Final answer:
The main character in Mary Oliver's 'Oxygen' is Dorothy Wordsworth, portrayed as knowledgeable and perseverant. Minor characters like Mrs. C. and a young woman provide contrast as flat and static characters. Character interactions and relationships with the narrator help define the story's dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characterization in 'Oxygen' by Mary Oliver
The main character in Mary Oliver’s 'Oxygen' is portrayed through various words, phrases, and details that contribute to her character development. Dorothy Wordsworth, the narrator, is the most developed and dynamic character. Although we don’t get a physical description of Dorothy, her knowledge of botany and her persevering spirit through stormy weather hint at her character traits. In contrast, Mrs. C. is depicted as a flat and static character with limited background information, known only for her reference to a plant as "pile wort."
Characters in the poem are also described by their relationships and interactions with the narrator. For instance, the young woman is a flat and static character, known for treating Dorothy kindly. The characters William and Mary are mentioned in ways indicating close relationships with the narrator.
These characterizations are essential for understanding the dynamics of the story, where each character plays a role in highlighting the themes and contributing to the overall message of the text.