Ambrose is the main character in the story and serves as the author's alter ego, or other self. At thirteen, he is "at that awkward age," and in addition to the usual adolescent gawkiness, he is exceptionally introspective and self-conscious. Ambrose is not only just becoming aware of his sexuality, he is experiencing the first inklings of his artistic temperament. In the narrator's words, "There was some simple, radical difference about him; he hoped it was genius, feared it was madness, devoted himself to amiability and inconspicuousness."
That Ambrose's father wears glasses and is a principal at a grade school is essentially all the description the story provides. Later in the story, the narrator describes the boys' father as "tall and thin, balding, fair-complexioned." At times he betrays a disgruntled nostalgia for.....
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