Character Clues
Character Analysis
Speech and Dialogue
Uh, half of this book is a screenplay. Dialogue better help us get to know the characters.
Take a look at Bobo Evans, for example. Thanks to Bobo's thuggy-logue, we know he's one bad dude. Who else would say things like the following?
Then I heard the gun go off. I looked over and saw the guy falling down and King was holding the chrome. We grabbed what we wanted and split. […] Then we went down to that chicken joint over Lenox Avenue, across from the bridge. We got some fried chicken and some wedgies and some sodas. (16.117, 121)
Man, this lame looking brother with an attaché case come up to me and said he wanted to cop some rocks. I was so knocked out by this bourgie dude asking for crack that I slept him the real deal. I laid the rocks on him and he slapped the cuffs on me. Cops don't usually show lame. That was definitely not correct. (16.144)
Long story short: Bobo is a street-wise drug dealer and ex-con who thinks a rumbly tumbly is more important than a man's life.
On the other end of the spectrum we've got Petrocelli, the prosecuting attorney. Her speech shows us that she not only knows how to work a case, but she also knows how to sway a jury. Check it out:
This was no suicide. This death was a direct result of the robbery. Very simply put, this is a case of murder. It is, moreover, a murder committed during a felonious act. The two defendants you see before you will be shown to be participants in that act and are being charged with felony murder. (2.89)
"So, you're acquainted with everyone involved in this robbery, is that—" […]
"Objection! She knows better than that!" […]
"Sustained. The jury will disregard the last question, There is no one who was involved in this affair until the jury makes that decision. And yes, Miss Petrocelli, you do know better." (18.166-168)
In short: Petrocelli knows how to use words to her advantage. And she knows how to plant ideas in the jury's head. Even if she has to stoop a little to do it.
Actions
In Steve's screenplay, actions play almost as important a role as dialogue. Let's look at some examples, shall we?
When the medical examiner testifies that Nesbitt died by drowning in his own blood, "STEVE catches his breath sharply," while "KING has his head tilted to one side, seemingly without a care" (12.22-23). Translation? Steve has a heart, and King is a rusted out Tin Man.
When Steve's dad visits him, "STEVE puts his head down and begins to weep. MR. HARMON turns away, then reaches back and touches STEVE's hand" (8.87). Translation? Mr. Harmon wants to be angry at Steve and he doesn't understand his son anymore, but he can't help but love his boy anyway.
Sometimes actions really do speak louder than words.
Direct Characterization
Steve's journal entries smack us in the face with direct characterization. What do we mean by that? We mean he tells it like it is, yo. Steve does not mince words or emotions or use little frilly things like, say, metaphor. Nope—he keeps it real, no matter how ugly things get. Want a taste?
His crying got to me. Miss O'Brien said the judge could sentence me to 25 years to life. If he did, I would have to serve at least 21 years and 3 months. I can't imagine being in jail for that long. I wanted to cry with the guy. (7.5)
I wanted to be away from this place so bad, away from this place, away from this