Characterization

Here we provide help with the characterization of the most important characters in the short story, "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury. These characters are Eckels and Travis.

Eckels

Eckels is a man whose age is unknown to the reader. Still, it is possible to assume that he is either a young man or middle-aged, as he has had enough experience with hunting. He is also a very rich man and does not have any problem in spending any amount of money. “I’ve hunted tiger, wild boar, buffalo, elephant, but Jesus, this is it,” said Eckels. “I’m shaking like a kid.” (p. 231, ll. 43-44) and “… and in that hand waves a check for ten thousand dollars to the man behind the desk.”

The only reason Eckels wants to hunt the dinosaur is pride. He even begins to assume the dinosaur he is about to kill is already his property. This proves that he is very proud and condescending. “Shooting my dinosaur,” Eckels finished it for him.” (p. 228, l. 14)

His pride is also what makes him interrogate Travis about the h...