Final answer:
The author utilizes the historical setting in 'The Refusal' to craft intricate and authentic characters, such as the colonel, by grounding their personalities and actions within the specific time period and cultural context.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author utilizes the historical setting in 'The Refusal' to craft intricate and authentic characters, such as the colonel, by grounding their personalities and actions within the specific time period and cultural context.
One way the author accomplishes this is by highlighting the colonel's adherence to the societal norms and beliefs of the historical setting. For example, in Chapter 2, the colonel is portrayed as a strict disciplinarian, reflecting the hierarchical military structure prevalent during that time. This historical context shapes the colonel's behavior and interactions with other characters, adding depth and authenticity to his portrayal.