Characters

The two characters in the short story “Rendezvous” by Daniel Ransom are Payton and Kim. Though they do not know each other, the title and structure of the story combine to create the expectation that the two will meet up at the climax of the tale.

Payton is described as a very disturbed individual with unkempt appearance and reckless behavior. It is eventually revealed that Payton has been responsible for several deaths while driving on the Interstate, pointing to the idea that he might be a serial killer.

Kim is described as a runaway teen, an almost stereotypical rebel who left her home to teach her parents a lesson, but whose actions now seem likely to have fatal consequences. 

The priest Payton confessed to and Kim’s parents are mentioned as well, and they have some influence on the thoughts and actions of the two main characters. 

You can read a full characterization of Payton and Kim in the following pages.