# Mike de Young — Poetry character guide

> Mike de Young in Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mike, Michael

**First appearance:** 0000-poetry

## Who they are

A ruined West Point cadet whose cannon misfired backward, leaving him one-eyed and muttering about breaches of peace he never wanted.

## In the story

### [A Lifted Finger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/chapters/a-lifted-finger)

Target of the poem's attack, accused of being a corrupt rascal and murderer.

### [To an Aspirant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/chapters/to-an-aspirant)

Target of the poem's attack, described as corrupt and unfit for the Senate.

### [To My Liars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/chapters/to-my-liars)

Mentioned as a rival in lying, alongside Charley Shortridge.

### [A Finger on the Lips](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/chapters/a-finger-on-the-lips)

Addressed as 'Mike' in the opening line.

### [To One Detested](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/chapters/to-one-detested)

The subject of the poem, accused of surpassing all historical liars.

### [Valedictory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/chapters/valedictory)

Contrasted with Fitch; described as rich but not respected, and criticized for his character.

### [In His Hand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/chapters/in-his-hand)

Referenced as the triumphant figure in the political campaign, whose enemies' characters are left bloated on the war-plain.

### [From Top to Bottom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/chapters/from-top-to-bottom)

Mentioned as the subject the narrator intends to write about after descending from religious satire.

### [The Two Cavees](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/chapters/the-two-cavees)

Drives a dump-cart for Stanford; is struck by the falling bank and flung skyward.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/characters/mike_de_young
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_se/characters