His stories are filled with characters who have a sense of restlessness. They are not content with the status quo and are always seeking something more. There are also characters who are influenced by the changing times, such as ranchers dealing with modern development encroaching on their land, or fishermen facing new regulations. These characters are complex and often have a love - hate relationship with their environment and the people around them.
There are often misfits in his short stories. These are characters who don't quite fit into the normal social structure. They might be artists or loners who see the world in a different way. There are also characters who are in some sort of mid - life crisis, trying to find meaning in their lives again.
One common theme is the relationship between man and nature. In his stories, nature often serves as a powerful backdrop that influences the characters' lives and actions. Another theme could be the search for identity. His characters are often on a journey to figure out who they are within the context of their 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.
There are often loners. These are characters who feel detached from the world around them. For example, the main character in some of his stories might be a solitary figure wandering through life. Another type is the disillusioned individual. They have lost faith in the world or in certain ideals.
There are often brave and dashing heroes. These heroes are not afraid to face danger and are very charming. For example, in some stories, they might be a nobleman who uses his wits and courage to overcome his enemies.
There are often strong - willed female characters. They might be fighting against the traditional norms of society, like a woman who wants to pursue education despite family opposition.
There are often young boys. For example, in some stories, the young boys are on a journey of self - discovery. There are also soldiers. Kipling's connection to the military and his view of the military life are reflected through soldier characters. And native characters from the colonies are typical too, showing the local cultures and their relationships with the colonizers.
There are often solitary individuals. These are people who prefer to be alone, spending time in nature and reflecting on life. They are self - reliant characters.
Often, there are characters who are seekers of truth. These are individuals not satisfied with the status quo of knowledge and morality. They are on a quest to understand deeper aspects of existence. There are also characters that represent the 'herd', those who blindly follow the common beliefs and values without question.
In her short stories, you can find characters who are loners, isolated from society either by choice or by circumstances. There are characters with a strong sense of justice, trying to fight against the unfairness in their world. And there are those who are victims of power plays, like the poor being exploited by the rich. Atwood uses these characters to show different aspects of human nature and society.
Children are also common characters in his stories. They represent innocence and sometimes are the ones who see things in a different, more pure way compared to adults. And there are often elderly characters too, who bring wisdom and a connection to the past in the stories.