Character’s Character;
The Making of a Villain
The Alligator River Story

Defining good and evil in literature use to be an easy task. The Alligator River Story is a good example of modern literature where all of the characters’ have questionable traits. Each character in The Alligator River Story has a character flaw that enhances the stories plot. Judging each character’s actions objectively can be challenging because of the prejudice that many have. This blog is an attempt to assess each character in this story.

Abigail has a dilemma, sleep with Sinbad and be with Gregory or reject Sinbad and live without Gregory. I find her decision be appalling. Sleeping with Sinbad left her with the result did not want: to live a life without Gregory. In the first sentence of the second paragraph an interesting word was use to describe here actions with Sinbad. It was concupiscence. This word means to do with lust or desire. The use of this word gives a view of Abigail that we might miss. Abigail knew and enjoyed what she had done. Her true character came out in the later part of the story when she reveled in the fact that Gregory was “getting his due.” I would rate Abigail’s actions a five.

Gregory, in this story, was the man scorned. The only fault that I see in Gregory’s action is he did not attempt to cross the river himself. I guess chivalry is dead. Gregory made no attempt to see his lover. Gregory’s distain for Abigail’s actions shows that he did not love her as much as she loved him. Gregory’s inaction, by not attempting to see Abigail, earns him a two.
Sinbad, the boat captain, is the easiest to rate in this story. He is an opportunist who too advantage of the situation. I fell that most people would consider his actions reprehensible. People like Sinbad are boils on the butt of Society. I rate Sinbad a five.

Ivan’s answer to Abigail’s request helps to provide more meaning to the story. Ivan, a friend, did not want to get involved. Why. If Ivan loved Abigail his action would be very clear. Ivan could have thought that Gregory was not good for Abigail. No matter how you judge his actions I feel he was looking out for Abigail’s best interest. I rate Ivan a one.

Slug must be Alligator Rivers' bully. Abigail knew full well what would happen when she told Slug her tale of woe. Slug did exactly what he was programmed to do. Slug’s actions could also have been based on a desire to be with Abigail. Slug’s actions were wrong and illegal. I rate Slug a five.

The Alligator River Story has very interesting characters. Some of the characters I can empathies with others I despise. The rating of each character can make an interesting debate for anyone.