The Innocent Man by Pamela Colloff has 2 different major themes for nonfiction, characterization and plot. The article goes to great lengths explaining the character of the protagonist Michael Morton making it a characterization. The article also goes on to develop the plot of the story and how it unfolds, almost making the story read like a novel. Both characterization and plot are both the central elements to the writing. Michael Morton’s life story with his wife is revealed early in the story. He met his wife Christine in 1976, in a Psychology class, while attending Stephen F. Austin State University. (Colloff 69) For their first date, he took her out in a borrowed Corvette and Christine told her friend that she thought he was “the One” (Colloff 69) They later married and had a son named Eric, who happened to have a heart condition. Eric has surgery when…show more content… The story is told from Michael’s point of view for the most part. His thoughts and feelings are revealed. In the beginning, we are told that Michael is aloof and has a sardonic sense of humor. “A running gag between them involved Michael calling out, ‘Bitch, get me a beer!’ (Colloff 69) That inside joke between them, did not look good when he wife was found murdered. Michael also didn’t react to the news of his wife’s death that seemed normal. He showed almost no emotion and even cut up his wife’s precious rose bush. Michael’s behavior is what led people to believe he was guilty initially. The article is composed of 2 major elements of nonfiction: characterization and plot. The plot has a beginning, middle and an end. The plot is well developed and concludes with a climax, when Michael is exonerated and the real killer is brought to justice. There is a resolution with Michael rejoining society and fixing his relationship with his son. Michael’s character is described throughout the article and his abnormal behavior is what makes him look
