In Cold Blood: Effective Use of Characterization Capote's extensive characterization is a key element of In Cold Blood. The characters can be divided into three groups: the Clutter family, the two murderers and the characters emotionally attached to the murder. The psyche of each assassin is studied by Capote, and each is individualized by his specific psyche. Capote goes to great lengths to show that the citizens viewed the Clutter family as an ideal American family. Mr. Herbert Clutter was Holcomb's most successful farmer: "He was, however, the best-known citizen of the community, prominent both there and in Garden City, near the county seat..." (6). Capote details his many activities, including holding a position on the Federal Farm Credit Board during the Eisenhower administration. He was also "president of the Kansas Conference of Agricultural Organizations, and his name is everywhere respected with respect among the farmers of the Midwest" (6). Capote selects important details in characterizing each member of the family. The highly admired Clutter family had four children, three girls and one boy. Daughter Nancy and son Kenyon lived at home, while the two older daughters had married and left home. Nancy Clutter, an attractive sixteen-year-old girl "had been the darling of the town," having distinguished herself as a successful student, the president of her class, a leader in the 4-H program and in the Young Methodists League, an accomplished equestrian , an excellent musician..." (Reed 104). Capote's details show that Kenyon Clutter was also well-liked. His "crew-cut hair is hemp-colored: he was six feet tall and lanky, though sturdy enough that a pair of adult sheep once saved him" (38). A y...... middle of paper ......, praises Herb Clutter: "He was a modest man, but proud... He raised a beautiful family. He made something of his life" (79). The residents of Holcomb were described as shocked but curious: the utmost respect for this family was the cause of this curiosity. To summarize, the residents of Holcomb, or the people emotionally connected to the murder, they were characterized as respectful, kind, and caring individuals. When considering In Cold Blood, the reader must take into account that Capote is not inventing people, he is conveying the lessons and experiences of real people in this style not it's the norm because it isn't a novelist's standard challenge However, by carefully selecting details in describing the various personalities involved in the crime, Capote conveys the facts of all the characters to the reader in an easily understandable way...