logo

After Twenty Years

O. Henry

After Twenty Years

O. Henry

  • 23-page comprehensive Study Guide
  • Chapter-by-chapter summaries and multiple sections of expert analysis
  • The ultimate resource for assignments, engaging lessons, and lively book discussions

After Twenty Years Character Analysis

Bob (the Man from the West)

Even though the story begins with the patrolman, later revealed to be Jimmy, the story revolves around the first protagonist, Bob, who Jimmy speaks with early in the story. Bob is a wealthy man, vain and bragging, who wears expensive, flashy items and is happy to talk to an apparent stranger, like the police officer, about his success. However, Bob is also a devoted and loyal friend demonstrated by the fact that he kept his promise and showed up for his friend, even though they hadn’t communicated in over a decade. Bob at first appears to the reader to be the ideal best friend, and certainly he identifies as such: he has traveled a thousand miles to meet Jimmy, maintaining his identity as a loyal friend. The reader finds out, however, that Bob is “Silky” Bob, a wanted criminal who has not found his fortune but has taken it by force. It is a surprise to find that the main character is actually wanted by the law, which complicates Bob’s character, showing how a criminal can be loyal and desire a sense of belonging.

blurred text

Unlock this
Study Guide!

Join SuperSummary to gain instant access to all 23 pages of this Study Guide and thousands of other learning resources.
Get Started
blurred text