Analyze the minor characters in the story "Worn Path."Eudora Welty

The minor characters of Eudora Welty's "A Worn Path" are
those characters who are either part of the cause of Phoenix Jackson's setting forth on
the path to the clinic, along the way, or at the end of the worn
path.

Phoenix's
grandson

The pitiable "little bird" as
Phoenix describes him, is the driving force of the story; his condition is the
sole reason Phoenix tenaciously moves forth upon the path to the clinic in order to
obtain medicine.  More than a physical being, the grandson acts as a spiritual guide for
Phoenix; her love is what energizes her towards her goal.  In fact, some critics feel
that the grandson is dead already.

The
hunter

A stock character, the hunter acts
and speaks in a stereotypical manner.  The hunter is the Southerner with the rifle and
his dog, uncaring of anyone who comes along.  His remarks to Phoenix indicate his
attitude of superiority to the "old colored people" like Phoenix.  For instance, he
humorously asks her what she is doing on her back, helping her up.  But, while he gives
her assistance, his patronizing attitude toward her is apparent in his remark that
"colored people...wouldn't miss going to town to see Santa Claus."  He, then, turns his
attention to his dogs, about whom he is more concerned.  In another instance, of his
disregard for Phoenix, he tells her he would give her a dim, but he has nothing with
him, not realizing that Phoenix has already taken a nickle which has fallen from his
pocket.

The
nurse

The nurse plays an important role in
that she provides information to the readers and she effects the climax of the
narrative.  A stock character, too, like the hunter, the nurse treats Phoenix in a
condescending manner, as well:

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"You mustn't take up our time this way," she
says, exasperated when the woman lapses into a spell of forgetfulness, "Tell us quickly
about your grandson, and get it
over."

Like the hunter, the
nurse represents the conventional opinion of blacks as inferior and not worthy of
attention and respect that would be given to persons of another
race.