Response to Chad

                I really enjoyed Chad’s story! The main character is George, I think, but the change occurs in Stephen. I find this really interesting because I didn’t feel like Stephen’s character was quite as fleshed out as George’s. George wants to kill Brian, another character in the story, and in the end he does. The story was told in a way that didn’t lead the reader to suspect this ending, though, which I appreciated.

                I loved the tone of the story. The run on sentences really added to George’s sociopathic tendencies. The characterization of all three characters was excellent as well. I think the point of view really added to this because we knew what everyone was thinking, and it worked out very well. I also really enjoyed the pacing of the story, up until the end. Then it felt rushed, and I was left wanting.

                 The ending felt a little cliché, as far as Stephen’s reaction. I don’t think anyone would really fall to their knees if they saw their decapitated friend; they might be confused, shocked, and so on, but I’m not sure if they would immediately fall to their knees.

                While we’re on the topic of Stephen, I would love to see a little more depth to his character. For instance, in the beginning he shows a love for Bach, but after that all I interpreted him as is a redneck who liked classical music. Maybe there could be a conflict between George’s view of Stephen and Stephen’s actual characterization? I feel like that would add to both of these characters. For Stephen, it would make him a little more believable, and for George, it would add to that crazy-guy image.

                Also, in the ending, we see George kill Brian by decapitating him with the trunk-door of his car. However, I feel like that would be really loud; for no one to be suspicious and come out of the gas station is unbelievable.

                It was a really enjoyable read, however! I’d love to see what the revision looks like.