How does the setting shape the characters?

The setting of a story can help define and
shape the character for the reader. For example, the character living in a trailer at the beach
working odd jobs obviously has a different set of goals than the character working as a business
executive living in a downtown condo. Despite all the other descriptors that the story might
have regarding the characters, the place and time of his job and home help to define him for the
reader.

The characters inare shaped by the family home in the first part of
the story. We read that Laurie (who we later find out is Charles too) walked off toward
kindergarten with an older friend, rounding a corner without saying goodbye. He walked in the
front door at lunch, throwing the door open and tossing his things down. We visualize a middle
class child and family in these characters. As for Laurie, his actions reflect a confident in
his relationships with his family, living a comfortable life based on these settings. The fact
that he walks home from school for lunch hints that Laurie and his family may live in a past
time when this was the norm. Descriptions of the school such as the mention of a blackboard and
standing in the corner, further reflect that the characters live in the past.

Some of the descriptions of the setting reflect the mother's character too. There are
many mentions of her walking Laurie down the sidewalk, sitting outside the home waiting for him
and mention of her going to the PTA meeting. These all reflect that the mother from whose point
of view the story is told, is a very involved and responsible parent.

 

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