The Misfit is the central antagonist in Flannery O'Connor's short story "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," an escaped convict who embodies a complex and terrifying form of evil.
Identifying The Misfit
The Misfit is an escaped convict who is on the run with two other criminals. His presence is ominously foreshadowed from the very first paragraph of the story, as the Grandmother reads about him in the newspaper, setting the stage for his eventual, chilling appearance. He finally confronts the Grandmother and her family at the story's dramatic climax.
The Misfit's Role and Actions
Despite his polite and philosophical demeanor, The Misfit is a ruthless killer. His interactions with the Grandmother reveal a character deeply preoccupied with questions of faith, suffering, and justice, all while he commits horrific acts of violence.
Here's a breakdown of his key attributes and actions:
- Identity: An infamous escaped convict who is the subject of local news.
- Companions: He is accompanied by two fellow criminals, Bobby Lee and Hiram, who act on his commands.
- Demeanor: He initially presents himself as remarkably courteous and articulate, engaging in profound philosophical discussions with the Grandmother about good, evil, and the nature of belief.
- Brutal Actions: This politeness sharply contrasts with his actions. He directs his henchmen to take the family members into the woods and kill them one by one. Ultimately, he personally shoots and kills the Grandmother after a disturbing conversation about salvation and grace.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Character Type | Primary antagonist, a figure representing a morally ambiguous and nihilistic worldview. |
| Introduction | Mentioned early in the story as a dangerous criminal, building suspense for his eventual appearance. |
| Key Traits | Philosophical, articulate, and outwardly polite, yet capable of extreme, cold-blooded violence. He struggles with his own understanding of good and evil, often reflecting on his past and his perceived punishments. |
| Impact | He serves as the catalyst for the story's tragic conclusion, forcing the Grandmother to confront her own faith and ultimately leading to the demise of the entire family. His encounter with the Grandmother is central to the story's themes of grace and redemption. |
For a deeper understanding of the story and its complex characters, including The Misfit, various literary discussions offer insightful analyses into Flannery O'Connor's themes and narrative techniques.
