Characterisations

The main characters of the short story “Another Language” by Craig Cliff are James, Dedo - his grandfather, and James’ father. Other secondary characters are Baba - James’ grandmother, James’ mother, Anne, and his baby brother, Daniel, as well as Marcus Collins - James’ colleague. The secondary characters are not quite relevant to the way the story develops; still, they help readers to better grasp the relationship between James and the rest of his family members.

In this section, we will help you characterise James as an individual and in relationship with his friends and family members and we will also help you characterise Dedo.

James

James is a seven-year-old boy and the main character of the short story. He is also the narrator. The difference is that James-the narrator is probably an older James, while James-the character is his younger self.

In terms of outer characterisation, the only things we know about James is that he is seven years old.

Inner characterisation

In terms of inner characterisation, things are quite different. The first thing we find out about James is that he is a very inquisitive and curious child, always asking a lot of questions: “I asked, “Why are you always sad?”” (l. 3); “Dedo,” I asked, “why did you leave Yugoslavia?” (l. 9)

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Moreover, here we will discuss the relationship between James, his mother, father and grandmother.

Dedo

Dedo is James’ grandfather and is presented through both his outer and inner characteristics.

Outer characterisation

Part of his outer characterisation is revealed from the beginning, when James asks him why he is always sad:

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Inner characterisation

When it comes to Dedo’s inner characterisation, all we know comes from Dedo’s dialogue with James and from Dedo’s son, who reveals the truth about the old man.

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Also, here you can read useful information about the relationship between Dedo, his son and James.