Table of ContentsIntroductionManipulative NatureConfrontational StylesSocial InteractionChristianityConclusionIntroductionThe stories “A Good Man is Hard to Find” and “A Bullet in the Brain” depict the grandmother and Anders respectively. These two characters have various traits that affect their interaction and actions. Throughout both stories, these characters are major figures and exhibit different characteristics. This article will contrast and compare the two characters from the two short stories. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayManipulative Nature Both Grandma and Anders are manipulators. In "A Good Man Is Hard To Find", the grandmother is portrayed as a manipulator who does not want to go to Florida simply because she has friends to see in Tennessee. She therefore tries by all means to change Bailey's mind (Short Stories, 297). Whenever something clashes with her will, the grandmother tries to get what she wants. She uses subtle manipulation tactics, such as trying to scare Bailey with crime reports when he plans to travel to Florida. She even says, “I wouldn't take my children in any direction with a criminal like that on the loose” (Short Stories, 296). She proves her manipulative nature through her efforts to convince people not to go to Florida for her benefit. Similarly, in "Bullet in the Brain", Anders is also revealed to be a manipulator. First, after listening to the ladies speak negatively about the bank teller, he develops his “own immense hatred for the teller” (Short Stories, 480). Her intention is to manipulate the other ladies and make them even angrier with the teller, which could cause a commotion in the bank. Anders' manipulative nature is even more evident when armed men enter the bank. He tells the lady perceived to be the bank teller that "justice is served" (Short Stories, 480), intending to manipulate the gunmen into sparing him while shooting the lady. Thus, through their selfish nature, both characters exhibit manipulative tendencies. Conflicting Styles Both characters are conflicting, but they exhibit different styles. It is revealed that the grandmother never says what she thinks directly; instead, she communicates in a confrontational manner. For example, when Bailey insists on going to Florida with the kids, she becomes confrontational and mentions that the kids have already been to Florida. She uses confrontational tactics, using the children to persuade Bailey to fulfill their wishes (Short Stories, 302). In contrast, Anders openly displays his conflicted nature from the start. When he observes the bank teller chatting with another man instead of attending to customers, he becomes confrontational and criticizes her behavior, saying, "I think that's a pretty lousy way to treat your customers" (Stories short, 481). He continues with statements like "Unforgivable. Heaven will take note." While both characters are conflicted, the grandmother's style is subtle and tactful, while Anders is openly angry and direct throughout the story. Social Interaction There is a contrast in their level of association with other people. The grandmother seems much more friendly and sociable. She insists on visiting friends in Tennessee and enjoys the company of children. She interacts well with the children during the trip to Florida, creating stories and engaging with them (Short Stories, 296-297). Conversely, Anders does not seem.