Characters

The main character of Alice Munro’s short story “Gravel” is an unnamed narrator. She is a developing character, since she develops from a child into an adult and her way of thinking and acting change as she becomes older.

The narrator’s family members are secondary characters. The narrator’s mother is the unfulfilled wife who leaves her conventional life behind for more adventure. The narrator’s mother is also a developing character. Her way of thinking and behaving change as the story progresses, and she experiences various ups and downs.

Caro is the older sibling whom the narrator looks up to. Neal is the mother’s new boyfriend. He is an artistic type, adventurous and unreliable. The narrator’s father is the ordinary husband who loves his wife but cannot entertain her.

You can read the narrator's and her family members' characterisation in the next pages.