Michael and Katy

Michael

Michael’s outer characterisation tells us that he is a 13-year-old boy (l. 51) and the son of McCreedy. He probably is in a romantic relationship, as his father notices “a red mark that looks like a love bite” (ll. 51-52) on his neck. The narrator also mentions his “bulbous smelly shoes” (ll. 68-69). He is interested in football, specifically in the British football team Arsenal: “Hilda and Michael blather about Arsenal.” (l. 170).

His inner characterisation is constructed through his language and actions. He is depicted as a typical teenage boy – he is cool and distant and mostly rude to his parents and little sister. For example, he shrugs when his father asks him if he has any ideas for his birthday (l. 58) and then swears at him when he does not remember what age he is:

‘How old are you anyway?’
‘Forty-five. Or it might be a year more.’
‘Which?’
‘I don’t remember.’
‘Fuck off, Dad. Everyone remembers their fuckin’ age.’ (ll. 60-64)

He also swears at his sister in the restaurant (l. 124) and ...