Characterization of Nancy

In this section, we will characterize Nancy, the second most important character in the story “Call If You Need Me” by Raymond Carver, and the way in which she relates to her impending divorce from Dan.

Outer characterization

Her outer characterization tells us that she is Dan’s wife and Richard’s mother. She has also been having an affair with one of Dan’s colleagues, after finding out about Dan's affair. Keep in mind that she and Dan have been high-school sweethearts and that their relationship began in their teenage years (ll. 346-347). Her outer characterization is also rendered through Dan’s perspective: “Nancy was a tall, long-legged woman with brown hair and eyes and a generous spirit.” (ll. 76-77)

Inner characterization

When it comes to Nancy’s inner characterization, it is worth noting that she may have engaged in an affair with Dan’s colleague as a form of revenge against Dan’s own infidelity: “He and Nancy had drifted into their affair at a party during the holidays not too long after Nancy had discovered my own affair. It all sounds boring and tacky now…” (ll. 81-83)

Because she accepts the idea of moving to Eureka for the summer with Dan, we can assume that she is equally interested in solving their marital problems and avoiding getting a divorce. However, during their trip to Eureka and their stay there, Nancy comes across as somewhat pessimistic about whether they can make their relationship work. First, she does not seem to be too impressed by the idea that hummingbirds represent good luck, yet she still hopes for the best: “'I've heard that somewhere,' she said. 'I don't know where I heard that, but I've heard it. Well,' she said, 'luck is what we could use. Wouldn't you say?'” (ll. 124-126)...