Phil

Phil is a developing character, as his attitude changes by the end of the story. The title of Ernest Hemingway's story, “The Sea Change”, refers to this character’s transformation.

There are only a few references to his outer characterization. He is described as tanned (l.12) and, just like the girl, he looks “out of place in Paris.” (l. 13). As he agrees to let the girl go, his voice “sounded very strange.” (ll. 122-123). Furtherm…

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Inner characterization

Phil’s inner characterization is provided through the dialogue he has with the girl and with James, the barman, as well as through the third-person narration.

The story begins with one of Phil’s dialogue lines: “ ‘All right,’ said the man. ‘What about it?’ “(l. 1). His words suggest he finally agrees to approach a topic which he previously avoided.

When the girl tells him that she can’t, referring to an unnamed difficulty she experiences, he suggests she is, in fact, unwilling. This suggests he is suspicious about her intentions. The girl retorts: “ ‘You have it your own way.’ (…) ‘You did for a long time.’ (ll. 7-9), which sounds like an accusation and could suggest he intentionally avoided to confront their situa…