“CLOZE” Essay:

Characterization in The Fighter

“The Fighter” is a short story written by Walter Dean Myers. The story is about a man named Billy who is a young father and husband living in New York City. Billy seems desperate to earn money for his family. Even though his wife does not approve, he participates in boxing matches in order to make extra income. Myers presents both Billy and his wife, Johnnie Mae, as strong characters with distinct traits: Billy is a dishonest man while Johnnie Mae is a caring person.

Billy is clearly a dishonest man. First of all, he lied to Johnnie Mae, Billy told his wife, "He was just going to the gym to work out". If he'd told Johnnie Mae the truth, that he was going to fight again, he knew she would have cried. (pg.27) Johnnie Mae would cried if she knew Billy was going to box again. Second of all, Billy told Johnnie Mae, that "He'd finished high school", even though he didn't. (pg.34) The bad thing about Billy lying, is that Billy might not find a well paying job in the future. Third of all, Billy wanted to buy a thirty-two-inch. Then he wants to tell the t.v seller that the "Thirty-two-inch set was too big for their small living room". (pg.36) As readers, however we are able to empathize with Billy because his just trying to help his family.

Johnnie Mae appears to be an incredibly caring wife and person. Firstly, she saw billy in pain, and threw the money on the floor. Then she realized that throwing the money hurt Billy, so she picks the money up and puts in on to the dresser, Pg;36, Secondly, she cares about billy event if he lies to her. A example is when she holds Billy's hand during her sleep, knowing that billy needed it. That made billy feel better, and helped Billy sleep,and get though the night , Pg; 38




This story has the power to teach us a lot about our own lives. These characters, even though they may be flawed and not perfect, provide valuable lessons that readers can learn from. On the one hand, Billy is a dishonest person, but he is also a hard-worker and a father who desperately wants to provide for his family. Also, through Myers’ portrayal of Billy’s life we are able to learn about the importance of the decisions that we make during our teen years because Billy’s poor childhood decisions
significantly affect his adult life. Johnnie Mae also teaches us something important about real life. She teaches us that we ought to be caring and forgiving. She teaches us to react to others with compassion and kindness. Her ability to forgive Billy can serve as an example for all of us.

In conclusion, both Billy and Johnnie Mae represent strong characters who have different traits. On the one hand, Billy is a man who has been repeatedly dishonest with himself and with his wife. Johnnie Mae is a woman who is able to overcome her disappointment and frustration in order to be caring partner. She has every reason to be angry, yet she chooses forgiveness. This story and these characters remind us that it is important to be both honest and caring in life.