Who are the most memorable characters in Stanley Elkin short stories?

One of the main themes is often the human condition. His stories might explore how people deal with the absurdities of life. For example, characters could be facing situations that seem out of place or unfair, and through their reactions, we see different aspects of human nature.

There could be a character like Tom. He might be memorable because of his unique personality, say he's very brave in the face of danger. Another one could be Mary, who has a really kind heart and is always helping others in the stories.

In many of her stories, the older female characters are quite memorable. They carry a wealth of life experiences and often have a quiet strength. For instance, the mother figures who have endured a lot in their lives and yet still manage to hold their families together.

The character of Philip Carey in 'Of Human Bondage' is very memorable. He is a young man struggling with his physical disability, his love life, and his search for a career. His experiences of love and rejection, as well as his attempts to break free from his self - imposed 'bondage' make him stand out. Then there is Kitty in 'The Painted Veil'. She starts as a rather vain and self - centered woman but through her experiences in a cholera - stricken area, she undergoes a transformation, which makes her a memorable character. Also, Strickland in 'The Moon and Sixpence' is unforgettable. His single - minded pursuit of art, regardless of the cost to himself and those around him, is quite striking.

Nanny Ogg is quite unforgettable. She's a jolly and somewhat bawdy witch. Her songs and her carefree attitude, along with her loyalty to her friends, make her stand out. And then there's Cohen the Barbarian. He's an old - age hero who refuses to go gently into retirement. His adventures and his unorthodox ways of dealing with problems in the short stories are really engaging.

Charlie Bucket from 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' is really memorable. He's a kind and humble boy. Then there's Matilda, a very intelligent girl who stands up to the unfair adults in her life. And the Big Friendly Giant from 'The BFG' is also quite unforgettable with his unique way of speaking and his gentle nature.

One memorable character is Lennie from 'Of Mice and Men'. His child - like innocence and his great strength make him stand out. Another is Ma Joad from 'The Grapes of Wrath'. She is strong - willed and determined, and she holds her family together during their difficult journey.

One memorable character is Pierre Menard from the story 'Pierre Menard, Author of the Quixote'. He attempts to rewrite 'Don Quixote' word for word not as a copy but as an original work. His complex and almost absurd ambition makes him stand out. Also, the old man in 'The Aleph' who discovers the Aleph, a point in space that contains all other points, is a character that lingers in the reader's mind due to his encounter with such a mind - boggling concept.

Jeeves is a very memorable character. He is the extremely intelligent valet who always manages to get his master out of trouble. Bertie Wooster is also memorable. His bumbling and somewhat clueless nature makes for many humorous situations.

One memorable character is the old farmer in some of his rural - themed stories. He represents the hard - working and simple - minded people of the countryside. His struggles with the land and the elements are very vividly depicted. Another is the young girl who is full of hope in a rather gloomy social setting. She stands out as a symbol of innocence and the will to strive for a better life.