Personality in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler Each person has a distinct and identifiable personality. These personalities are the basis of who we are and how we live our lives. As we grow up, these personalities are formed through associations and manipulations of the personalities of others. This is clearly evident in Mordecai Richler's The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz. In this novel we follow the life of Duddy Kravitz from early adolescence to adulthood. Signs are given throughout the novel about the development of Duddy's good and bad personalities. Even in the early stages, Duddy's uncle Benjy was the only one who could identify them and know what the end result would be. Despite all of this, we watch these personalities grow to the point that they begin to overwhelm each other and eventually only one will be left. As a young student, Duddy began his life by making friends and increasing his status. This can be seen when he demonstrates himself as a person who opposes authority. This gives him the appearance of a bold and daring individual; someone who should be admired and respected. Duddy's charisma also stemmed from made-up stories that were used to arouse other people's interest in Duddy. This is evident when he refers to his brother "Bradley"; "He's going to take me to South America. We're going to get a yacht. I mean, all he has to do once he gets out is dig up that buried money and..." Duddy tells these stories as if they were true, just as his father Max does at the local bar on St. Urbain Street. Max, on the other hand, tells the stories of the infamous "Boy Wonder" Jerry Dingleman, a local legend among the people who live on St. Urbain Street. Even though these stories aren't real, Duddy uses them to help him manipulate others into believing what he wants too. This becomes an invaluable resource when Duddy leaves school and starts his own business. Aside from the fact that Max had a great influence on Duddy, Simcha Kravitz, Duddy's grandfather had another great influence on him. Unlike Max and Duddy, Simcha was sincerely respected. He did not need to create elaborate stories to captivate and intrigue the minds of his listeners to earn their respect. He behaved properly in the community and was eventually known as "a man of singular honesty and some wisdom".