Charlie Stowe

Charlie Stowe is a main character in the short story “I Spy” by Graham Greene. His outer characterization is not detailed. Readers know that he is a 12-year old boy (p. 40, l. 12) who lives with his parents. His father owns a tobacco shop which is located on the first floor of their house. (p. 40, ll. 11-12). Charlie attends the County School (p. 40, l. 13). 

Charlie’s inner characterization can be determined through his thoughts and actions. He sneaks out of his bed to steal cigarettes because he was mocked by the other boys from school for not smoking. (p. 40, ll. 13-14). This suggests that he is easily influenced into doing something bad as a result of peer pressure. 

Charlie’s attitude towards committing a crime is also interesting. He appears to believe that his theft is justified si...