Characters

The short story “Say Yes” by Tobias Wolff only features two characters, an unnamed husband, and his wife, Ann. They are presented in opposition/conflict, and most of their traits stem indirectly from their dialogue. Both characters are static regarding personality, but the husband changes his attitude at the end of the short story. When it comes to their outer characterization, all we know about them is that they are probably a middle-class white couple. Nothing is said about their physical appearance other than being white because this is the only relevant aspect for the plot.

The unnamed husband

The unnamed husband is presented both directly and indirectly, mostly through his perspective, as the narrator uses his point of view to render the short story.

Inner characterization

His inner characterization is made up of his attitude to his wife and to mixed-race marriages. The man views himself as a considerate husband because he helps his wife with house chores and is seemingly proud of this: “… he’d overheard a friend of his wife congratulate her on having such a considerate husband, and he thought, I try. Helping out with the dishes was a way he had of showing how considerate he was.” (p. 52, ll. 3-6)

But while he is considerate in terms of practical things, his attitude during the conflict with his wife shows that he is actually inconsiderate when it comes to Ann’s feelings: 

...

Ann, the wife

The second character in the short story is Ann, the wife, who is depicted only through her husband’s perspective.

...

Inner characterization

Ann does not agree with her husband’s views with regards to mixed marriages, which is indicated by fact that she “pinched her brows together and bit her lower lip” (p. 52, ll. 11- 12)...

...