Characterization

In chapter 8 of Hank the Cowdog, John Erickson is still developing Hank's simple, yet complex personality. John has shown us before Hank is likely to think he is a pretty big shot, whether it's with the women or in solving crimes. Early in the chapter Hank is talking about being a writer, yet he can't even spell. He tries to focus on the larger art of writing and excuse his bad spelling, but it just falls flat. Hank is a braggart, and author Erickson allows us to see that clearly.

On pages 84 and 85 John also shows us Hank is lazy. He sleeps 'till noon, then eats what Missy has brought him, then he goes back to sleep. How downright lazy is that?

The last thing John Erickson does in chapter 8 is very, very interesting. He spends the whole chapter, in a way tearing down Hank's reputation in our mind. He's a braggart, a drunk, hangs around wth the likes of Rip and Snort, then Hank totally trashes little Drover, who is slowly becoming our hero. Hank goes back to singing with his new 'friends' and leaves Drover to guard the ranch. Totally bad. But in the last sentence, John allows Hank to have a little bit of a conscience. Singing with the good old boys was not as fun as it previously was. I can imagine an emptiness in Hank. He knows he's done wrong, and his little buddy Drover has shown this to him in clear, easy to understand, language. Hank is not a worthless coyote after all. The force is still strong within him, though right now buried rather deeply.