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The round character always develops, changes, and grows. In the novel, Grant Taylor experiences the changes in his thoughts, feelings and behavior. From those
changes, Grant can be categorized as a round character. Based on the theory of character and characterization that is stated by
Robert and Jacobs, in analyzing a character in a story, there are some important things that should be understood by the researcher. The researcher should
understand every single action, speech, and thought of the character 1989, p. 119. Murphy also states that a character can be described by looking how the
author expresses the character in the story 1972, pp. 161-173. By applying this theory in this study, the researcher will be able to find out the answer of the first
question that deals with Gra nt‟s characteristics described in the novel. Therefore,
the following points below show the characteristics of Grant that appear in the story whi
ch has been analyzed using Murphy‟s theory.
a. Doubtful
Grant Taylor has many problems in his life. His problems are not only in his family but also in his football team. One of his problems is when his best
player transfers to another football team. It makes his strongest players should play both ways, defend and attack. It means that he should rebuild his team. This
condition makes Grant feel doubtful of his ability in coaching. Still, it‟d been six years, going on seven. Brady had been here with Grant
every step of the way.
Someday,
Brady thought, I’d like to have my o
wn shot at this.
On the other side of the desk, Grant stared at the season‟s game schedule with a look of despair.
“So basically, we got the toughest schedule we ever had and less talent than we ever had
” p. 41. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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From the statement above, a doubtful characteristic of Grant is clearly shown in
his action when he sees the season‟s game schedule. He feels desperate when he knows that his team gets the toughest schedule. It means that he does not
believe of his players‟ ability so that it forces him to rebuild his team. He looks like a person who is lost before fighting. It means that he is not sure that his
players can be the winner in the season. Grant characteristic as a doubtful person is not only shown in his
perception of his player. It is also shown when he knows that some parents do not like him. In six years of coaching, he cannot make his team become a winner. It
makes the parents of his players doubt his ability in coaching. One day, they have a secret meeting without telling Grant, but unintentionally, Grant over hears their
conversation in the meeting . They talk about Grant‟s ability in coaching.
Pervis , one of players‟ parents, concluded, “We‟re losing booster support,
game attendance is down, and from the looks of it we‟ve already lost this season. We‟ve got a weak program, because we‟ve got a weak coach. He‟s
dead weight. We need to cut him loose.” Others around the table voiced support of this statement. With slumped shoulders, Grant retreated toward
the exit door and think of himself. It’s over. Don
e.
I’ve given it all I’ve got, and it’s just not good enough pp. 81-82.
From the quotation above, it can be seen that other characters‟ opinions
make Grant Taylor feel like what they have said. Murphy says that analyzing a character can be done by analyzing the way of the character thinks 1972, pp. 171-
172. In the statement above, it clearly shows Grant ‟s thought that he is not good
enough for being a head coach in his football team. He becomes unconfident of himself. It makes him feel doubtful of his ability in coaching. Those problems also
