Question

Select the correct answer.

Read this description of the character Jimmy Valentine in O. Henry's short story “A Retrieved Reformation.” Based on the description, which sentence best sums up the character of Jimmy Valentine?

Jimmy Valentine serves time in prison for breaking into safes. The authorities release him early, hoping that he will change his ways for the better. As a free man, Jimmy immediately goes to his old apartment to pick up his favorite tools for breaking into safes. He decides to leave town and go to a new place to rob a new bank there. However, when he reaches a new town, his plans change. Jimmy falls in love with a girl and decides to leave his old unlawful days behind. Later, when a little girl is trapped in a bank safe, Jimmy opens the safe to save the girl. However, he is not tempted to take any money from the safe.

A.
He is an antagonist because he steals from others for a living.
B.
He is an antihero because he has a criminal background.
C.
He is a static character because after leaving prison he resumes his criminal ways.
D.
He is a flat character because he doesn’t show any other traits besides being a thief.

Answer 1

I would say B?

Step-by-step explanation:

The others don't make that much sense:

A - He becomes good in the end, and doesn't steal through the whole story

C - He doesn't return as a criminal

D - He does show other traits, such as compassion.

So in my opinion, B would be the best answer.