Character Sketch

Connie, obsessed with being adored and catching men's attention, is at the verge of abandoning childhood and entreing an adult life. But though she seems to be searching for independence, Connie remindes me of a lamb, vulnerable and lost, somewhat even pushed by constant critisim of her mother, whose help and protection the girl subconsciously needs. Her mind is full of trashy dreams, she desires to reveal her femininity and sexuality, and yet she is somehow scared of the consequenses, as her inner child is still alive and doesn't want to face all the cruelty of the world.

Arnold Friend is depicted as a predator, as a hawk who has found his victim, cruel and unstoppable, but still there is something ridiculuos and derisive about him. He lookes as a forty-year-old child, he is clumsy and awkward, pretending to look and talk and behave like a teenager, being afraid of his possible failure. Arnold Friend is ultimately a malevolent figure who wishes to harm Connie. His friendliness is an act designed to draw his victims to him. In this context his name is not only ironic but sinister: one more attempt to lull Connie into a false sense of security.

Connie's blooming sexuality is both a source of social and cultural power and a weakness, which allows Arnold Friend to manipulate her. Exploiting the young girl’s willingness to engage in what appears to be harmless flirting, he lures her into a much more dangerous situation. And here Connie appears to be the one about whom Bob Dylan sang "It's All Over, Baby Blue".