Topic > Character Analysis: Grandma and Anders

IndexIntroductionManipulative NatureConfrontation StylesSocial InteractionChristianityConclusionIntroductionThe stories "A Good Man is Hard to Find" and "A Bullet in the Brain" depict Grandma and Anders respectively. These two characters have various traits that influence their interaction and actions. Over the course of the two stories, these characters are important figures and display different characteristics. This article will compare and contrast the two characters in the two stories. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayManipulative NatureGrandma and Anders are manipulative. In "A Good Man is Hard to Find", Grandma is depicted as a manipulator who doesn't want to go to Florida just because she has friends to see in Tennessee. Therefore, he tries by all means to change Bailey's mind (Short Stories, 297). Whenever something goes against her will, Grandma tries to do it her way. He employs subtle manipulation tactics, such as trying to scare Bailey with crime reports when he plans to go to Florida. He even says, “I wouldn't take my kids anywhere with a criminal like that on the loose” (Short Stories, 296). He demonstrates his manipulative nature through his efforts to convince people not to go to Florida for his benefit. Similarly, in "Bullet in the Brain", Anders is also shown to be a manipulator. First, after listening to women speak negatively about the bank teller, he conceives his "enormous hatred for the teller" (Short Stories, 480). Her intention is to manipulate the other women and make them even more angry at the teller, potentially causing a commotion at the bank. Anders' manipulative nature is further evident when armed men enter the bank. He tells the lady perceived as a bank teller that "justice is done" (Short Stories, 480), intending to manipulate the gunmen into sparing him as he shoots the lady. Therefore, through their selfish nature, both characters display manipulative tendencies. Conflicting Styles Both characters are conflicted, but exhibit different styles. It turns out that the grandmother never expresses her opinion directly; instead, communicate in a confrontational manner. For example, when Bailey insists on going to Florida with the children, she becomes argumentative and claims that the children have already been to Florida. He uses confrontational tactics, using the children to persuade Bailey to accommodate their wishes (Stories, 302). In contrast, Anders openly displays his conflicted nature from the beginning. When he observes the bank teller chatting with another man instead of attending to customers, he becomes confrontational and criticizes her behavior, saying, "I think that's a pretty lousy way to treat your customers" (Short Stories, 481). He continues with statements like "Unforgivable. Heaven will take note." While both characters are conflicted, Grandma's style is subtle and tactful, while Anders is openly angry and direct throughout the story. Social Interaction There is a contrast in their level of association with other people. Grandma seems to be much friendlier and more sociable. She insists on visiting friends in Tennessee and enjoys the company of children. He interacts well with the children during the trip to Florida, making up stories and interacting with them (Short Stories, 296-297). In contrast, Anders does not appear to be sociable or interactive. His asocial and antisocial nature is evident in the story. For example, he had never met his cousin Coyle before, and even after meeting him, he only says hello to everyone else but "no longer cares about him" (Short Stories, 484). There.