Rip Van Winkle, a simple good-natured fellow and descendant of the Van Winkles, inherited little of the martial character of his ancestors. He was described as a kind neighbor and an obedient hen pecked husband. He was quite popular in his village and was known and had favor among all the children and the good wives. The children would shout for joy at his entrance , the wives would always favor him in a family feud, and not a dog would bark at him. These plus many more make up his good qualities but ,Rip, like everyone else has his down side.
             Rip had a very kind heart and gentle hands upon his neighbors. He would never refuse help from a neighbor even if the task mat seem impossible Rip would be right by their side. This however was very different form his home life that shines brightly one of Rip's major downfalls. Rip was ready to attend anyone's business but his own; but as to his home and farm he found any type of work unattainable. He had a horrible outlook upon his land and the way he took care of it and his farm was one of the worst in his village.
             "Rip Van Winkle, however was one of those happy mortals, of foolish, well oiled dispositions, who take the world easy, eat white bread or brown, whichever can be got with least thought or trouble, and would rather starve on a penny than work for a pound (52,Washington Irving)". This statement is a true example of Rip's character in this story. If it wasn't for his wife Rip probably would have never been in line. However Rip was constantly lectured and nagged on by his wife and carried many burdens of his family on his shoulders.
             Rip's companion was his dog Wolf. Dame Van Winkle even went as far as to think that they were companions of idleness and looked down upon the dog as if it were the dogs fault that Rip was so lazy.
             His passion and desires was the sport hunting. His favorite game to hunt was squirrels. Hunting and fishing were h...