Characters
Read here our characterization of Fernando and Jenny, the most important characters in “Sweet Cream” by Julia Kelk.
Jenny
Jenny is the protagonist of the short story. According to her outer characterisation, she is a single, Mexican woman in her twenties, who has returned to Mexico after studying English in Canada. Her physical portrait is only conveyed in terms of her style, and it helps suggest that living in Canada has changed her: “She looked different, more like a gringo, something about the way she did her hair or the clothes she wore.” (p. 98, ll. 8-9)
Inner characterisation
Jenny’s inner characterisation is constructed based on her actions, her thoughts, and her attitude.
According to Fernando’s observations, Jenny acts in an American way, something which bothers the others. This new attitude is further reflected by Jenny’s own observations, about Canada’s and Mexico’s different cultures: “She hadn’t been to a wedding up in Canada but she had never eaten a cardboard cake there…” (p. 98, ll. 31-33); “She missed speaking English, missed her professors, even missed the cold. Winter here felt useless. Cold but not cold enough to have any fun.” (p. 100, ll. 2-4)
These observations suggest that Jenny is critical of her own country, culture, and Mexican people. Jenny’s opinion about the cake and her perspective on the bride and groom also suggest that she is critical of the way the wedding was organised: “Jenny thought that maybe they should have had a more traditional cake…” (p. 98, ll. 22-23)
Jenny’s criticism also stems from her frustrations, from the fact that she is uncomfortable being single, which is further illustrated when Fernando asks her about her marriage plans: “…she trailed off, thinking the bride was actually younger than she was. ‘I haven’t met the right man yet,’ she said.” (p. 100, ll. 11-13)
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Fernando
Fernando is the second most important character in the short story. He is a typological character, as he functions as the wise old man.
According to his outer characterisation, he has a son who owns a pastry shop, and he is “getting old” (p. 98, l. 25) and carries a “cane” (p. 100, l. 4). He lived in Mexico all his life.
Inner characterisation
Fernando’s inner characterisation suggests that he is an understanding man, who manages to make himself likable. Jenny finds him “very interesting” (p. 98, ll. 5-6) and likes him.
Fernando is a good observer of people and knows how to be discreet. This is why he avoids talking to Jenny about Canada; because he knows everybody criticises her for returning a changed person.
Jenny’s flashback about him wishing her luck and giving her warm bread, also suggests he is a kind person, who regrets not having had the chance to travel:
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