Free Yunior: Character Analysis Literature Review Sample

Yunior is a developing character over a series of minor narration events in, mainly, a dating scene. Typically for younger daters, narrator guides Yunior in what appears to be his first date. The conflict, by which Yunior's character continues to be informed, is developed early on. The very first story line – "Wait for your brother and your mother to leave the apartment" – is suggestive of later mischief. Further instructions to appear neat and clean – by clearing government cheese, removing embarrassing photos and making bathroom presentable – speak of Yunior's anxiousness as he prepares for his date. The narrator puts readers into a mood of anticipation after opening lines uncover "frenzy" preparations for an anticipated date. The conflict Yunior continues to experience ebbs and flows as Yunior waits, receives, cuddles and says goodbye to his date.
At first, few remarks are made about Yunior's background: "Union City," "tía," "government cheese," and "campo". However, as narration advances, more pours in about him.
As Yunior waits for his date, his inner conflict and sense of anticipation is amplified in minor details mentioned by narrator as she guides Yunior in his dating. The act of waiting is, indeed, expressive of Yunior's anticipation. Yunior, narrator advises, would wait for an hour and if his date did not show up, he would have to call her home. The father's voice over phone – or, for that matter, a mom's (unwelcomed) escort to his date – intensifies Yunior's inner conflict as he keeps checking for his date, going back and forth between his couch and corner. As his date shows up, Yunior is further advised what to do on his first date.
Embarrassing details about neighborhood stories, Yunior is advised, should be brushed away and only interest-capturing details should be shared. One of Yunior's deepest fears, Yunior is reminded by narrator, is his nemesis Howie. To avoid embarrassment and being bullied by Howie – a stock character whose sheer brutality is delineated in releasing his mutts upon cats which are shredded – Yunior is advised to keep his cool and never lose a fight on his first date. This should ensure he keeps his image –and his date.
Tension dominates Yunior's dinner with his date. That is why, readers would sense, Yunior should share and approves his date's account of stories.
Conflict reaches a climax as Yunior becomes alone with his date at home. Kissing, making out or mere hair caressing, Yunior is advised, should be approached very carefully depending on girl's racial background. Interestingly, one peculiar – and very local – way by which Yunior vents his macho side after making out with his date is his confession to one of his associates: "Lo hice, loco" ("I did it, crazy") This is, again, a very emblematic remark of Yunior's cultural background and eventual release and conflict resolution.
After an hour of his date's departure, Yunior should keep his cool, he is advised, by not picking up his ringing phone. This serves as an anti-climax following a protagonist's release from conflict. Moreover, dating set-up is returned back to normal business as Yunior is reminded to put government cheese back or his mother would kill him. The readers are, in fact, reminded of who Yunior is. After all, Yunior is a little kid waiting for his (probably older) brother and mother to leave in order to be with his date. Eventually, Yunior is a round character whose developments unfold as his conflict is resolved over story events.