Direct Characterisation in the Perfume

Avijit Minocha
Direct Characterisation in "Perfume" by Patrick Suskind

In the novel Perfume I was most struck by the author Patrick Suskind’s eloquence in use of techniques. His effective use of technique allows the reader to continuously gets better acquainted with the characters. The combination of direct characterization and cataloguing results in the reader being given a variety of descriptions that reinforces a single characteristic of the character. The author gives the reader “easy” to comprehend information repeatedly, because without it, the reader could not understand the bizarre nature of the psychopathic main character. In doing so, Suskind has enabled the reader to soak in information about the character subconsciously and actively focus on the message he is trying to convey. Another effective combination that Suskind utilized was juxtaposition and direct characterization. The author provided comparisons for the readers, which strengthens their pre-acquired image of the character in their minds. The use of juxtaposition clearly demonstrates the differences between the character and the norms of society. This constant repetition of an idea ensures that Suskind is passing on his message about societies superficial state. Along with juxtaposition and cataloguing Suskind compares and contrasts two opposite scenarios to show the importance of one of them. This essay will focus on Suskind’s effective use of the technique; direct characterization and the effects of it.

Patrick Suskind uses direct characterization in combination with cataloguing, to reinforce characteristics of the main character Grenouille. By doing so, PS makes the character easier to comprehend, hence making it easier to relate to Grenouille, the protagonist. In turn he is able to better convey his message through his major character. This simple combination of these techniques enhances the readers’ experience. A fitting example of this is found in the following quotation, "needed to be of faultless, i.e., legitimate, birth, to have relatives of like standing, and to have a certificate of indenture,"(110 Suskind). The listing of the requirements to be considered legitimate makes it apparent that the character cannot be placed in that category. As a result of this Grenouille’s status of being an outsider is cemented. By doing so, Patrick Suskind is adding to the description of his character and in turn developing it further. Instigating a deeper emotional response from the reader. The reader’s emotional response to this is sympathy. The fact that someone with such raw talent in the field of perfumery is held back because of the unfortunate circumstances he was born in. The fact that he is portrayed as, not having a "legitimate birth”, evokes empathy. We as a reader empathize with the fact that the character cannot pursue his dream because he does not conform to the social norms. This further highlights the faults that were present in the society of that period. By doing this the author is able to shed light on the faults that surround people in society, which is his ultimate purpose. Through this Suskind implies that society revolves around social status. To succeed in this period of time it is a prerequisite to be of his social stature.. Another example of Suskind’s use of direct characterization is “That cry, emitted upon careful consideration, one might almost say upon mature consideration, was the newborn's decision against love and nevertheless for life” (22). In this quotation Suskind begins to develop his main character Grenouille. His use of vivid description creates a more rounded image of the character. By giving upfront descriptions of Grenouille like “careful”, Suskind allows the reader to focus on the subtle thematic elements by emphasizing characterization. This then enables the reader to enjoy the message that the author is trying to pass on. Through this quote Suskind is able to evoke empathy for Grenouille because the reader recognizes the difficult situation Grenouille was born in. Having your mother abandon you and fighting to survive are situations that are hard to conquer. However the reader is also weary because Suskind shows Grenouille is an extremely calculating person. His “careful cry” gives the impression that he weighed the pros and cons of survival before sentencing his mother to the gallows. The reader is led to judge the main character this way because of the information that Suskind has provided them on his nature. Through his use of the technique direct characterization Suskind is able to create a well-rounded and well-defined character in the readers mind. By not giving the characters personality any sort of ambiguity he is better able to convey his message, which is suggesting that humans are hardwired to survive at all costs. This in turn demonstrates our primitive characteristics. Suskind is implying that the main problem with society is that we are selfish and this is expressed throughout his novel.

Patrick Suskind uses both direct characterization and juxtaposition to provide comparisons for the reader, which helps them strengthen their initial impression of the character in their minds. The use of juxtaposition clearly demonstrates the differences between the character and the norms. A quote that clearly conveys this is “a man who was one of the most gifted and abominable personages”(1). By putting both the “most gifted” and “abominable” in the same in the same sentence Suskind shows the reader early on in the book that Grenouille is a round character and complex. By using it in combination with direct characterization the author is able to be upfront with the reader and imply that the reader should focus on and understand the complexities of the characters nature. It is through this effective use of the two in combination that the reader attempts to read between the lines, as the juxtaposition results in indirect characterization sparking the desire to thinking beyond the literal meaning and at the same time create a vivid picture of the character. Another thing Suskind manages to do with this quote is evoke emotional response. After reading this the reader is weary of Grenouille, as he gains a reputation for being untrustworthy. If someone is described as being “abominable” then they come labeled with danger and the reader would be predisposed to thinking they have bad character. On top of that, usually people with extreme knowledge and talent intimidate people, and since Grenouille is the “most gifted… personage” then it will only reinforce the weariness of him, as normally people are intimidated by extreme knowledge. . Through his main character Suskind is implying that each and every human has a dark side to them, an “abominable” side, where we will go to any costs to reach our main goal. It may not matter their talents or gifts in a field, if we truly have a desire for something we will stop at nothing until we attain it, much like Grenouille who murdered countless women till he could create his master perfume. Another example of Patrick Suskind these two techniques is “the young Grenouille was such a tick”(22). In this quote Suskind explicitly calls Grenouille a blood sucking creature and the contrasting of a human and an insect strengthens the image being created. Though the phrase is simple it adds greatly to the character. Comparing him to a “tick” characterizes him as being cunning. On top of their being juxtaposition and direct characterization Suskind has presented this information using a metaphor. By relating something we don’t quite understand to a familiar object he has simplified a complex idea and made it easier for us to understand. The reason for Suskind to do so is to clearly depict the transformation Grenouille has had over the novel, which eventually results in him shunning all empathy from his mind and working purely on calculated risks that help him reach his final goal. The emotional response that Suskind is able to create through this quote is one of disgust. As the reader slowly realizes the shrewd nature of the character, they start to feel disappointed in him as he only demonstrates selfishness. Due to selfishness the main character expresses, it leads to reader to be repulsed by his one track thought process of only self-benefit. From this Suskind shows that humans are a calculating species, and only take risks if the benefits out weigh the losses. They are constantly on the lookout for their personal gain. Much like a “tick” all humans wait for the right opportunity to let go and be presented with the most fruitful reward like success or money, blatantly labeling humans as being scheming and conceited.

The aim of this essay was to analyze the effectiveness of Suskind’s use of the technique direct characterization. Through the writing I feel it is evident that the author successfully utilized this technique. By emphasizing this often-judgmental mindset of society Suskind may be trying expose the root causes of ostracism in society. The unique way of passing on his message on society made the novel a true experience. Suskinds thought provoking analysis of humans makes us reassess our nature and strive for betterment.
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