World Lit Journals

Journal #4

Journal #4 assignment: Create a scene with two characters and use characterization techniques to describe and reveal their traits.  These characters can be fictional or based on people that you know.
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     "This is the third time this month, Charles."

     "I only hit him a couple of times!" Charlie argued through gritted teeth after hearing Miss Cameron call him by his full first name. Only his dad called him Charles.

     "That's no excuse," she replied, "You have to learn to control your aggression  and disregard their words as nothing more than what they are: words." Miss Cameron's thin eyebrows lifted away from her sharp eyes and nearly nonexistent smile lines. There was, however, a hint of pity in her expression.

     Charlie rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me," he drawled, "Whatever." He had experience with both sticks and stones.

     Miss Cameron sighed and licked her lips before looking straight at Charlie. "Why'd you do it?" She asked, more softly.

     Charlie looked down at the pad of sticky notes on the principal's orderly wooden desk and began to flip through the stack. He exhaled, closed his eyes, and finally spoke after a minute.

     "They were making fun of my bruises," he mumbled.

     "What was that?" Miss Cameron asked, leaning closer.

     "My bruises," he repeated, jaw clenched.

     "Oh," said the principal quietly, leaning back and staring blankly at the tall filing cabinet behind Charlie. She was familiar with the rumors about Charlie's life at home from overheard conversations in the halls, but the staff was oblivious. She seemed to be the only one who actually cared; all of Charlie's teachers had told her that they hadn't noticed anything strange. Miss Cameron rubbed the material of her suit jacket between her ringless fingers and continued to stare off into space, wondering if she should ask Charlie about the matter directly.

Her train of thought was interrupted by a remark from the boy sitting opposite her, however.

"So... another detention, I suppose," Charlie said after a minute of silence. He looked away and pursed his lips, putting his ratty old jacket back on and getting ready to leave. He silently told himself that he'd just have to man up and tell his dad that he'd be home late. Although, the twelve mile walk back to that hell hole wouldn't even begin to compare to what would happen when he got there.

"Hang on, Charles," interjected Miss Cameron, noticing his regretful and nervous demeanor. Her concerned facial expression was entirely new to Charlie.

He sunk slowly back into his chair, gazing at the principal with uncertainty.

"I think... I think I'll just let you off with a warning today, okay?" Miss Cameron said with a small nod. Her elbow rested on the smooth tabletop and her head was propped up by her hand. She was careful not to mess up her bun, but also felt too conflicted to really care about her hair.

"Oh. Really? Wow... Thanks, Misses Cameron," said Charlie. He was still in a bit of shock from the principal's previous statement, but was grateful nonetheless.

"No problem, Charles. Just know that if you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm always here," said Miss Cameron with a slight nod and a warm smile. "Also, Charles, if you could call me Miss Cameron instead of Misses."

"Sure, Miss," he replied, "Will you call me Charlie?"

"Of course."