L.D.

Outer characterization 

There are no explicit descriptions of L.D.’s outer characterization. Given his daughter’s age, we can assume L.D. is a man in his 40s. He seems to have physical strength, as Maxine and Rae are intimidated by him, and he can make the ashtray and his glass jump off the table when he slams his hand against it (p. 9, ll. 31-32).

Even if he has attended college (p. 10, l. 29), L.D. appears to be unemployed. He is already at home by the time Maxine returns from work, and Maxine is the only one paying the rent for their house (p. 10, l. 21).

Inner characterization

L.D. is an alcoholic. Although the text does not explicitly state this, it is implied by the fact that Maxine finds him “drunk again” (p. 9, l. 2). Moreover, when he is introduced in the story, he is holding a glass in his hand (p. 9, l. 6), and later on, he finishes his drink. Because of his alcoholism, he has become bothersome to his family members and the other people around him. Maxine tells L.D. “ ‘I’ve had it. So has Rae. So has everyone who knows you’ ” (p. 9, ll. 36-37), suggesting that alcohol has changed him and she is tired ...