I'm not entirely sure as I haven't read the story in detail recently, but typically in Winton's works, his characters are often ordinary people dealing with extraordinary circumstances related to nature. So in 'Aquifer', it could be a local farmer or a person from a small town who has a connection to the aquifer.
In 'Aquifer', the main characters might be those who are directly affected by the state of the aquifer. It could be a family that depends on the water from the aquifer for their livelihood, like a father who farms the land irrigated by the aquifer water and his children who are growing up in the shadow of the potential loss of this vital resource. Or perhaps it's a scientist or environmentalist who is studying or trying to protect the aquifer and the local community is either in support of or in conflict with their efforts.
Since I don't have the story right in front of me, it's hard to say exactly who the main characters are. However, considering Tim Winton's general style, the main characters could be individuals who are on a journey of discovery regarding the aquifer. Maybe there's a young person who starts to notice changes in the aquifer's water level and quality and decides to take action. This character could interact with older, more experienced members of the community who have different views on how to deal with the situation, creating a complex web of relationships and perspectives within the story.
The aquifer in Winton's short story could be a key element in creating the story's atmosphere. If it is described in a certain way, it can add to the mood, like if it's presented as a dark and unknown place, it might create a sense of unease or anticipation. Also, it may play a role in the plot, perhaps as a place where important events occur or as something that characters are searching for.
One aspect of 'Aquifer' could be its exploration of the relationship between humans and the natural environment. The aquifer might symbolize a life - giving source that is both precious and fragile.
In Tim Winton's short story, the aquifer might be a metaphor for the subconscious. Just as an aquifer holds hidden water, the subconscious holds hidden thoughts and feelings of the characters. It can be seen as a depth within the story that is not always on the surface but influences the actions and relationships of the characters.
The main characters usually include parents, children, and sometimes extended family members. The parents might be struggling to provide for the family or dealing with their own personal issues. The children could be going through the process of growing up and rebelling against the family norms.
Since I haven't studied this specific short story in great detail, I can only speculate. But it's likely that there's a central character who is facing the challenges of growing up in a world that seems large and intimidating. There could be other characters that represent different aspects of society or different values. For instance, a character who is more worldly and another who is more sheltered. These characters' interactions would drive the plot forward and help to convey the story's themes.
One of the main characters might be a new arrival in the neighbourhood. This character is like a fresh perspective, seeing the existing neighbourly relationships from an outsider's point of view. Their presence can stir things up, as they may not be aware of the unwritten rules or the long - standing dynamics among the neighbours. As they try to fit in, they can either be welcomed wholeheartedly or face some resistance, which further develops the plot and reveals more about the other characters.
The main themes include change and transformation. The characters often go through significant personal changes throughout the story.
In 'Neighbours', the theme of belonging could be important. Some neighbours might feel a strong sense of belonging to the neighbourhood, while others may be more isolated. The story could also explore the theme of acceptance, whether neighbours accept each other's differences or not.
The main themes include the passage of time. As the stories unfold, we see how time has shaped the characters and their relationships. Nostalgia is also a theme, as characters often look back on their pasts. And there's the theme of community. Despite the individual struggles, the community in which the characters live plays a role in their development, whether it's through support or through the expectations it places on them.
Maeve is a significant character. She has her own story arc that involves her relationships, her hopes, and her struggles. The boys in the town are also important characters as a group. They represent the youth and their experiences growing up in that particular place. Their actions and interactions contribute to the overall narrative of the book.