“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, Billy tells Johnnie Mae, "I'm going to the gym to workout." [ Pg.27 ] Actually he thought of telling her the truth that he was going to fight in the ring again. His dishonesty is very worrisome because he might get hurt or he could possibly die. Second of all, Billy tells Johnnie Mae, "I finished high school." [ Pg.34 ] Since Billy lied he can't get a well-paying job. Billy lies about high school which is a enormous part of his life. Third of all, Billy would have to tell Johnnie Mae," I changed my mind, that the thirty-two inch television set was too big for our small living room." [ Pg.36 ] He envy for the best television which he can not afraid to, force himself to lie to himself and Johnnie Mae. As readers, however, we are able to empathize with Billy because he just wants to provide for his family.


Johnnie Mae appears to be an incredibly caring wife and person. Firstly, Johnnie Mae asked Billy," You're not eating anything?" [ Pg.27 ] Johnnie Mae cooked dinner for Billy being hungry because Johnnie Mae cooks dinner for Billy because Johnnie Mae loves Billy and Johnnie Mae cares for Billy. Secondly, Johnnie Mae tells Billy,"Don't stay out too late."[ Pg.27 ] She then reaches up and touched the tip of his nose with her finger. Johnnie Mae cares that Billy might leave her for another woman. She cares if he comes home earlier. Third of all, Johnnie Mae picked the money and threw it on the floor. Then, realizing that she had hurt him, picked up the money and put it carefully on the dresser. After When they are sleeping," Billy found Johnnie Mae's hand and held it. Even in her sleep she took his hand and squeezed, that gentleness, the knowing that the gentleness would always be there, that through all the nights of pain to come, she would be there for him."[ 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.