Naturalistic, Minimal
Richard Wright doesn't do anything too fancy in "The Man Who Was Almost a Man," instead allowing his characters and plot to do the heavy lifting.
For the most part, the story is written in a naturalistic style. Wright doesn't spend much time in description, instead setting simple scenes and letting Dave's internal monologue take center stage. This works perfectly with the story, as Wright is concerned primarily with the symbolic undertones of everyday life. He isn't trying to create a fantastical realm where anything is possible; he's trying to recreate the world as it is.
As a result, Wright takes a Spartan approach that isn't too dissimilar from something you'd see out of Hemingway—minus the male insecurity, of course. When he isn't letting Dave project his thoughts straight onto the page, Wright uses simple, punchy sentences to keep the action moving. By doing so, he changes us from spectators to participants. This technique is an important part of the story, as it gives a wider range of people the ability to empathize with Dave's perspective.