Character Introductions: Maus v. Essex County

In Maus we learn a lot about Vladek through his own words as he describes memories from his past during the war. His son, Artie, wants to know more about his aging father's life experiences and their dialogue reveals more about the father/son relationship they have. For example we lean that Vladek was a successful businessman and owned his own company before the war, as well as more about his religious beliefs and ... during his time as a prisoner of war. 

In Essex County, Book One we learn about Lester through his dialogue with the other characters he encounters. Because he is new to the 'farm life' and has just recently started living with his uncle, he is meeting many new people in the town and as he gets to further know his uncle as well as his surroundings many things are revealed about his character. Take the scene at the beginning of the story when Lester travels to the gas station and is treated to a comic. While at the gas station he meets Jimmy and through their conversation we find out more about Lester's comic interests, and later his uncle tells him more about Jimmy and his past. 

What is common in both stories though, is that there are other individuals within each story driving the further development of these two main characters. In Maus Artie is trying to get information from his father and through his questions and their interaction it brings out more about Vladek. And in Essex County the new people Lester meets are trying it get to know him and through doing so we get to know him as well.