Dec 28, 2009

The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel | Characters

Ardell
An African American soldier in a "strangely unreal'' uniform who functions as Pavlo's alter-ego throughout the play. Only Pavlo can see or hear Ardell, and Rabe uses the device of this character to depict Pavlo's extremely confused state of mind. Ardell moves in and out of the fragmented action, creating a mood of expressionism throughout the play. Ardell allows the audience a glimpse into Pavlo's interior character at crucial moments in the play; he also provides a point of transition between scenes. At the close of the first act, Ardell tells Pavlo, "Ain't doin' you...