Who are the main characters typically like in James M Cain short stories?

There are often American characters, especially young, innocent Americans. They might be traveling in Europe or encountering Europeans in America. For example, in some stories, there are young American women who are exposed to the more refined but sometimes devious European society. There are also European characters who represent the established, traditional ways of the Old World.

Detectives are common main characters. They are often tough - minded individuals trying to solve crimes in a difficult and corrupt environment.

One of the notable themes is often crime and its consequences. His stories frequently explore the seedy underbelly of society and how characters get involved in illegal activities. For example, in some of his works, the allure of quick money through illegal means drives the plot.

The main characters are often ordinary people. They could be clerks, students, or just regular individuals living their daily lives. However, they are thrown into extraordinary situations. For instance, in some stories, a simple housewife might suddenly find herself in a parallel universe. These characters are usually introspective, constantly thinking about their situation and trying to make sense of the strange things happening to them.

The main characters are usually complex individuals. They have a mix of good and bad qualities. Some may seem initially unlikable, but as the story unfolds, you understand their motives and the circumstances that made them who they are. They are often on a journey of self - discovery, whether they realize it or not. They might be dealing with personal traumas or desires that drive their actions throughout the story.

The main characters are often ordinary people. They could be a poor laborer, a struggling artist, or a simple housewife. They face the daily challenges of life.

They are often ordinary people caught in extraordinary situations. For example, a simple factory worker who suddenly finds himself in a world where time is all mixed up. They can be cynical too, having seen the worst of life and yet still trying to make sense of it all.

They are often misfits. Men who are down on their luck, drink too much, and have a hard time fitting into society's norms. They might be blue - collar workers with a chip on their shoulder, always feeling like the world is against them.

Many of the main characters are introspective. They tend to spend a lot of time thinking about their own lives, their past actions, and their relationships. For instance, a character might constantly question whether they made the right decisions in the past.

Many of the main characters are outsiders. They don't quite fit into the society around them. They might be people with different beliefs or values compared to the majority in the story's setting.