Edward K. Wehling
Here you can read our characterization of the main character in Kurt Vonnegut's short story “2BR02B”.
Outer characterization
Wehling’s full name is Edward K. Wehling, Jr. He is a 56-year-old man whose wife is pregnant for the first time, with triplets. In today’s society, we might call him middle-aged, but in the story, he is referred to as “young Wehling” (p. 227, l. 1), because in the future setting of the story, he is “a mere stripling in a population whose average age was one hundred twenty-nine” (p. 226, ll. 12-13). His appearance is colorless, showing his negative state of mind (p. 227, ll. 1-2).
Inner characterization
Wehling’s inner conflict is first hinted at in the story by his posture and appearance (p. 227, ll. 1-4). It is clear that Wehling is demoralized. The reason for his inner ...