Ray

Ray is Gwyneth’s ex-husband in the story “Old Growth” by Lisa Alward. His outer characterization indicates that he has blue eyes (l. 146), he is thin (l. 51), and balding (ll. 101-102). He is older than Gwyneth (l. 135), suggesting that he is a middle-aged man. He is Cam and Jenna’s father (ll. 42-43).

Inner characterization

Ray’s inner characterization is created through his actions and words, but also through Gwyneth’s thoughts and memories about him.

When he met Gwyneth, Ray “was older, had hitched to Mexico, was known around the camp for breaking hearts.” (l. 135). He and Gwyneth met planting trees, and he characterized himself as “a free spirit. I can’t help it. I just blow with the wind.” (l. 136). This suggests that, in his youth, Ray preferred to be independent and valued freedom. We also learned that he lied to his parents about how he met Gwyneth, which could suggest that he also valued privacy, or was not willing to express his feelings about Gwyneth. Gwyneth also thinks that “Commitment has never been Ray’s forte.” (l. 85). This suggests that Ray did not change over the course of the...