Lee

Lee is the main character in the story “The Lunar Coast” by Megan McGrath and the narrator. Most of his characterisation is conveyed by comparison with his friend Alex.

Outer characterisation

Lee's outer characterisation reveals that he comes from a fishing family and grew up in a coastal village (ll. 15-17). The story follows him through childhood and teenager years when the tide goes out: “I WAS SEVENTEEN when the tide went out.” (l. 1).

He returns to the village six years later, making him 23 at the time of the main events in the story.

As a child, he describes himself as unfit for the coastal weather: “I wasn't built for the weather the way he was, and to keep up I wore soft-soled reef boots, zinc cream, swimming goggles. My feet remained pale and wrinkled from the wet.” (ll. 28-31). Despite his frailty, Lee can hold his breath under water for a longer time than Alex: “…I had the lungs and could take two or three rides in a row…” (ll. 54-55).

As an adult, he describes himself as in a better physical shape: “I was fitter than I had ever been” (l. 152).

Inner characterisation

Lee’s inner characterisation is conveyed through his actions and thoughts, suggesting he is a developing character whose attitude towards nature and his village changes over time.

Relationship with nature

Lee’s relationship with nature changes from childhood to adulthood. As a child, he felt the lunar coast was magic and that he could sense nature: “The lunar coast was in our blood.” (ll. 17-18); “In those days we were ageless. Time melted away, only to be revealed in the evening by the extent of our sunburn. We were explorers, pioneers, companions and brothers. Every day was like walking on the moon.” (ll. 36-38).

This suggests Lee had the typical innocence and curiosity of a child. However, as he becomes a teenager, his perspective on his environment changes: “The rock pools lost their charm. The salt flats seemed less magical. We wanted to take risks, to be challenged and to feel fear.” (ll. 41-42).

Going to the rock cave suggests Lee’s (and Alex’s) courage and their need to prove themselves in front of each other and in front of nature.

While Lee is not superstitious like his village, he does sense nature and becomes aware that man cannot always control it: “It was said that our families could feel the sea. Sometimes we believed it; sometimes we didn't. (...) But like all fishermen we were slaves to the sea, and sometimes her master.” (ll....