The main characters vary widely. Some are scholars or scientists who, in their pursuit of knowledge, uncover things that they are not prepared for. There are also those who are just trying to survive in a world that is suddenly turned upside down by the strange and the macabre elements that Hodgson is so good at creating in his short stories.
In some of his stories, there are seafarers as main characters. They face all sorts of perils at sea. There are also characters who encounter the supernatural in unexpected ways. For instance, a lone traveler who stumbles upon a haunted place.
Often, there are protagonists who are ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances. They might be villagers who have to deal with a strange and malevolent force in their midst. Another type of main character could be an adventurer exploring unknown regions and encountering things that defy explanation.
Well, his short stories are known for their strong atmosphere. He is able to build up a feeling of unease or wonder from the very start. His writing style is also rather engaging. He uses detailed language to bring his ideas to life. His stories often deal with themes like the unknown, fear of the otherworldly, and the fragility of human sanity.
One of the well - known stories is 'The House on the Borderland'. It's famous for its blend of horror, the otherworldly, and a sense of impending doom. The vivid descriptions of strange creatures and the eerie setting make it stand out.
His time at sea likely influenced his stories. For example, the nautical settings in many of his works, like in 'The Boats of the 'Glen Carrig', could be drawn from his own seafaring experiences. The sense of isolation and the unknown that comes with being on the ocean are palpable in his tales.
Hamlet is a main character in 'Hamlet'. He is a prince who is haunted by the ghost of his father and is on a quest to avenge his father's murder. Another important character in some of Shakespeare's short stories is the Fool. In 'King Lear', the Fool is a wise character who uses humor to point out the folly of those around him. Also, in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Puck is a key character who causes much of the mischief with his magic.
Sometimes, ordinary people who are thrust into extraordinary situations are the main characters. They have to deal with the challenges presented in the story, and through their experiences, we see different facets of human behavior and morality.
Often, the main characters are children or young adults. They are usually inquisitive and brave, facing various challenges.
In William Saroyan's short stories, the main characters can be immigrants or the descendants of immigrants. They bring their own cultural backgrounds and hopes to the new land. Some of the characters are artists or dreamers, who struggle to find their place in a practical world. Others are just simple folk, with a deep love for their families and a strong sense of right and wrong. For example, in some stories, there are shopkeepers who are not just selling goods but also spreading kindness and wisdom.
There are characters that are either creators or victims of new technological systems. For example, a scientist who invents a revolutionary but dangerous technology, or a person who has their life upended by the sudden spread of a new form of digital media. These characters are usually complex and multi - faceted, with their own desires and fears in the face of technological change.
Old people are common characters. They often represent a bygone era and carry with them a lot of memories and regrets. For example, an old man in one of his stories who sits in his garden all day, reminiscing about his youth. Another common type is the lonely individual. These are people who are on the fringes of society, like a single woman living in a small apartment, trying to make ends meet and feeling a sense of isolation. Children are also common, and they are used to show innocence and the vulnerability of the human spirit in the face of the adult world.
Children are frequently featured. Maxwell is great at portraying the world from a child's perspective. The children in his stories are curious, innocent, but also vulnerable to the adult world around them. They might be dealing with the mystery of a strange neighbor or the sudden change in their family situation.