John McLendon

John McLendon is a major character in the short story “Dry September”. He is a military veteran who “had commanded troops at the front in France and had been decorated for valor” (ll. 50-51).

John McLendon has a “thick head” (l. 151) and a “heavy-set body” (ll. 48-49), but when he keeps his feet apart, he has an easy poise (ll. 48-49). He has a “furious, rigid face” (l. 69) and a “hot, bold glance” (ll. 49-50). McLendon is described as wearing a felt hat and a white shirt “open at the throat” (l. 49). He carries a heavy automatic pistol in his hip pocket (ll. 86-87).

Inner characterisation

A number of inner qualities can be drawn from McLendon’s outer characterisation. McLendon has a quick temper, which is also reflected by his “hot eyes” (l. 310). He walks into the barber shop directly demanding punishment for Will (l. 52), and he immediately becomes furious when Hawkshaw tells him to find out the truth before acting (l. 69). He also gets angry when he arrives home and sees his wife waiting for him (l. 308).

His attitude and the way he balances himself o...