Characterization

The characterization of the narrator in Daniel Orozco's Orientation is prominent throughout the piece. He has created a character using a distinctive method of teaching the audience about the narrator through their descriptions of other people in the office. Factors that help characterize the narrator for the reader are: the speaker's pace, the lack of detail about themselves and the meticulous knowledge of everyone else in the office.

The narrator appears to be acutely observant of others, as he/she uses short direct sentences with focused descriptors of each worker. He/she also doesn't seem too concerned about respecting private wishes of those colleagues. Telling a brand new employee such personal details (such as Amanda Pierce's sexual habits with her husband) shows the narrator's desire to be seen as a highly knowledgeable individual with great insight into the characteristics of others. In reality, many who try to portray themselves in this way end up being seen as simply a know-it-all. The know-it-all type of person often has less respect from others than they wish to have, and their efforts only make matters worse.

As the orientation continues, the narrator's personality becomes more apparent. The narrator does not seem too concerned with teaching the audience about the actual job responsibilities, but rather wants to have a gossip session about those who work in the office. Sharing that Barry Hacker's wife died because of a sort of "curse" imparted by Anika Bloom identifies for readers that whoever this tour guide is plays the "Blame Game", and the Bloom girl is seen as a scapegoat by the narrator. This type of dialogue shapes opinion and perpetuates the continuing interest in workplace gossip.

The author has created a fast paced story in which the speaker uses short, direct sentences. The use of these short and snappy messages is a necessary tool in assisting the