By smartcubs Noodle is a character from the story “The Dear Departed” by Stanley Houghton. He is a minor but significant character who adds depth to the narrative. This character sketch will provide an overview of Noodle’s characteristics, personality traits, and role in the story.
Introduction
Noodle is a secondary character who plays a crucial role in providing comic relief and highlighting the main themes of the story. He is the neighbor of the Jordan family, and his interactions with the main characters shed light on their personalities and the overall situation.
Physical Appearance
- Ordinary Looks: Noodle is described as an average-looking man, without any particularly distinguishing features. His appearance is typical of a middle-aged man of his time.
- Neat and Tidy: He is usually well-groomed and presentable, reflecting a certain level of respectability and orderliness.
Personality Traits
- Good-Natured: Noodle is generally good-natured and friendly. He gets along well with the Jordan family and tries to be helpful.
- Curious: He is curious about the happenings in the Jordan household and often finds himself involved in their affairs, sometimes unintentionally.
Behavior and Attitudes
- Helpful: Noodle often tries to assist the Jordans in various ways. His willingness to help, even when it might not be entirely welcome, shows his kind-hearted nature.
- Mild-Mannered: He is mild-mannered and avoids confrontation. This trait makes him a non-threatening presence, though sometimes he is taken for granted by the Jordans.
Emotional Traits
- Sympathetic: Noodle shows sympathy towards the family, especially during times of crisis. He is empathetic and tries to provide comfort.
- Easily Influenced: He can be easily influenced by the opinions and decisions of others, particularly the more dominant personalities in the story.
Key Incidents
- Neighborly Visits: Noodle frequently visits the Jordan household, often bringing news or trying to help with various tasks. His visits sometimes lead to humorous situations.
- Involvement in Family Matters: He becomes involved in the family’s discussions and decisions, providing an outsider’s perspective that often highlights the absurdity of the Jordans’ behavior.
Relationships
- With the Jordan Family: Noodle shares a cordial relationship with the Jordan family. He is their neighbor and is often seen interacting with them in a friendly manner.
- With Other Characters: His interactions with other characters are limited, but he generally maintains a polite and respectful demeanor towards everyone.
Lessons Learned
- Importance of Kindness: Noodle’s character emphasizes the importance of kindness and neighborliness. His actions, though sometimes seen as intrusive, are driven by a genuine desire to help.
- Comic Relief: His presence in the story provides comic relief, balancing the more serious themes and conflicts within the Jordan family.
Final Traits
- Oblivious: Sometimes, Noodle appears to be oblivious to the more subtle tensions and conflicts within the Jordan family. This obliviousness adds to the humor of his character.
- Well-Meaning: Despite his occasional cluelessness, Noodle is well-meaning and good-hearted. His intentions are always positive, even if the outcomes are not always successful.
Noodle’s character in “The Dear Departed” serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness and neighborly support. His interactions with the main characters provide both comic relief and insight into the dynamics of the Jordan family, making him a memorable and endearing part of the story.