In “The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part Time Indian” the author, Sherman Alexie, develops characters through his use of figurative language. Alexie’s use of figurative language has a considerable impact on characterization and development of a character's personality and background. Alexie uses similes to develop characters’ background and provide the readers an image of a character in the past. Arnold Spirit says, “I started wearing glasses when I was three, so I ran around the rez looking like a three-year-old Indian grandpa” (4). By having Arnold describe himself as a “three-year-old Indian grandpa” Alexie tells the audience that Arnold’s glasses were a source of embarrassment and insecurity for him. Alexie portrays the insecurity of Arnold through a simile and the use of that simile is what gives the reader an image of an Indian kid who looks like an old man with glasses who feels embarrassed and insecure. Alexie uses the example to place an image in the reader's head, develop Arnold’s character and add to how the readers envision Arnold in their own mind.
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For instance, Arnold describes his friend, Rowdy, as having a “... heart is as strong and mean as a snake” (13). The powerful simile outlines who Rowdy is and gives the readers an image of Rowdy. Because of the simile “as strong and mean as a snake” the audience now identifies Rowdy as a boy who could beat a snake. Alexie also portrays Rowdy as a character that has a rock hard personality. To demonstrate this Alexie has Arnold say, “Rowdy has protected me since we were born” (14). Arnold’s words demonstrate how sturdy of a character Rowdy is. When readers put the rock hard personality and a boy that is as strong as a snake together they now have a much more accurate picture of Rowdy portrayed through Alexie’s figurative
For instance, Arnold describes his friend, Rowdy, as having a “... heart is as strong and mean as a snake” (13). The powerful simile outlines who Rowdy is and gives the readers an image of Rowdy. Because of the simile “as strong and mean as a snake” the audience now identifies Rowdy as a boy who could beat a snake. Alexie also portrays Rowdy as a character that has a rock hard personality. To demonstrate this Alexie has Arnold say, “Rowdy has protected me since we were born” (14). Arnold’s words demonstrate how sturdy of a character Rowdy is. When readers put the rock hard personality and a boy that is as strong as a snake together they now have a much more accurate picture of Rowdy portrayed through Alexie’s figurative