Characterization of Arnold Friend

Arnold Friend is the second most important character in the short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates, whose function is that of the antagonist or the villain, making thus his surname – Friend – sound ironical. He is only presented from Connie’s perspective, and we can characterize him based on his actions and attitude towards her and his friend Ellie.

Outer characterization

Arnold’s outer characterization informs us that he owns a strange car, “a convertible jalopy painted gold” (p. 164, l. 2) with all types of inscriptions on it. His physical traits are also rendered and make him seem like a dark, evil character with “shaggy, shabby black hair that looked crazy as a wig” (p. 166, l. 2): “He had fair brown hair, with a lock that fell onto his forehead. His sideburns gave him a fierce, embarrassed look, but so far he hadn't even bothered to glance at her.” (p. 166, ll. 9-11)

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Inner characterization

Arnold’s inner characterization stems from his actions and attitude. When he appears initially, he comes across as a very confident guy, who promises Connie to get her (meaning to have her as a date/girlfriend/lover): “He wagged a finger and laughed and said, "Gonna get you, baby,"…”  (p. 164, l. 5)

When he reappears, driving with his friend Ellie by Connie’s house, he maintains the same self-confident attitude and asks the girl for a ride. As the girl refuses and claims he is a stranger, he does not give up. On the contrary, he becomes more insistent:

"Just for a ride, Connie sweetheart."
"I never said my name was Connie," she said.
"But I know what it is. I know your name and all about you, lots of things… (p. 168, ll. 6-9)

But even if he seems confident he also comes across as a man who needs constant validation, who needs to feel like someone important. When Connie does says she does not know him he acts upset, but as soon as she says she might recall him his mood changes:

“But—how come we never saw you before?"
"Sure you saw me before," he said. He looked down at his boots, as if he were a little offended. "You just don't remember."
"I guess I'd remember you," Connie said.
"Yeah?" He looked up at this, beaming. (p. 168, ll. 29-33)

Other examples which hint that Arnold is actually quite insecure and he pretends to be otherwise are that he tries to act relaxed and younger, but he does not always manage to do so: “He stood there so stiffly relaxed, pretending to be relaxed, with one hand idly on the door handle as if he were keeping himself up that way and had no intention of ever moving again.” (p. 169, ll. 10-13)

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