Characterization

In the short story Hunters in the Snow, author Wolff does not directly characterize the three men through description. Rather, he uses their dialogue and action to shape the view the reader has of them. For example, Frank's dialogue and actions are essential to his characterization.  One essential line of characterization is when Frank says, "You can't just put people into categories like that, Tub. That's why the whole system is wrong. And that's why the country is going to hell in a rowboat" (Wolff, 198). Ultimately, Frank is a hippie. He is against the confines of society. Rather, he believes in a laid-back life, living as he pleases. This aspect of his character is further revealed when speaking with Tub about his love for the babysitter:

"But she can't be more than-" Tub shook his head.
"Fifteen. She'll be sixteen in May." Frank smiled. "May fourth, three twenty-seven p.m. Hell, Tub, a hundred years ago she'd have been an old maid by that age. Juliet was only thirteen."

Here, we see Frank's disregard for the opinions and norms of society in the face of his own feelings. He would rather live by his own accord. Moreover, his carefree attitude is also illustrated when he is moving Kenny after Kenny was wounded. He laughs, "'Ha ha. That's the spirit. Get ready, set, over you go.' ....Kenny screamed and kicked his legs in the air" (Wolff, 195). Here, Frank once again has no regard for others or their feelings, and chooses to do as he pleases even though he is obviously putting Kenny in intense pain.