Vivian Yee describes Robert Shelton in a way that makes us feel as though we know him on a personal level. To a degree, he is established in a way as a character who is not simply an interviewed person for a profile. Instead, we get to know Robert Shelton.

Shelton is able to shine through his words, the way he describes his return to the factory. “Once this is down, years from now, it’s going to be forgotten”, illustrates the attachment and overall sadness he feels. He is given emotions on a level deeper than answers to simple and bothersome questions.

Yee dives even deeper into Shelton’s character by providing back story and going into details that chronicle his life. A man that works three jobs at any point in his life is sympathetic with most New Yorkers, myself included.

The feelings that Shelton has for the factory and the neighborhood is illustrated as he highlights the differences from back then to recent day. He is painted even deeper as a sympathetic character when his personal situations are described. He is clearly strong willed, being a widower who runs errands for a paralyzed woman.

Overall, the profile extends beyond your run of the mill. Instead a simple intrigue, there is sympathy, compassion and understanding. A profile that works emotion, no matter how little, will always be more effective in my opinion. This profile does just that.