The Red Convertible Characters

The tale of "The Red Convertible" analyzes a relationship between two Native American brothers. The story recounts about the cause and effect one incident has on their once close relationship. Lyman Lamartine is the story's narrator, and one of the main characters. He can be described as the concerned, yet caring little brother. His relationship with his older brother Henry, is one of great affinity and camaraderie. Henry is Lyman's older half brother, who is distinguished as the carefree, breezy type with a zaniness his brother appreciated. The brotherhood they shared was eminently strong, and is portrayed throughout the story. The only other minor character in the memoir is the brother's younger, 11 year old sister Bonita. As the story commences, the setting takes place in 1974 Chippewa on …show more content…
With great dynamism and an especially strong relationship, the convertible represents the connection between Henry and Lyman. It's easy to see how the relationship deteriorates when Henry comes back from the war. While Henry's entire persona changes, Lyman struggles to restore his bond with his older brother. Despite all his best efforts, Lyman becomes a damaged character watching his brothers decline. When Henry makes the attempt to refurbish the car (after Lyman purposely wrecks it), that is Henry's way of trying to fix their relationship. At the end of the story, this all comes to an end when Henry admits that he cannot help what has happened to him. Finally, when he deliberately enters the river (consciously to drown himself), the relationship is completely and forever disconnected. With all hope gone, Lyman pushes the car into the river, letting go of what is left. The major conflict within the story presents itself as Man vs. Himself. Henry vs. Himself. Although he knows he has changed after the war, he is eternally connected to his experiences in Vietnam. It's sad to see how the story ends with the relationship