Some methods of judging character can sometimes lead to a mischaracterization of true nature. In this short story "Good Country People," Flannery O"Conner eloquently illustrates how a person's true nature can be hidden, misinterpreted or misjudged. What appears on the surface may not be what is underneath. Some people can cleverly disguise or misrepresent their true nature through deceptive means; thus, makeing character judgment without an in-depth look at the person a beaded path to mischaracterization of true nature. Judgments based on preconceived stereotyped ideas can result in mischaracterization of an individual or group. This short story gives examples of mischaracterization based on misrepresentation and stereotyping. Joy appears to be a sad and unattractive girl with no interest in love or happiness. Judging Joy's character based solely on her attitude and physical appearance would be flawed and most likely result in a mischaracterization of Joy's true nature. Miss Hopewell's method of judging country people is based primarily on a stereotyped opinion she has of them. Her stereotype belief of country people was the catalysts that led her to a mischaracterization of Pointer's true nature. Like Joy, Pointer misrepresented his character to create a deception of his true self. Joy and Mrs. Hopewell's mischaracterization of Pointer's .
.
character where based on two facts, Pointer's misrepresentation of his own character and their own stereotype beliefs of country people. .
Since Joy's injury as a child left her with one leg she made a conscious effort to present herself as a person with little aspiration for life. The story seams to depict her as a person uninterested in love or happiness; moreover, to display her contempt for love, happiness, and beauty she had her name legally changed to Hulga (the ugliest name she could conjure up).
