Hickock And Smith Character Analysis

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Throughout the story, the two main characters work together and try to rob a family, yet the family ends up dead. Hickock and Smith are two totally different people from contrasting backgrounds. Their backgrounds play a huge role in the character they are. The individuals differ in childhood experiences, physical appearance, and personality. Within the story we get a description of both murders overtime. The two men are total opposites in many ways. Perry is described as a small man, but very muscular in his upper arms and chest. His feet and legs, however, are small and delicate. Perry bis said to have stiff Indian hair and Irish Indian blend skin ( ). On the other hand, Dick is tall yet strong. As we get farther into the story and we find out more about their physical appearance, we can create an image of Smith and Hickock. Mrs. Hickock says: “No, sir, I wouldn’t have him in the house. One look and I saw what he was. With his perfume. And his oily hair. It was clear as day where Dick had met him” (169). Mrs. Hickock was quick to judge Perry just by his appearance. Within this quote Mrs. Hickock is saying with just a look at Perry she could tell that he is the reason her son is in trouble. Not once did she accuse her own son, Dick. Perry and Dick’s home …show more content…

Perry was a religious, sympathetic man. He talks about his relationship with a squirrel, that he then names Red. Perry would spend his time with him and teach him tricks (254). He felt bad each day when he had to leave Red. The relationship that Perry had with him shows how kind-hearted he actually was. Capote also classifies Dick to be more savage and barbaric than Perry. Capote describes his behavior when running down dogs; "'Boy!' He said-and it was what he always said after running down a dog, which was something he did whenever the opportunity arose. 'Boy! We sure splattered him,'" (112-113). This barbaric and cruel behavior casts quite a poor light on

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