2. Indirect Characterization

Brett was damned good-looking. She wore a slipover jersey sweater and a tweed skirt, and her hair was brushed back like a boy's. She started all that. She was built with curves like the hull of a racing yacht... (simile)(Hemingway,29-30). Of all the characters, thus far, Brett is the only one described somewhat physically. He never mentions such characteristics like hair and eye color. Yet, although this is merely the basic physical features of Lady Ashley, it is not long before the reader discovers that she lures men, is frequently inebriated, and miserable. In a way, the first person narration correlates directly with the indirect characterization. Jake is the five senses of the reader. Whatever he wants the reader to know he describes by what he hears, or the conversations he partakes in. In a way, it seems as if Jake only concentrates on other people rather himself. His injury has barely been described and most of his thoughts are blurred with the effects of alcohol. It seems that indirect characterization really fits this novel because as a reader we are relying on the interpretation of Jake about others, rather than himself.