Lit 3 - Compare 2 Characters

Based on the novel Step by Wicked Step by Anne Fine, there are two characters that show some distinct differences and similarities. The characters are Richard and Colin. Both of them come from broken homes and families and have gone through many ups and downs. 

One of the similarities between Richard and Colin is their love for their father. Both miss their fathers dearly and wish for nothing more in the world than to be able to reunite with them. Richard was just a young boy when his father passed away. Colin, on the other hand, moved away with his mother when his father was away. While Richard has lost his father forever, Colin was still searching for his. He is determined to find his dad by saving up. ‘One day, I’m going to have enough to go back and find him.’ 

Both Richard and Colin were ignored by their mothers. Love and attention were scarce in their lives and as a result, they didn’t feel wanted. Lilith, Richard’s mother, did not defend him when Reverend Coldstone, Richard’s stepfather, treated him badly. Colin’s mother however is oblivious to the fact that Colin misses his dad because she is too busy working at the canteen and doing household chores. It is evident that both of them did not feel their mother’s love as any child should.

Last but not least, both of them wanted to run away as they thought it would be able to make things work. Richard ran away from home with the hope that he would make life more pleasant for everyone in his family. Colin on the other hand plans to run away to find his step-father as he really misses him. In the end, Richard realized that running away does not solve any problems but only make things worst while Colin still plans on saving money to search for his step-father. 'I'm saving up now....enough to go and find him.' page 61.

     In conclusion, the two characters suffered much pain and sorrow when they could not be with their father anymore. Not only that, they had to go through it on their own as no one cares about them and about how they felt. There was nobody to advise them on what to do. We should be aware that running away does not solve any problems. In fact, it may affect the people around us. Therefore, we need to think wisely before making a serious decision in life.