Rick
Outer characterization
Rick is a key character in Ron Carlson’s short story “The Splinter”. Rick’s outer characterization informs us that he recently finished the fifth grade and that he lost his mother a few months ago (ll. 23-25). He lives with his father, the narrator, who tries to provide a lot of activities to keep Rick busy. Throughout the story, he has a splinter stuck in his foot and therefore limps.
Inner characterization
Rick likes adventures. This is why he is initially “sulking” (l. 12) because he cannot ride in Damon’s jeep and why he is “happy” (l. 32) to be on the camping trip, and eager to make a fire (ll. 65-70). At the same time, Rick tries to act like he is brave. He initially refuses to let his dad see his foot: “…he wouldn’t let me, absolutely wouldn...