Dickie

Richard Jordan ('Dickie') is the main character of the story “Examination Day” written by Henry Slesar. He is a 12-year-old boy who lives with his parents, Mr and Mrs Jordan. He reads comics books with “fast-paced action” (l. 25), which suggests that he has typical interests for his age. His parents call him Dickie (l. 22), while the government representant calls him Richard (l. 100).

Dickie’s outer characterisation tells us that he is “an alert-eyed youngster with flat blond hair and a quick, nervous manner” (ll. 7-8). By characterising him as “alert-eyed”, the narrator also hints at Dickie’s perceptive and inquisitive personality, which contributes to his inner characterisation.

Inner characterisation

Dickie’s inner characterisation is constructed through his language and through his actions and thoughts, as described by the narrator.

We learn that, on his birthday, Dickie “wanted harmony above all” (ll. 9-10) and that the tension between ...