The main character in Evan Hunter’s short story entitled “On the Sidewalk Bleeding” initially believes that his identity was represented through being in the Royals, but later understands that there is no pride or support being in the group, and being himself is the best option. His changing understanding is revealed through the use of actions of characters, 3rd person point of view (through thoughts), and symbolism.

Actions of characters: “He rolled away from the jacket and lay quite still. breathing heavily, listening to the sound of his breathing and the sounds of the rain and thinking: Rain is sweet, I’m Andy.” The action of him rolling away from the jacket shows that he doesn’t want to be connected to the Royals anymore after getting stabbed.

3rd person point of view (through thoughts): “Even in his pain, there had been some sort of pride in knowing he was a Royal. Now there was no pride at all.” The quote showed the change of Andy’s view towards being in the Royals from having pride to having none.

Symbolism: “if he had not been wearing the jacket, he wouldn’t have been stabbed. The knife had not been plunged in hatred of Andy. The knife hated only the purple jacket. ” The purple jacket symbolized Andy’s choice to join the Royals, also the reason he is stabbed.