You can find a variety of characters in his short stories. There are the rural folk, like the old shepherd who has spent his whole life in the fields and knows every nook and cranny of the land. There are also the urban dwellers, perhaps a young journalist in Dublin trying to make a name for himself while dealing with the moral ambiguities of the city life. And of course, there are the children, whose innocence and naivete often contrast with the harsher realities of the adult world in his stories.
Common themes include Irish identity, the human condition, and the complexity of relationships. For example, in some of his stories, he delves into how the Irish people are shaped by their history and culture, which is a significant part of their identity. The human condition is explored through the joys and sorrows, hopes and disappointments of his characters. And the relationships, whether it be between family members, friends or lovers, are often fraught with tension, love, and misunderstandings.
Sean O'Faolain's war short stories are known for their vivid portrayal of the human experience during war. They often focus on the individual's struggle, both on the battlefield and in the aftermath. His stories can show the psychological impact of war on soldiers and civilians alike.
According to Sean O'Faolain, writing a short story involves finding a unique theme. Develop a plot that has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Also, focus on creating vivid imagery and using effective language.
The characters in his short stories are well - developed. Each character has a distinct personality and backstory that makes them seem real.
Typical characters include fishermen. Given the Irish coastal setting in many of his works, fishermen are common, facing the perils of the sea. There are also poor farmers. They struggle with the land, trying to eke out a living from it.
The main characters are usually those who have experienced war directly. There are also characters who are left behind, like family members of the soldiers. These characters help to show the wider impact of war on society. The soldiers themselves are complex characters with different personalities, some are brave, some are cowardly, and they all react differently to the horrors of war.
There are often poor but kind - hearted characters. For instance, in many stories, we see struggling young couples like in 'The Gift of the Magi'. There are also the rich characters who sometimes have a change of heart during Christmas. And then there are the street urchins or the less fortunate ones who are shown to be full of hope during the holiday season.
Soldiers are very typical. They are the central figures in many of his war - related stories, like in 'Going After Cacciato'. They represent different personalities, some are brave, some are fearful, and they all have to deal with the chaos of war.
The stories may have characters who are artists or writers. New York has always been a place that attracts creative types. These characters would be trying to find their voice in the city, dealing with rejection or acceptance in the art world, and perhaps living a Bohemian lifestyle while still being influenced by the overall New York environment.
There are often strong - willed women. They are not afraid to speak their minds and fight for what they want. And then there are older, wise characters who pass on their knowledge. Also, there are working - class characters, like farmers or laborers, who represent the common folk in the African - American community.