Character Analysis
The Lottery: by Shirley Jackson
Character's Name: Mr. Summers
Is the character flat or round? Why?
Mr. Summers is round, because we know a pretty good bit about him and his history (or at least as much as a short story allows). For instance, he is the Civic Activities Director for the town.
Is the character static or dynamic? Why?
Most of the characters in this story are static, because there is no real change in their behaviors or lifestyles. Mr. Summers doesn't change at all during the story, making him no exception.
What are three things that motivate this character's actions in this story?
Fear, Tradition, and responsibility basically control Mr. Summers.
Is this character a protagonist or an antagonist? Why?
In our society, he would be considered an antagonist, to be the organizer and participant of such a brutal and gruesome game of chance, but to the villagers, and perhaps even to Tessie herself, he would be considered the protagonist, for no reason other than that they believe the lottery has a special value.
Quotes:
Page 4: "'Hi, Steve'... They grinned at each other humorlessly and nervously."
This shows that, although Mr. Summers "Runs" the lottery, he is just as nervous and worried as everyone else.
Page 5: "'Bad enough to see young Joe Summers up there joking with everybody.'"
To begin, Mr. Summers/Joe is young (in the eyes of Old Man Warner at least); contrary to his attitude, and secondly, if shows that nearly everyone both dislikes and likes the lottery.
Page 5: "And Mr. Summers said, 'Take your time, son.'"
This demonstrates that Mr. Summers is like everyone else: he doesn't want a young member of society to die, nor anyone else.
Page 6: "'Daughters draw with their husband's families, Tessie,' Mr. Summers said gently."
Mr. Summers said gently. It is as if he is sad that it had to be them, and glad it was not himself, and is trying to calm a frightened child. This shows his remorse for killing someone in their family.
Page 6: "'How many kids, Bill?' Mr. Summers asked formally."
Formally. Kind of like he has a business air about him. Just another lottery. Once a year, every June. He shows remorse in his own way, but seems to be desensitized to the whole process.