Payton

Outer characterization

Payton is one of the main characters in Daniel Ransom's short story "Rendezvous". His thoughts are presented at the beginning of the story, and the narration gradually reveals he might be a dangerous person.

Payton is physically described as a man with “long dirty hair” (p. 51, l. 7), a “cobra tattoo on his left bicep” (p. 51, l. 8), a “thin mouth” (p. 51, ll. 11-12), and “dark quick eyes” (p. 52, l. 9). He drives a Pontiac Firebird and drinks beer (Budweiser), even while driving. Since Payton mentions confessing to a priest, it could mean that he is a Catholic.

Inner characterization

Payton likes to live in the moment and act impulsively, which we can see from his habits of speeding and drinking one can of beer after another, even while driving. He also likes listening to loud music: “drums give him energy, a high” (p. 52, l. 7), while “saxophones make him morose” (p. 52, l. 7). This could sug...