Characterization in "Araby" Characterization is a major part in many short stories. The characters in a short story shape the story to make it more interestingto read. The main character of a story usually has human personalities that are familiar to the reader. All boys have a "crush"on an older girl when they are young. In "Araby", James Joyce showsall the feelings and emotions of a young boy's love for his friend'solder sister. The story takes place in Dublin, Ireland in the young narrator'shouse. A deceased priest had once owned the house and left behindsome books which the young boy enjoys reading. The boy takes thestories that he reads and applies them to his own life.