Ordinary People Character Analysis Essay

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Ordinary People Analysis The book ‘Ordinary People’ by: Judith Guest uses characterization, perspective, and theme to depict the struggling Jarret family coping with their loss. The story uses both indirect and direct characterization to elaborate on the character’s flaws and personality traits. There is also a reoccurring theme throughout the storyline that remains constant, while the characters abiding by the theme, don't. “Brush his teeth first? What pants should he wear? What shirt?” (pg. 2). This indirectly shows Conrad’s indecisive personality. Right from the first few pages, the audience can already infer that Conrad is a troubled character. He has a difficult time just getting out of be in the morning and making basic decisions. “No, he is not much like that kid,” (Pg. 12). The book also uses direct characterization to further develop the characters. Conrad is directly saying he has changed. He is different from his precious self ever since the boating accident. The perspective used in ‘Ordinary People’ also alters from chapter to chapter to develop the characters as well. “Weightless with joy, he …show more content…

Don’t think too much about it,”(pg. 100). Overthinking is a recurring theme in ‘Ordinary People’. In the first half of the book Conrad is told by Calvin and Breger to not overthink. After regaining his confidence, and his long discussions with Breger, Conrad stopped overthinking. He started going out with Jeannie and he quit the swim team to focus on himself more. Ironically, his father started to overthink in the second half of the book, and lead to a reversal of characteristics. “There’s nothing wrong with you dad,” (pg. 143). Conrad is the one in the end who reassured his father he was okay. It was his father who eventually overthought everything. He lost his relationship with his wife, Beth, while Conrad maintained a relationship with Jeannie. Calvin cared and stressed too much about calvin, he didn’t listen to his own

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