How does the text develop the character of the old man, and how does this

characterization contribute to the meaning of the story as a whole?

The story of The Old Man With Enormous Wings reveals how humans may respond differently to who is weak, dependent or different. It has moments of compassion but mostly of cruelty throughout the story, because of the old man intriguing presence.

His human body with the unexpected wings looks not completely human nor magical or surreal. His human side is shown by his filth, disease and infirmity. Also by his rare reactions to the others that gathered to watch him and seek for healing and comfort.

The doctor was amazed that such an unhealthy man could still live and also how the old man's wing seemed natural. The narrator speak of the "lunar dust", "stellar parasites" and the "consolation miracles" bringing his genuine supernatural qualities, but keeping his nature a mystery.

The story goes around the old man and the poor family he appears to. They couldn't understand him and just kept him there because their son got better from a serious disease. They basically gave him food for they wouldn't be responsible if he died, but they kept him locked in the kitchen coop, attracting many curious. They started to get real wealthy charging the people fees to watch the old man. After the curiosity was over they were able to change their life and build a new home. Later on maybe regretting for the way they treated the old man that one day just flew away.