Characters

The most important character in the short story “Reunion” by Peter Bradshaw is Elliot, who also narrates the tale. Most of the other characters are women with whom Elliot has had romantic relationships. The story focuses on Elliot’s relationships with the women in his life - especially the three women that he has been in love with. 

Thus, we learn about Elliot's Japanese ex-wife Michiko, as well as his secret lover Sally - both of whom broke up with him in the end.

Through an extensive flashback, we are also introduced to the sisters Lucy and Chloë Venables, who play central roles in the plot. It is also interesting to note that the story's structure leads the reader to believe that the adult Dr Venables is Lucy, even though she really turns out to be Chloë.

Elliot

Elliot’s outer characterisation reveals that he is a middle-aged man who works in the pharmaceutical industry (ll. 24-25).

He used to be married to a Japanese woman named Michiko and had an affair with a woman named Sally. Both relationships were ended by the women.

We also know that he likes drinking and that he is a smoker: “I got quite drunk, and after a while I fancied a cigarette, so I went out through a sliding door…” (ll. 27-28).

Elliot’s inner characterisation is constructed by following his perspective, through his actions and attitudes both as a child and as an adult. His relationships with other characters are also...