Many times, Russell creates sentences, stories within her stories, that show how two characters react differently to the same situation. We see the effects of the marriage on her and Clyde and how their desires are quite opposite. By bringing us to the past, Russell explains the present (this is an excellent way to structure the story).Īlso one must notice that by seeing their interactions, we learn about Magreb as well. We learn that Clyde used to believe all the tales of vampires and lived a good portion of his life as the “stereotypical vampire.” We then see the meeting of Clyde and Magreb, an important moment that shows Clyde’s 3D dimensions as a character because he is capable of change.

Through their dialogue and interaction, we learn about their past and therefore learn about their characters. Magreb’s importance comes from her stark opposition to Clyde. After that, Russell introduces the minor character Magreb. We have established that she structures her story by first setting the scene and introducing Clyde. They never guess that I am a vampire.” By giving us this important characteristic at the beginning of the story, Russell is setting the stage for Clyde’s progression as a vampire.

On the first page she writes, “ They whisper that I am a widower, or an old man who has survived his children. Interestingly enough, Russell gives a quick reveal of the main “plot twist” of the tale very early on in the story. She paints his character by first comparing him to the people around him (“nonnos”), which artfully and slyly also provides the reader with the setting for the story: Italy. In the short story Vampires in the Lemon Grove, Russell begins the story with an introduction to our protagonist: Clyde.

Vampires in the lemon grove sparknotes