There are many famous characters in literature, all with their own menacing qualities and depraved actions. None, however, struck a chord as devastating and frightening as Joyce Carol Oates' friend Arnold's "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" Seducer of young girls and incarnation of Lucifer, Arnold Friend is anything but a friend. Arnold Friend is introduced through both actions and appearances, and these combine to diminish his likability, while adding to his evil persona. Although Arnold Friend's traits are never stated outright, they are presented through his speech and interactions with other characters, which ultimately creates a more impactful effect and lasting impression. Arnold Friend is the devil in human form. However, as his physical description progresses, he becomes more and more unreal and caricatured with each feature. Everything that Connie, protagonist and object of Arnold Friend's desire, sees resembles something else she knows, familiar and recognizable. These traits do not, however, create a homologous character; rather, it is an awkward set of incongruities. If a trait doesn't look borrowed, it looks fake or imitated. His hair is "shaggy [and] shabby...it looked crazy like a wig", and Connie's assertion is reinforced when he puts his sunglasses on his head "as if he were actually wearing a wig" . Arnold Friend already seems put together, completely different from human characteristics. Connie describes the way he is dressed, as well as his body type, as being similar to all the other boys. In every physical detail, Arnold Friend looks more and more like the devil taking on the appearance of a typical teenager so as not to frighten young girls. "His face was familiar... in the middle of paper... he's the prey. Arnold Friend never has thoughts, only outward appearances and words. Arnold Friend puts an evil and threatening pressure on Connie , who Ultimate gives in, like a young girl fascinated by the gaze of a vampire His appearance, his words and his actions combine to form a terrifying character who seems both reasonable and improbable. There are people like Arnold Friend. , not as incoherently put together, and yet he seems to be an extraordinary case of a stalker. A small, if insignificant, aside about his name, Arnold Friend, is that with the R's his name would read A'nold F'. iend, or "An Old Fiend", that is to say the devil But no matter, Arnold Friend is very accurately portrayed as a corrupter of youth and a deflowerer of virgins. balance, it would seem less dangerous and less attractive..