Ralphie "Woofer" Chandler is the younger brother of Donny and Willie. Ralphie is only ten years old at the time Meg and Susan come to the house. Ralphie enjoys cruelty even before Meg arrives, as he passes his time watching red and black ants eat worms. Ralphie is also the first to use a knife on Meg, and although Ruth is clearly aware of the dangers, it is doubtful Ralphie understands the true danger of his actions. When he draws blood, Ruth cauterizes the wound using her cigarette. He also is the first to use fire, and enjoys scalding her with hot water. His mother tells him of dancing girls, and Ralphie finds himself with sexual concepts far before an age where such ideas are understood. Ralphie's character shows the dangers of a young child in the presence of older children and an unstable mother. His problems existed prior to the introduction of Meg, and continue beyond her. In the end, Ralphie is convicted as an adult for burning two women to death after raping them.
FOLLOW BOOKRAGS:
