People's actions can affect not only them, but also the people around them. In Stephen King's short story, "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption," Andy Dufresne was sent to Shawshank Penitentiary, sentenced to two life sentences for murder, one for each of his victims. While serving his sentence, he tries to continue his outside life by paying his taxes and adding to his rock collection. Over time, Andy made almost everyone in the prison pay taxes, including warden Samuel Norton. While Andy wastes his time, he later discovers who the real murderer of Andy's wife and her lover is. Knowing this, he asks the principal for another lead but the principal rejects his request because he wants Andy to stay in Shawshank and do his taxes for free. The character, other than Red, Andy's friend, who has an effect on Andy is Samuel Norton because he is self-centered, cruel and angry. Norton's self-centeredness affected Andy because Andy had an improbable chance of becoming a free man. When Andy requested a new trail, the director denied his request because he wanted him to stay in Shawshank and help with its finances. “I love you where you are, Mr. Dufrensene, and as long as I'm headmaster here at Shawshank, you'll be here. » (71) Samuel Norton rejected Andy's request because if he were to leave prison and go into the outside world, he probably wouldn't help him. But in the prison, Andy is under Norton's power and must do what he is told to do. If Andy were a free man and paid Norton's taxes, he'd probably do it for a hill. In Shawshank, Andy pays taxes free of charge, since he is a convict and doesn't need the money in prison. Andy was also affected by the Norton flood...... middle of paper ...... everything happened he cares if it happened. The warden is not very patient with time and wants any possible solution to how Andy escaped and when he demands it. The action of one person can change everything. Andy was affected by Norton's self-centeredness because he wasn't going to leave Shawshank as long as he saved the director tons of money, all for free. Norton's personality trait of cruelty also had an effect on Andy. If Andy disobeyed the guard's instructions, he could be punished more harshly than the rest of the offenders. Andy was also affected by Norton's short-tempered nature, as the slightest mistake could land him in solitary confinement for a month. Norton knows what Andy's most valuable possessions are and will take them. One person's problem may be another person's solution. Works Cited Stephen Kings Different Seasons "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption"