Characterization Of Eckels In Mark Twain's Cry

The main character of this story is a man named Eckels. He decides to go on a time safari to visit prehistoric animals. Eckels portrays to be a character that is not very confident in his decisions. This can be shown in the beginning of the story when the author writes: “Warm phlegm gathered in Eckels' throat; he swallowed and pushed it down. The muscles around his mouth formed a smile as he put his hand slowly out upon the air, and in that hand waved a check for ten thousand dollars to the man behind the desk.” Based on this quote, he seems hesitant and scared to be handing his money to go on the safari. This is a form of indirect characterization. Another instance where Eckels character is portrayed is during the safari. "It can't be killed," Eckels pronounced this verdict quietly, as if there could be no argument. He had weighed the evidence and this was his considered opinion. The rifle in his hands seemed a cap gun. "We were fools to come.
This is a form of indirect characterization as his personality is displayed through the uncertainty in his voice. The last quote that displays Eckels character is: "Get me out of here," said Eckels. "It was never like this before. I was always sure I'd come through alive. I had good guides, good safaris, and safety. This time, I figured wrong. I've met my match and admit it. This is too much for me to get hold of." This quote from the story shows how much Eckels regrets his decision about going on the time safari. He was scared about coming back dead, and this can be inferred from when he says “I was always sure I’d come through alive.” This is another form of indirect characterization because his hesitant and frightened personality is displayed from what he says. To conclude, these are three quotes from the story “A Sound of Thunder” that portrays the main character’s