In the beginning of All the King’s Men, the character of Governor Willie Stark is portrayed as a man with the ability to adapt his behavior to his surrounding environment. After returning to his hometown to seemingly “go out and see his pappy” (Warren 14), Stark is asked by the local residents of Mason City to give a speech. Not having anything prepared prior, Stark is able to deliver a speech that is truthful, yet informal, making him appear as a genuine man of the people. This can be seen when he says, “...I didn’t come here to ask you to give me anything, not even a vote,” and “...I’m not a politician today...I’m taking the day off,” (Warren 15). Whether he is with a group of politicians or mere townspeople, Stark’s ability to characterize
