Similar Characters in Raymond's Run And Two Words Novels

Surprisingly Similar

Although characters have differences in lifestyles, it is the similarities in personalities that causes two characters to be alike. Two characters that demonstrate this is Squeaky from "Raymond's Run" by Toni Cade Bambara and the Colonel from "Two Words" by Isabel Allende. Squeaky is a strong willed young girl who is a very successful runner in her area, and the Colonel is a determined man who is feared and seeks respected power as a ruler in the near future.

Even though they come from different backgrounds, Squeaky and the Colonel are similar.

One similarity between the two characters is both the Colonel and Squeaky are intimidating. In “Two Words”, the Colonel’s wishes were being described as he imagined how he would be treated with respect and honor as he strolled through town. Although, he soon realized that this sort of treatment was not present when he noticed that "[m]en fled at the sight of him, children trembled, and women miscarried from fright" (Allende 388).

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People's reactions to the Colonel's presence shows that the Colonel is intimidating because people are acting in a way they weren't before. The fleeing, trembling, and hyperbole of miscarriage of the people show that they are uneasy and scared around the Colonel, which are signs of intimidation. Additionally, in “Raymond’s Run”, as Squeaky talks to Mr. Pearson before the big race, Mr.Pearson asks if she is going to give someone else a break this year. As Squeaky responds with a look of annoyance, Mr.

Pearson continues to talk and says ‘[o]nly six girls running this year...” (Bambara 186). Mr. Pearson’s comment shows Squeaky is intimidating because many girls are deterred from running this year’s race. Other girls did not run because they didn’t think they had a shot at winning. In the past, many girls have run in this race. Although, as Squeaky has won the race every year, it appears the number of girls running has started to dwindle. This demonstrates that her impressive ability to run has intimidated other girls from running in this year's race. Both the Colonel and Squeaky are intimidating characters by affecting those around them.

Another similarity between the Colonel and Squeaky is both characters are committed when it comes to accomplishing the goal they’re striving for. Squeaky discusses the large responsibility she has when it comes to her brother. While describing how sometimes it can be strenuous to look after him, she says that it’s really not that bad when he doesn’t cause harm, “...or interrupt my breathing exercises, which I have to do on account of I’m serious about my running…” (Bambara 182). Squeaky’s comment shows she is committed because it is directly stated. Squeaky expresses that she does breathing exercises in order to maintain and improve her running, showing she commits time to that particular passion in order to get better. Likewise, the Colonel suggests that he had the power to overthrow the government, the way other past rulers have gained controlled, but ‘[t]he Colonel however, did not want to be just another tyrant..[i]t was his aspiration to win the popular vote in the December elections” (Bambara 388). The Colonel’s aspiration to rule shows he’s committed to his goal because he knows exactly what type of ruler he wants to be, and how he is going to be that. By not gaining power the easiest and most common way other rulers have previously gained control demonstrates that the Colonel is serious about his desire to become the type of ruler he wants to be. The Colonel and Squeaky show their similarities through their shared commitment to goals.

Despite their different situations, Squeaky from “Raymond’s Run” and the Colonel from “Two Words” display several similarities in their personalities. Both the Colonel and Squeaky are committed to their individual goals. Also, the Colonel and Squeaky are intimidating characters. Although having differences, these two characters display that they are similar.