This Boy’s Life by Tobias Wolff has some very small characters in it, but the character Dean Makepeace can be described as one of the more understanding characters.
Dean Makepeace is strict but is also understanding when he needs to be. Tobias states, “I felt a hand on my back. Dean Makepeace kept it there for a moment, then gave my shoulder a squeeze and left the room.” In other words, Tobias observes that instead of Dean Makepeace telling him to leave or to stop, he is understanding and give Tobias a few moments to calm down and collect himself. Another example of his understandingness in this story can be seen also on page 21. Dean Makepeace states, “If you’ll be good enough to clear things up with Gershon, we can put this to rest. The