One type of main character is the dreamer. These characters have big hopes and dreams but often face obstacles in achieving them. Another common type is the rebel. They go against the norms of society or their families. And then there are the survivors, those who have endured difficult circumstances and are still trying to move forward in life. These different types of characters interact and their stories unfold in Tobias Wolff's short stories.
There are often young protagonists. For example, in some stories, there are teenagers who are trying to find their place in the world. Some stories also feature parents, who play important roles in shaping the lives of their children. There are also loners, characters who are on the outskirts of society and are trying to make sense of their isolation.
One of the main themes is identity. In his stories, characters often struggle to define who they are. For example, in some stories, characters from different backgrounds face challenges in fitting into new environments, which forces them to re - evaluate their sense of self. Another theme is family. Wolff explores the complex relationships within families, like the love - hate dynamics between parents and children. There are also themes of deception and self - deception, where characters may lie to themselves or others, leading to various consequences.
The two boys and the girl are the central figures. It's possible that the boys have different personalities. One might be more outgoing and the other more shy. The girl could be independent or perhaps a bit of a tease. Their interactions would be based on these personalities. For instance, if one boy is shy, he might struggle more in expressing his feelings towards the girl compared to the more outgoing one. Their individual traits would drive the plot of the story.
One of his great short stories is 'Bullet in the Brain'. It's a profound exploration of a man's life flashing before his eyes in his last moments. The vivid descriptions and the unique perspective make it stand out.
In this story, the rich brother seems to be defined by his financial success. He might be a bit arrogant due to his wealth. On the other hand, the other brother has his own set of values that are different from his rich brother. He may value relationships more than material possessions and be more empathetic.
The other brother is different. He might not have as much money as his rich brother, but he has a more carefree attitude. He doesn't seem to be as driven by material success. The two brothers' personalities clash in different situations in the story, which makes for an interesting exploration of their relationship.
For beginners, 'Say Yes' is a good start. It's easy to understand yet thought - provoking. You can quickly get into the story's rhythm and start thinking about the deeper issues it presents.
There could be a bully character. This person makes life difficult for some of the other students, creating conflict. And also a best friend or confidant of the protagonist. This character provides support and someone to share secrets with.
Well, his ability to tell a complete story in a short space is remarkable. He doesn't waste words. Each sentence seems to have a purpose. And he's not afraid to show the darker side of human nature, which gives his stories a sense of authenticity. You can see real people in his stories, with all their insecurities and desires, and that's what makes them so special.
Typically, any writer who has produced an outstanding piece of fictional work can potentially be nominated for the Tobias Wolff Award for Fiction. This may include emerging writers who have created a very impactful debut novel or short story collection, as well as established authors with a body of work that includes a recent remarkable fictional piece.
One characteristic is his vivid character portrayals. In his stories, the characters are complex and multi - dimensional, making them seem like real people with their own flaws and virtues.