Bartleby the Scrivener

Bartleby the Scrivener
Herman Melville

In this story, characterization played a key role. By acquainting the reader with the characters in the story, Melville allows the reader to look further into the actions of the story. Melville begins the story by having the speaker briefly describe himself as a someone who doesn't let his work "invade his peace" (Melville). The reader keeps this piece of information in mind while reading the characterizations of the other characters. In describing Turkey, Nippers, and Ginger Nut, the speaker briefly describes each character and provides anecdotes for each to explain further their characteristics. For example, the speaker described Turkey as an overly energetic man. The speaker explains his statement by providing an anecdote about Turkey's ink blots and an instance that he attempted to send Turkey home after lunch. The speaker goes on in the story to describe Bartleby.  Bartleby refused to do anything, which upset Turkey, Nippers, and even the "peaceful" speaker. Melville revealed that Bartleby was actually more stubborn than he was passive. Although Bartleby refused to argue, he was stubborn because he refused to comply with others requests. Instead of doing as he was told, he replied "I would prefer not to" (Melville). In a sense, the entire story could be considered a characterization of Bartleby. The speaker described the other characters through anecdotes, and the speaker described Bartleby's character through a prolonged anecdote.