Charley

Outer characterization

Charley, Buddy’s older brother, is a secondary character in the story “Sweet Potato Pie” by Eugenia Collier. He is a cab driver (p. 8, l. 29) who lives with his wife Bea and their daughters in Harlem (p. 7, l. 17), a poor neighborhood in New York.

Charley’s outer characterization is constructed through Buddy’s memories of him as a young man: “Charley’s slender dark hands whittling a toy (...), his face thin and intense, brown as the loaves Lil baked (…). Charley’s quick fingers (…) Charley’s voice low and terrible (…) telling ghost stories” (p. 5, ll. 34-38). When Buddy and Charley meet, Buddy mentions Charley’s wrinkles: “in spite of the inroads of time” (p. 7, l. 29).

Inner characterization

Charley’s inner characterization is constructed through Buddy’s memories and perception of him, but also through his language and actions.

Buddy’s memories of Charley reveal Charley’s sacrifice and dedication to his family. Buddy has fond memories of him making toys (p. 5, l. 34), telling them stories (p. 5, ll. 37-38), and encouraging him to go to school (p. 6, ll. 16-19). At the same time, Buddy believ...