Mark

Mark is a sixteen-year-old inner self defined by routine labor and passivity. Called “the workhorse,” he performs monotonous tasks for the others, but does not initiate work on his own; when no task is available, he stares at the wall, a stillness that gives rise to the nickname “the zombie.”

Identity and Role

Mark’s place in the inner group is practical rather than self-directed. He takes care of repetitive work, but only when the others tell him what to do. The description presents him less through a personal objective than through the function he performs for the group.

Conduct and Characterization

The contrast between his steady labor and his lack of initiative shapes Mark’s characterization. He can carry out monotonous tasks, yet does not decide what should be done next. In the absence of instructions or work, he simply stares at the wall. “The workhorse” describes his usefulness to the others; “the zombie” captures the inertness associated with his unoccupied moments. The account supplies no further action or change in his role.