Patrick and Arthur

The story “Eel” by Stefanie Seddon does not contain many direct references to Patrick and Arthur’s outer characterization. Most importantly, we are told by the narrator that they are twins. Also, Arthur compares his and Archie’s height with the length of the eel (ll. 105-106) – these details reveal that the twins are older than Archie. Throughout the story, we learn that the twins are most likely the middle children of the family. This is suggested by their behaviour towards Archie, towards the oldest brother, Ted and by the fact that they need no supervision when going fishing for eels.

Inner characterisation

The twins’ inner characterization is constructed through Archie’s description of the events; and they are also quoted directly a couple of times.

The twins participate in pranking Archie (ll. 22-23) and judging from Archie’s description, they seem to follow Ted’s lead. When Archie falls in the water, the twins laugh at him (ll. 34-35).

We encounter the twins again as Archie observes ...