How is Raymond, as a key character, portrayed in the novel The Outsider?

How is Raymond, as a key character, portrayed in the novel The Outsider?

We see each character in the novel The Outsider through the narration of Meursault’s eyes. However we as the audience do not paint a picture of each character based only on what Meursault says. The whole description is built of stories, other people’s opinions, the characters actions, reactions and their habits. Raymond is one of the most important characters who happen to turn the whole novel around.  His characteristics might just be key to the whole novel. Therefore I look at how his character is displayed throughout the story.

Meursault’s description of Raymond’s physical appearance is quite short compared to the other factors, which Meursault takes into account. From the physical description we are already pointed towards Raymond’s self confident and presumptuous character. He is described as being ''fairly short, with broad shoulders and a nose like a boxer.'' Although Meursault never takes notice, or describes, Raymond’s characteristics, the reader is bound to make conclusions based on the descriptions given by Meursault. In this case when Meursault describes Raymond as ''fairly short, with broad shoulders''. The reader can assume that even though Raymond is at a disadvantage (being short) he stands true for what he believes in, which is portrayed by the broad shoulders. The '' nose like a boxer'' stands to back that up because the comparison to a boxer can be associated with the fearless behaviour of one in the ring. Hence we come to the conclusion that Raymond will always fight for who he is or what he believes in, despite any disadvantages he might have or be in. From the short description, which is provided by Meursault we also come to the conclusion that he does not judge, people based on their looks.

Secondly we can understand more of Raymond’s character from what others deem of him. Meursault does not pin what others think of Raymond to him, it doesn't change his opinion in any way. ''Local people say he lives off of women.''  This is a conclusion, which Meursault would have never thought of, therefore Camus presents it in the book as something the local people think of Raymond, to help the reader understand more about him.  The reader can therefore understand that Raymond takes no consideration with the feelings of others and has no remorse. This is later on reassured when Raymond openly admits that he knows what other people think. ''He immediately added that he knew what local people said.'' He mentions it to turn down such a conclusion but the mere action of bringing it up portrays that he simply doesn't care what others say. This is because we later find out that the local sayings about Raymond are correct, he disagrees with them yet he doesn't do anything to change their assumptions. Showing that he simply doesn't care.

Furthermore, as I have mentioned earlier Meursault does not take any notice of characteristics. Therefore Camus has included Raymond’s characteristics into the novel through Raymond’s own words.  ''It's not that I'm a troublemaker, but I am no coward.'' Again Raymond talks about himself not only to reassure Meursault but also to give a better idea of who he is to the reader. Referring back to my first paragraph Raymond’s description of himself proves that he stands strong for what he believes in and that he never underestimates himself. As conveyed by ''I am no coward.''  On top of that Camus has Raymond explain his own story so that the reader can make conclusions about him more easily, mainly because he is less narrow minded than Meursault.  ''He went for me first.'' Through Raymond’s description of the event, not only can the reader tell that Raymond never carries the blame himself, we can also relate back to Meursault’s visual description of him as our conclusion of his presumptuous character is bolstered.

Lastly as Meursault describes the physical condition of Raymond’s room, we can make assumptions of his character through objects. ''His room was dirty and the bed unmade.'' As Meursault is a very literal observer the reader only receives a limited amount of knowledge on Raymond’s character from Meursault. However from literal descriptions such as ones of his room we as the reader can conclude quite a lot about him. The fact that his room was left in a poor condition points to Raymond’s lack of the primary principle of order and hygiene. From him leaving the room, he spends most of his time in, untidy also conveys that he is unable to organise himself to find the time where he could clean it up for the sake of his well being. Otherwise it simply shows that Raymond does not care.  ''Some photos of famous sportsmen and two or three pin ups.'' The vague description of his room decor shows that he just doesn't care. Using words such as ''some'' and ''two or three'' portrays the random placement of the objects in his room and links back to Raymond’s untidy nature.

In conclusion if the novel was to be written primarily from Meursault’s mind, without any quotations, stories or thoughts of other people, it would be very hard for the reader to paint a picture of each character. This is because Meursault as a narrator is very honest however at the same time he can focus on something completely unimportant and as a result can come across as narrow minded. What we also learn is that Raymond is a very universal character, one which is typically confident and full of self esteem, someone who is bound to start a conflict and turn the novel around.