The most obvious character is the deaf boy himself. There may also be his family members, like his parents or siblings who play important roles in his life. And perhaps there are some friends or neighbors who interact with him in different ways, either being kind and understanding or perhaps ignorant about his condition.
In Ambrose Bierce's 'Deaf Boy Story', the central character is the deaf boy. His family members surely are characters too. For example, his parents could be trying their best to help him adapt to the world or struggling to understand his needs. There might be a teacher or a mentor figure if he goes to school or has someone guiding him. Also, there could be other children in his neighborhood who are either his friends or bullies, which would shape his social experiences.
Well, in Ambrose Bierce's 'Deaf Boy Story', I think it may center around the boy's inner world. Since he is deaf, he might have a very different way of communicating and interacting. Maybe the story is about his journey of self - discovery, or how he overcomes the barriers in a society not fully inclusive of the deaf. It could also be about the people around him and how they either help or hinder his growth and understanding of the world.
His vivid descriptions are also a key feature. In stories like 'The Damned Thing', he describes the strange and unexplainable events in such detail that it feels like you're right there in the middle of the horror. He doesn't shy away from the grotesque either, which adds to the horror factor.
The Stranger is an important character. He seems to be associated with the 'King in Yellow' in some way, and his presence often brings an air of mystery and unease. His actions and words are often cryptic, adding to the overall sense of foreboding in the story.
One of the notable ones is 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge'. It's a story full of suspense and unexpected twists. The way Bierce plays with the perception of time is really fascinating.
Bierce's cynical view of life, perhaps influenced by his own hardships, is reflected in his stories. His characters often face difficult and unfair situations, such as in 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' where the main character is unjustly sentenced to death.
There are a variety of main characters in his short stories. Some are soldiers, as war is a common theme in his works. These soldiers often face the harsh realities of combat and the moral dilemmas that come with it. For instance, in 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge', the main character is a Confederate soldier about to be hanged.
Ambrose Bierce's short stories are often known for their dark and cynical tone. His stories frequently explore themes of death, war, and the human condition in a rather unflinching way.
The theme of madness is also prominent. Characters who come into contact with the 'King in Yellow' often descend into insanity. It shows how the human mind can be fragile when exposed to something it can't fully comprehend. For example, the descriptions of the characters' mental states as they become more involved with the cursed elements of the story.
One of his well - known novels is 'The Devil's Dictionary'. It is a satirical work that contains humorous and often caustic definitions of various terms. Another notable one could be 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge', which is famous for its unexpected plot twists and its vivid portrayal of the protagonist's experiences during the Civil War.
'Chickamauga' is another excellent story. It offers a vivid and somewhat disturbing look at the horrors of war through the eyes of a child. The way Bierce describes the chaos and the aftermath of the battle is both poignant and harrowing.