In the story “Where are you going, where have you been?” by Joyce Carol Oates, the descriptions of the characters June, Connie, and Arnold Friend reveal the characters' true nature and underlying motivations. June is Connie's older sister who shapes the relationship between Connie and her family, depicting the differences between Connie and June. The description of the protagonist Connie reveals the struggle between childhood and adolescence with the desire to be desired by people of the opposite sex, but also the obsession with childhood fantasies. Arnold Friend also represents a struggle for Connie with him rejecting her but also seducing her with the fulfillment of her fantasies. June is the older sister, responsible with a job, living at home with her parents. His description is based on the contrast between Connie and June. June is the complete opposite of Connie because Connie spends her time daydreaming rather than respecting her family and being productive. June does not display the presumptuous characteristics like Connie that her mother criticizes. June is “so plain and sturdy and firm that Connie had to hear her mother and her mother's sisters praise her continually” (Oates) shows the purpose for June being included in the tale. June represents the child that Connie's mother wants and the chasm that has created between Connie and her mother. June is an overweight girl with no ambition or attention to appearance. She is respectful towards her parents and does her chores. Therefore, June makes Connie feel separated from her family where she seeks comfort and attention from others to fulfill her fantasies shown through her obsession with music. Connie's contempt for June... middle of paper... appears emotionless, allowing herself to believe in the fantasy Arnold paints to make it easier to leave with him to save her family. Joyce Carol Oates uses description of characters to reveal their purpose in the story and their effect on others. June portrays the family environment that Connie lives in and the differences between her and Connie. This leads to Connie's need for attention from others and recognition of her beauty. She longs for attention and adulthood, but is stuck between childhood and adulthood with her daydreams of imaginative romances provided by music. Arnold Friend forces Connie to confront reality and her struggle between childhood and adulthood. Oates is able to portray Connie's transition from childhood and fantasy to reality and adulthood through her voluntarily leaving with Arnold Friend, sacrificing herself for her family..