Thomas Builds-the-Fire

Outer characterization

Thomas Builds-the-Fire is another important character in Sherman Alexie’s short story “This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona”. A flashback reveals that Thomas’ father “died on Okinawa in World War II, died fighting for this country, which had tried to kill him for years” (p. 11, ll. 8-9) and that his mother died during childbirth (ll. 9-10). Thomas and Victor used to call each other “cousin” (p. 26), which shows that they are most likely related. 

Physically, Thomas is described as having “ratty old braids and broken teeth” (p. 6, l. 5). When the former Olympic gymnast asks Victor and Thomas about their origin, Thomas claims “I'm half magician on my mother's side and half clown on my father's” (p. 6, ll. 12-13), which reflects his unique personality.

Inner characterization

The story rev...