Top Man Characters.

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James Ramsey Ullman has created two memorable characters in his brief story “Top Man.” Martin Nace and Paul Osborn are two unforgettable characters that are equivalent yet contrasting in many ways. They are both experienced mountain climbers with the common goal to climb the mountain Kalpurtha, also recognized as K3. This gigantic frame of rock situated in the Himalayas with an altitude of 28,900 feet. Kalpurtha is made up of sedimentary limestone. Martin Nace, Paul Osborn and eight other mountain climbers have hopes of climbing Kalpurtha, the forth-highest peak in the world, located in India. Martin Nace and Paul Osborn have many differences. Paul is a young twenty three year old American gentleman. He has just come out of college and is anxious to climb the mountain. He is very straight forward, arrogant, annoying, and stubborn. He is not concerned about his or anyone’s safety. He feels that Nace is old and doesn’t have what it takes anymore. He has experience from the Rocky Mountains and alp’s. He is very talkative and enthusiastic. He is a wonderful person to watch. He inspires the rest of the group. At the end of this short story he changes his attitude, ends up climbing the mountain for Nace. Martin and Paul have many differences. They both look at their lives from different perspectives. Martin Nace is an old British man climbing Kalpurtha (K3) for his best friend Captain Furness. He has experiences with K3 and climbed it six times. Nace is Nobel, trustworthy and self-sacrificing. Nace is more cautious and careful. Nace is quick thinking, but strategy planning. Nace makes sure everyone always is and stays safe. He had died trying to save Osborn’s life. As you can see “Top Man” Is an exciting yet depressing story. Kalpurtha is shown to be very important to Nace and Osborn. Life lessons were taught, self-sacrificing was made and happiness and sadness were

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