Structure

The short story “Manhood” by John Wain is structured around the faulty relationship between a father and his son. The man constantly pushes the boy to become an athlete, which makes the boy lie about his athletic accomplishments at school.

...

Title

...

Beginning

The exposition presents the two main characters – Mr Willison and Rob – and the context in which they are together:

...

Middle

The rising action presents Mr Willison offering the boy a punch-ball as a present and training his son when the boy announces that he has been selected for the school’s boxing team:

"It's new. Just formed. They had some trials for it at the end of last term. I found my punching was better than most people's because I'd been getting plenty of practice with the ball."
Mr Willison put out a hand and felt Rob's biceps. "Not bad, not bad at all," he said critically. "But if you're going to be a boxer and represent the school, you'll need more power up there. I tell you what. We'll train together." 

...

Ending

The falling action is very short at it presents Mr Willison’s steps upon realising that his son has lied to him:

...