Mark Weston

Outer characterization

Mark Weston is another important character in the short story “Hostage” by Andrew Vachss. Mark is a 23-year-old criminal who has previously committed a number of smaller crimes (pp. 156-157, ll. 29-30, l. 1). The detective reveals that Mark “ ‘lives off his mother’s social security check – that’s her up there in the wheelchair.’ ” (p.157, ll. 1-2). This also gives readers information about Mark’s financial status (he belongs to the middle-class) and about a conflict with his mother, whom he holds hostage. 

The narrative does not offer further information about Mark’s appearance, except for the fact that he is a smoker (p. 162, ll. 12-13) and that he legally owns a gun: “He’s even got a permit for it, all registered, nice and legal” (p. 156, ll. 26-27). When Walker comes to Brooklyn, he is told that Mark was chased by the police for prowling. 

Inner characterization

Even before Walker interacts with Mark, the young man’s inner characterization is revealed. When the detective briefs Walker about Marker, we find out that he is mentally unstable and...