoffs

Story:

Ryan recognized Lew Perkins from around town but never engaged him in conversation. Man was a rumored wimp to his wife. Two people claimed the smallish man was at the clinic last year with a fractured skull after she clobbered him with a frying pan. He looked fine now, sitting next to a table with his cell phone and pint in The Big Elk Tavern. Living that good life that Ryan expected but never received.

Ryan sat less than twenty feet from Perkins, eying him across pool tables with his friend, Stevie. Waiting to determine whether the man was a good mark or playing dumb. Perkins was focused on the nine-ball play of his friends at the table next to him. They mocked his taste in beer and kept him from seeing attention he was receiving from Ryan or Stevie.

“Man doesn't know how to drink decent beer,” Ryan said to Stevie.

Stevie: “But at least he can afford it.”

Ryan nodded, knowing that Perkins brought home a good paycheck every two weeks from the textile mill. It didn’t matter that Perkins who had everything set against him in life after dad did a walk-out on mom after Lew’s second birthday. He earned, something Ryan found himself incapable of doing. At least in a legitimate job.

Ryan did a once-over on the man, gesturing to Stevie, “You think he knows wearing plaid in summer is a sign that he ain’t got no weight on him?”

Stevie grinned. “But that don’t mean he’s smart enough to know that. Look at his shirt pocket.”

Ryan focused on Perkin’s breast pocket where a check was folded, hanging out above the brim. Perkins had gotten paid by the mill, one of the few left in town working since the layoffs and budget cuts started. “We should go see if he wants to make a bet.”

“Sounds like a plan.”