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There are many ways to develop a character in a story. A good development of the characters is crucial to any storys success. In Love In L. A by Dagoberto Gilb, the author does this in three main ways: by description, by action, and by dialogue.
First, the main character Jakes personality is shown through the narrators descriptive tone, as well as narration of the story. In the beginning of the story we can see that the author describes Jake such that one can make the assumption that he is probably young, approximately 20. We can determine this because of Jakes manner and thoughts when he is sitting in his car. His way of cognition is similar to that of a younger person whos greatest preoccupations in life, like the stereotype of most guys, are cars and freedom.
When the author states that [Jake] needed an FM radio in something better than this 58 Buick (Meyer, 265), he demonstrates Jakes age cohort. The description the author gives of Jake thinking about crushed velvet interior with electric controls for the L. A. summer, a nice warm heater for the winter drives at the beach, cruise control for those longer trips (265) characterizes him as being youthful, in that he spends time at the beach and can take long trips. The author also portrays Jake as an easy-going type of person through description. Even though Jake had gotten into an accident, he thought of it as a harmless smack (256) and he waved off the driver that hit his car nonchalantly to let the man know there was no problem as far as he was concerned (266).
The reader can see the extent of Jakes casualness at the end of the story in which after all that happened from the car accident, his sense of freedom swelled as he drove, though he couldnt stop the thought about the FM stereo radio and crushed velvet interior and the new car smell that would even make it better (267). Most people would be shaken up after a car accident, even a small one, but Jakes thoughts are still on his sense of freedom and cars. Besides, being casual, the author shows that Jake is a very confident person using narration. He describes Jakes clothes as being not until (266). Gilb's description illustrates that Jake believes that he is fashionable and modern. He feels confident in his appearance and mannerism.
Jake feels confident that he has successfully prevented the girl in the car he hit to make some sort of scene. He took her smile as a good sign and relaxed (266). Only a very confident person would be so stress-free right after hitting someone elses car. Along with using description to portray the characters, the author characterizes them through actions and interactions with other characters.
The reader can tell that Jake is one of those over-confident, girl-lusting type of guy by the way he acts toward Mariana. First, after asking how she is, Jake inhaled her scent like it was clean air and straightened out his clothes (266). It gives the impression that he is attracted to Mariana and wants to look good for her. Also, when Jake thinks to himself that she was slipping away from him (266), it shows that she was something like a goal; a prize for him to win. Another action that demonstrates Jakes character is when he followed her to the glove compartment side of her car (266). It portrays Jake as a confident person that goes after what he wants.
By following Mariana to the other side of the car, Jake displays that he is not shy, friendly, and even gives the sense that he is trying too hard to be amiable. Aside from being confident, the author shows the reader that Jake is not a very honest person when Jake makes up all of the information exchanged between people in a car accident. He made up a last name and address and wrote down the name of an insurance company and old girlfriend once belonged to. He considered giving a real phone number but went against that idea and made one up (266). These actions are another example of Jakes indifferent and detached attitude. Not only can the reader see Jakes character through actions, but he can see Marianas as well.
Mariana is depicted as a cautious girl. When Mariana came around the back of the car (266) where Jake was, this shows that she wanted to see what he was doing; that she was suspicious of him. She also acts cautiously when she was writing down the license plate numbers on his Buick (267). Apart from being cautious, Marianas actions prove that she is somewhat shy and not very sure about herself around guys. Toward the end of her encounter with Jake, Mariana begins to go along with whatever he says. Jake is obviously the one in control of the situation.
Mariana is gullible in that she believes all of Jakes lies about being famous, so she smiles like a fan (267) and when wants her number, she gave it to him (267). Because her trustfulness was so evident, Jake decides to lavish her with compliments, to butter her up even more. To this Mariana timidly suggests that he should call her, demonstrating that she lacks self-confidence. Finally, the characters traits can be best revealed through dialogue. Not only can the reader tell that Jake is outgoing and likes Mariana through his actions, but also by what he says to her.
One can tell that Jake is outgoing because he immediately shows interest by saying, So how you doin? Any damage to the car? Im kinda hoping so, just so it takes a little more time and we can talk some. maybe we should go out to breakfast somewhere and talk it over (266). Another of Jakes traits can be seen in the conversation that he has with Mariana.
Jake is a very persistent person, and does not give up too easily when he is after something. Even though Mariana states that she cannot go out with him, he repeatedly pressures her. Youre not married, are you? Not that that would matter that much to me. Im an open minded kinda guy (266). Jake asks her to breakfast, but is not deterred when Mariana replies, I dont eat breakfast (266).
Jake continues to persist, saying, Some coffee then (266). Thanks, but I really cant, Mariana refuses again. Jake finally tops it all off, when he says, So how about your phone number? (267). In addition to being persistent, Jakes characteristic of being laid back is apparent in his speech.
When Jake asks out Mariana, she claims that she, [has] to work (266). In response to her excuse, Jake says, That sounds boring (266). By saying this, one can tell that Jake is not a very serious person and that he does not find work to be too important, as if he has better things to do. Marianas character is also revealed through her conversation with Jake. By refusing his offers, she shows that she is not easy and has enough self-respect not to go out with complete strangers that have just crashed her car. She is not fooled by Jakes charms.
One can also conclude that Mariana is responsible because she tells Jake that she has to work instead of go out. Mariana also says that she better get [Jakes] drivers license and asks if Jake has insurance (266). She is responsible in getting all of the information her insurance company would need to report the accident. Thus, by seeing what the characters say, the reader can distinguish the personality of the characters, which is reflected in the tone that the character speaks. In conclusion, Gilb, using three different techniques, describes the storys characters and develops them effectively. These methods include narration, actions of the characters, and conversation.
It is very important in the overall outcome of the story for an author to polish and reveal the characters to the reader effectively. Bibliography:
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