Lenehan and Corley are a couple of men that would not seem any bit out of the norm in today's society. Maybe that goes to show that not much has changed in all these years. The story is named Two Gallants, which is interesting since these men seem to not necessarily pay the right kind of attention to women. Rather they seem to con women and scheme behind the scenes. From the insight, the readers get from the narrator and the banter between the two friends, the character's personalities enhance the story for the audience.
The job of an author is to paint an image in the reader's mind and turn it into a comprehensive movie, so to speak. The first two introductory paragraphs set the mood as if we are in Dublin and can see the street these two men are philandering. We also get a peek at their personalities before we even hear them talk. Attitudes are shown when Lenehan and Corley "walked on the verge of the path and was at times obliged to step onto the road, owing to his companion's rudeness, wore an amused listening face." Joyce then supplements the personality shown by physically describing the men. The reader can then picture "his eyes, twinkling with cunning enjoyment, glanced at every moment towards his companion's face." As the story goes on, the competitiveness becomes surfaced. The two had been hyping each other up about this young lady. As most men would, they heckle each other, saying things like, "Are you sure you can bring it off all right? You know it's a ticklish job. They're damn close on that point." The conversation held between the two men is also another supporting detail that enhances the storyline. Obviously, the wording is from an early time period, but you can still tell that it has humor and sarcasm hinted in it. Before each man talked, there was a hint to somewhat get an idea of what was to come. For example, when Lenehan wanted details about the young woman, "Corley ran his tongue swiftly along his upper lip." He then goes on a journey of words about how fine the woman was and the actions that ultimately led to "think[ing] I'm a ...