You're Ugly, Too
By: Lorrie Moore

Moore does a great job of using characterization throughout this short story.  With the use of this literary device, readers are able to figure out about Zoe Hendricks' personality.  Zoe is a very sarcastic person.  She uses sarcasm and humor throughout the entire story; I think she uses this as a way to act like she is okay with her life.  However, it isn't hard for readers to realize that Zoe is pretty lonely.  Besides her sister Evan, she really doesn't have anyone.  She describes a few past relationships that all failed.  In addition, she doesn't seem to have a good relationship with her students.  The story features many different excerpts of student reviews about Zoe.  For example, one student said "Professor Hendricks has said critical things about Fawn Hall, the Catholic religion, and the whole state of Illinois.  It is unbelievable" (355).  This shows that Zoe is always willing to state her opinion about everything, and she doesn't care whom she says it to.  However, her opinions are very offensive to others.  I would assume that she has no filter.  Another way to characterize Zoe can be seen in her Halloween costume.  She dresses as a bone.  I think that this illustrates her hard attitude towards love.  She basically just doesn't believe in love.  Also, she isn't even happy for Evan when she and Charlie get engaged.  Overall, Moore's use of characterization allows readers to understand the personality of Zoe Hendricks.  This is possible through her dry humor and lack of emotion towards love.