Characterization of Dimitri

Outer characterization

Dimitri is the main character and the narrator of the short story “Survivor Syndrome” by Liz Jensen. Dimitri is a Greek photographer (p. 242, l. 2). The story lacks a description of Dimitri’s physical appearance beyond the fact that he is young (p. 242, l. 1). This helps highlight that the story’s focus is on the psychological and behavioral changes he undergoes after he spends time in London. 

Inner characterization

Dimitri is not experienced in photography abroad: “I was young, and it was my first foreign assignment.” (p. 242, ll. 1-2). His boss, Alexander, encourages him, saying that he could become famous if he captures the perfect photo of the London flood and its consequences: “ ‘Do History justice, Dimitri, and this assignment will be the making of you.’ ” (p. 243, ll. 15-16). Therefore, Dimitri is depicted as a young professional who is eager to prove himself: “Keen to justify his faith in my talent, I tried to capture the London I saw.” (p. 243, ll. 18-19)

Dimitri is slowly affected by life ...