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Character Role Analysis

"Red" Redding

Red's been at Shawshank for a long time before Andy arrives. When Andy looks at Red he sees a sad, broken man—disheartened and cynical. He sees what he might become if he lets prison life run him over.

This possible vision of the future is further accentuated by the fact that Red and Andy are very similar creatures (also a big reason they're such good friends). They're clever, decent-hearted and genuinely remorseful about their past wrongdoings. For Andy, it's almost like looking into a mirror. A mirror that ages you twenty years and changes your skin color.