Old Man and the Sea- Chacter anlysis of the store owner.

Although the character of the store owner may seem small he was a big part of the main characters life. This is one reason why I feel he should have had a larger role in the story itself. The store owners actual name is Martin. He owns the store directly below the main character, Santiago El Cameon. They never really describe his age or his looks in the story which kind of makes sense because Hemingway didn't see him of that much importance. In the story he is the owner of a cafe. This is why he would always give Manolin food and drinks to bring to Santiago. (Hemingway) Santiago never payed for any of the food or drinks. This shows that Martin has a very high regard for the old man. He has a level of respect for him that many of the townspeople do not have. This also shows how he has a very big heart. Most store owners, especially today, would give anyone anything for free. This only happens if they themselves get something out of it. For him to be this unselfish gives the store owner a bigger role in Santiago's life because it shows that someone besides Manoling cares about him. This is why I feel that Martin should have been given a lager part because he was one of the people helping keep Santiago alive because he had nothing to eat or drink and no way of paying for it either. This character shows that there was still kindness in the town but just very little of it because of the Great Depression going on. There were many characters in the book that weren't given very much effort of detail put into them. For some this made sense such as Manolins dad, newspaper guy, and the tourist women. These people didn't play life or death roles in Santiago's life. In my opinion Martin did which would be a reason I would have at least given him a face in the story.