There are many famous characters in literature, all with their own menacing qualities and depraved actions. None, however, have struck such a devastating and haunting chord as “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Arnold Friend of Joyce Carol Oates. Seducer of young girls and embodiment of Lucifer, Arnold Friend is anything but a friend. Arnold Friend is introduced through both actions and appearances, and these combine to decrease his likability while increasing his devilish personality. Although Arnold Friend's traits are never overtly stated, they are presented through his speeches and interaction 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 more caricatural in every trait. Everything that Connie, Arnold Friend's protagonist and object of desire, sees is as something else she knows, familiar and recognizable. These traits, however, do not create a homologous character; instead it is an embarrassing set of inconsistencies. If a trait doesn't seem borrowed, it appears fake or imitative. His hair is "shaggy [and] scruffy... it looked crazy like a wig", and Connie's statement is reinforced when he put sunglasses on his head "like he was actually wearing a wig". Arnold Friend seems already assembled, completely divergent from human characteristics. Connie describes the way he is dressed, as well as his body type, as similar to every other guy out there. With every physical detail, Arnold Friend looks more and more like the devil who takes on the guise of a typical teenager to avoid scaring girls. "His face was familiar... middle of paper... he is the prey. Arnold Friend never has thoughts, only outward appearances and words. Arnold Friend imposes a diabolical and menacing pressure on Connie, who finally gives up, as a maiden entranced by the gaze of a vampire. Her appearance, her sayings and her doing combine to form a terrifying character that seems at once reasonable and unlikely. There are people like Arnold Friend out there, not so inconsistently assembled. and he still seems like an extraordinary case of stalker. A small and even insignificant digression on his name, Arnold Friend, is that with the R his name should read A'nold F'iend, or "An Old Fiend" i.e. the devil , despite this, Arnold Friend is very accurately portrayed as a corrupter of youth and a deflowerer of virgins. Without his useless nonsense or his strange balance problem, he would appear less dangerous and attractive.