Tools of Characterization

Characterization in The English Patient

Actions

Characters in The English Patient are defined by their actions, both heroic and traitorous. Even minor characters (like Hardy) commit heroic acts (like saving Hana from a landmine). The major characters are more complicated, of course. Hana herself is a more likable character, because she is a nurse caring for a patient. You can't say anything bad about that, right? But Katharine is complicated because she's stepping out on her hubby.

Almásy is the hardest character to pin down because of his actions. He is sleeping with a married woman, and he gives maps to the Nazis. He isn't loyal to a country, but he is loyal to Katharine, which might be what attracts her to him. He is romantic and passionate, and he keeps his promise to get her from cave… even if he is too late.

Perhaps what best characterizes Almásy is how he behaves at the end of his life. He seems to feel guilty for the bad decisions he made, and he wishes he had done better.

Physical Appearances

Almásy is a grouch. He might only make two facial expressions in the whole movie, both at the Cave of Swimmers. He can seem a bit like a Gloomy Gus… but his scowl might be what Katharine is so attracted to. Especially when her husband is so smiley.

While Hubby Clifton is all grins, all the time, Almásy looks at Katharine in a way that is completely honest, if off-putting. He has an intensity that is impossible to resist.

Sex and Love

It can be difficult to sympathize with the affair of Almásy and Katharine because Katharine is committing adultery. And her husband is played by a goofy and charming Colin Firth. Who would cheat on Colin Firth!?

But Katharine is a complicated character. She believes in more than one version of love. She believes she can love her husband one way, and that she can love Almásy a different way. Also, in a world of people rebelling against ownership, Katharine doesn't believe in simply being a subservient wife. Having an affair is her way of retaining independence in a world where marriage usually means anything but independence.