Somerset Maugham's "The Outstation" tells an entertaining story that comments on the human condition itself. It is a story based on the conflicts of two very different men. These characters seem drawn from reality, each living in their own little world. Pride blinds them to the world around them, and leads them to misery. Conflict and character are central to Maugham's theme. .
Maugham reveals facets of the characters with a few techniques. Through dialogue, we get hints at what the characters feel about each other and themselves. We also find out what kind of people they are through their use of language. For example, it is clear in the way Mr. Warburton speaks that he is prim and cultivated. When Allen Cooper speaks, it is clear that he is rough around the edges because of his use of jargon. We also learn a lot about the character through the use of their actions. Daily routines and treatment of others by the characters give us more insight into who they are. Through authorial comment, the narration gives us more understanding of each character. These techniques also show us the building conflict in the story. .
The conflict between the two characters starts right at the beginning of the story when the Resident, Mr. Warburton, is first introduced to his new assistant, Allen Cooper. Bad chemistry and tension between the two is noticed immediately. Warburton and Cooper are very different men and this first scene illustrates this with their differences in mannerisms and language. Cooper speaks, at first, with "exuberant joviality." Warburton is "polite". Cooper speaks with slang and colloquialisms; he is very casual. Mr. Warburton speaks formally and is even frigid. Here the dialogue leads us to see their differences in class, age, and character. Mr. Warburton is a stout fifty-four year old man. When his face is described by the narrator, it is a "red face with pugnacious features" and "clean shaven.