Characters

Next, we will characterise Gavin and his mother and father. Note that the story “Killing Lizards” by William Boyd also mentions other secondary characters: Gavin’s sister Amanda, his friends Laurence and David, and a man with whom Gavin’s mother is having an affair.

Gavin is the main character in the story, and the narration follows his point of view. He is a developing character, as his attitude and behaviour change by the end of the story. Gavin finds new power in the knowledge that his mother is having an affair. His lack of empathy and an overwhelming need for his mother’s love make him think about how he can use this knowledge for his own benefit.

Both Gavin’s parents are not developing character, as they do not change throughout the story. She is portrayed as a stereotypical self-centred mother and he as a stereotypical aloof father.

Read their full characterisation in what follows!