Arnold Friend is inspired by a real-life serial killer Charles Schmid, who wore his hair in a shoe polish black pompadour and stuffed his shoes with newspaper, a tactic Arnold Friend seems to share: “Evidently his feet did not go all the way down; the boots must have been stuffed with something so that he would seem taller” (263). Like Arnold’s ride-along Ellie, the real-life Schmid’s friend listened to the radio while his first murder took place. These true-to-life details instill a chilling effect. However, Oates adds a new dimension to Arnold when, throughout his visit with Connie, he begins to exhibit an otherworldly knowledge of information he should not possess. When Connie asks how he knows her name, Arnold rattles off the names of children from Connie’s school. His aim is to prove that he is the same age as Connie and from the same social circles Connie belongs to, but when Connie suggests that her family will be back soon, Arnold convincingly describes her family’s current whereabouts and actions as if he has the power to see them.

When interpreted as the embodiment of death, Arnold’s strange behavior, awkward appearance, and constant grinning gain depth and nuance.