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 tak