By smartcubs Fowler is one of the main characters in the short story “The Midnight Visitor” by Robert Arthur. As a writer and journalist, Fowler finds himself unexpectedly involved in a thrilling and dangerous adventure. His character provides a contrast to the experienced secret agent, Ausable, and highlights the themes of perception versus reality and the unexpected nature of bravery.
Introduction
Fowler is a young writer and journalist who seeks excitement and adventure, qualities he believes are inherent in the life of a secret agent. His encounter with Ausable, a seemingly unimpressive spy, challenges his preconceptions and thrusts him into a situation that tests his nerves and understanding of true bravery.
Physical Appearance
- Young and Energetic: Fowler is depicted as a young man, likely full of energy and enthusiasm.
- Typical Journalist: His appearance is not described in detail, but he likely carries the typical look of a journalist, perhaps with a notepad and pen, always ready to capture a story.
Personality Traits
- Curious and Adventurous: Fowler’s primary motivation for meeting Ausable is his curiosity and desire for adventure. He seeks the thrill and excitement he associates with espionage.
- Inexperienced and Naive: Compared to the seasoned Ausable, Fowler is inexperienced and somewhat naive about the realities of spy work. He has romanticized notions of what a secret agent’s life entails.
- Nervous and Easily Startled: Throughout the story, Fowler’s nervousness is evident. He is easily startled and unprepared for the danger that arises.
Relationships
- Admiration for Ausable: Fowler initially admires Ausable, hoping to glean exciting stories from him. However, his admiration is tinged with skepticism when Ausable doesn’t meet his expectations of a spy.
- Contrast with Ausable: Fowler’s character serves as a foil to Ausable. Where Fowler is anxious and inexperienced, Ausable is calm, composed, and resourceful.
Key Traits of Fowler’s Character
- Curiosity: Fowler’s curiosity drives the story forward. His desire to experience the life of a secret agent leads him to Ausable’s apartment.
- Naivety: His naivety about the true nature of espionage is evident in his reactions and expectations.
- Nervousness: Fowler’s nervous disposition contrasts sharply with Ausable’s calm demeanor, highlighting his inexperience.
Actions and Behaviors
- Seeking Adventure: Fowler’s actions are motivated by his search for excitement. He hopes to witness thrilling spy activities firsthand.
- Startled by Danger: When faced with actual danger in the form of the intruder, Max, Fowler is visibly nervous and unsure how to react.
- Learning Experience: The events of the story serve as a learning experience for Fowler, providing him with a more realistic view of the life of a secret agent.
Impact on the Story
- Catalyst for Action: Fowler’s presence and his quest for excitement set the stage for the unfolding drama in Ausable’s apartment.
- Perspective Shift: Through Fowler’s eyes, readers experience the contrast between the romanticized view of espionage and its reality. His perspective shift highlights the story’s themes.
Emotional Complexity
- Fear and Anxiety: Fowler’s emotions swing from excitement to fear as he encounters real danger. His anxiety is palpable throughout the tense moments in the story.
- Disappointment and Respect: Fowler’s initial disappointment in Ausable’s appearance and mannerisms gives way to respect as he witnesses Ausable’s quick thinking and resourcefulness.
Cultural Context
- Reflective of Readers: Fowler’s character reflects the readers’ own potential misconceptions about the life of a spy. His journey from naivety to understanding mirrors the reader’s own realization about the true nature of espionage.
- Everyman Figure: As an everyman figure, Fowler’s reactions and emotions are relatable, making the story’s suspense and resolution more impactful.
Key Moments
- Meeting Ausable: Fowler’s initial meeting with Ausable sets the tone for the story. His disappointment is evident when Ausable does not match his expectations of a dashing secret agent.
- Encounter with Max: The arrival of Max, the intruder, is a pivotal moment. Fowler’s fear and confusion are contrasted with Ausable’s calm and calculated response.
- Resolution: Fowler’s realization of Ausable’s cleverness and bravery provides a satisfying resolution to the story. He gains a newfound respect for the unassuming spy.
Summary of Fowler’s Character Journey
- From Naivety to Realism: Fowler’s journey is one of moving from naive expectations to a more realistic understanding of espionage. His experiences challenge his preconceptions and broaden his perspective.
- Experiencing True Danger: Through his encounter with Max and the tense situation in Ausable’s apartment, Fowler experiences true danger, gaining insight into the complexities and subtleties of spy work.
- Respect for Ausable: By the end of the story, Fowler’s initial skepticism turns into admiration for Ausable’s quick thinking and bravery, highlighting his own growth and the theme of unexpected heroism.
Fowler in “The Midnight Visitor” serves as a bridge between the reader and the story’s world of espionage. His curiosity, naivety, and eventual realization about the true nature of spy work provide a relatable and engaging character arc. Through Fowler’s experiences, readers are invited to reconsider their own perceptions and appreciate the unassuming bravery that often goes unnoticed.