Characters

The main characters of the short story “Manhood” by John Wain are Mr Willison, Mrs Willison and Rob Willison. For a brief episode, another character is introduced – coach Granger – but he is of little relevance for the development of the plot. In what follows, we will characterise the three members of the Willison family, and we will also focus on the relationship between them.

Mr Willison

Mr Willison is one of the main characters of the story.

Outer characterisation

Part of his outer characterisation is given by Mr Willison himself, who regrets not having the opportunity of becoming athletic:

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Inner characterisation

Regarding inner characterisation, Mr Willison is, overall, an overly-ambitious and frustrated man. Being deprived of the possibility of becoming strong and athletic, he transfers all of his wishes on his son.

Initially, he comes across as very pushy and determined: “The first thing any athlete has to learn is to break the fatigue barrier.” (p. 36, l. 9)

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Rob Willison

Rob Willison is the second most important character in the story.

Outer characterisation

His outer characterisation is partly done by his mother, who depicts him as “a lad of thirteen, nearly fourteen years of age” (p. 38, ll. 19-20).

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Inner characterisation

Regarding inner characterisation, the boy initially seems much less ambitious than his father, giving up easily when it comes to cycling:

"Rob, is there something the matter or are you just being awkward?"
The boy removed his hand and looked up into his father's face. His eyes were surprisingly mild: there was no fire of rebellion in them.
"I'm tired and my back aches. I can't go on yet." (p. 37, ll. 32-35)

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Mrs Willison

Although not directly involved in the conflict between father and son, Mrs Willison is a very important part of the story.

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Inner characterisation

Her inner characterisation shows that, in relationship to her husband, she comes across as submissive.

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