Characters

The story includes two active characters, the narrator and Jenna (the narrator’s fiancée). Jenna loves and cares for the narrator but also seems frustrated by his attitude towards her. She is concerned with moving houses and her upcoming wedding, while the narrator's mind still seems trapped in the war zone, and he has trouble focusing on the relationship. 

The narrator

The narrator's characterisation is constructed by showing readers his perspective on the events and his life, and his interactions with Jenna.

Outer characterisation

The narrator’s outer characterisation is conveyed mostly implicitly. We learn that he is engaged because he mentions Jenna is his fiancée (l. 31) and that they have lived together for at least five years (l. 34). At the time of the story, they are moving into a new apartment in a different city.

References like “… I was away shooting” (l. 29) and “I browse through some of my photos that made front pages” (ll. 51-52) suggest the narrator works as a photographer. References to him photographing soldiers (ll.  51-57) and the locals wearing a traditional veil covering their face (l. 56) suggest that he works in war zones, possibly in the Middle East.

The memories about his family (ll. 79-91) reveal that he was born in British Columbia in Canada and that his grandfather and father were immigrants. The mention of a Japanese doll (ll. 173-174) indicates that his father was Japanese.

Adapting to normal life

At first, the narrator seems happy to be in a new home: “It's exciting to get to know your new kitchen and its appliances” (l. 1). However, soon enough he appears to be both tired and bored by the moving activities: “The only thing more tiring than a Saturday spent packing is a Saturday spent unpacking.” (ll. 18-19). He also mentions: “Each following day passes like its predecessor.” (l. 155). The narrator tries to be happy with moving ...

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