Narrator

The Narrator, often referred to as "Bub," is a central character in the story, undergoing significant personal transformation. Initially, he is uncomfortable and somewhat jealous of his wife's connection to Robert, the blind man. This insecurity manifests itself as both self-consciousness and disdain for the blind man's visit. Despite these feelings, the Narrator's perspective shifts profoundly during Robert's visit, particularly when they attempt to visualize a cathedral together. This moment of shared imaginative vision transcends mere intellectual engagement and introduces the Narrator to a world of deeper joy and empathy, moving him from a state of vanity and selfishness to one of personal discovery and connection to others.

Narrator's Wife

The Narrator's Wife, although unnamed, plays a pivotal role in the story. Her past friendship with Robert, formed when she worked as his reader, serves as the narrative's catalyst. This bond with Robert endures as a vital constant in her life, providing an emotional outlet through their exchange of tapes. Her life as an airforce officer's wife has been marked by frequent relocations and challenging conditions, leading to a profound sense of loneliness and isolation that once drove her to attempt suicide. The visit from Robert is significant to her, and she insists on her husband's courteous behavior. Despite falling asleep before the climax, her relationship with Robert facilitates her husband's epiphany, ultimately leading to his transformation.

Robert

Robert, the blind man, is presented as a figure of geniality and naturalness, who significantly influences those around him. His visit to the Narrator and his wife not only rekindles his enduring friendship with the wife but also sets the stage for the Narrator's transformation. Through his openness and willingness to engage in shared experiences, such as the powerful drawing of a cathedral alongside the Narrator, Robert embodies empathy and understanding. This interaction not only bridges the gap between blindness and sight but also unveils the Narrator's own spiritual and emotional blindness, ultimately leading to a transformative experience for him.

Characters in "A Small Good Thing"

The characters in "A Small Good Thing" experience profound transformations through shared anguish and unexpected moments of connection. The mother and father, grieving the loss of their son Scotty after a car accident, endure emotional turmoil heightened by a seemingly cruel, persistent phone call from the baker. The mother's eventual confrontation with the baker at his shop leads to a pivotal moment of reconciliation and understanding. Realizing his own loneliness and diminished humanity, the baker offers solace by sharing freshly baked bread, marking a moment of healing and communion. This gesture helps to alleviate the parents' sorrow, illustrating the power of empathy and shared humanity in overcoming grief.

The unnamed male narrator, referred to as ''Bub'' by Robert, the blind man, serves as the protagonist of the story. The events unfold through his perspective. In the opening line, the narrator casually states, ‘‘This blind man, an old friend of my wife's, he was on his way to spend the night.’’ The narrator feels envious of his wife's friendship with the blind man. He is dissatisfied with his job and feels isolated from others. His wife mentions that he has no friends.

The narrator is displeased about the blind man's visit. He appears uneasy with the concept of blindness, his wife's bond with Robert, and his own difficulty in connecting with people.

Following an evening of heavy drinking and smoking pot, the narrator turns on the television and begins describing what he sees to the blind man. When images of a cathedral appear on the screen, the narrator, often inarticulate, struggles to describe it. The blind man then teaches him to "see" the cathedral through drawing.

Robert is a blind friend of the narrator's wife. He is well-traveled and highly educated. Years earlier, the narrator's wife worked for him as a reader, and they formed a close friendship. At the beginning of the story, Robert has recently lost his wife and is traveling across the country to visit his late wife's family. He arranges to spend a night with the narrator and his wife. During his stay, Robert demonstrates that he is a patient and kind individual, deeply caring for the narrator's wife. Despite the narrator's rude behavior, Robert remains pleasant and sociable.

Robert and the narrator share several drinks and smoke marijuana together. After the narrator's wife falls asleep, the narrator turns on the television. Robert then asks the narrator to describe a cathedral to him. When the narrator struggles to do so, Robert suggests that he draw one instead. Placing his hand over the narrator's hand as he draws, Robert teaches the narrator how to truly experience a cathedral. Through this shared activity, Robert helps the narrator grow and gain new perspectives.