Techniques of Characterization in Cathedral by Raymond Carver

Discuss the narrative techniques of characterization used to delineate the protagonist in Raymond Carver's Cathedral. What techniques are used to create the minor characters? How do they serve to deepen and round out the character of the Protagonist? What do you understand to be the theme (s) of this story?
Some concepts that require consideration: a. Dramatic irony
b. Developing characters
c. "Epiphany"

Cathedral by Raymond Carver is a story about a meeting between two men. One is a blind man and an old but close friend of the woman, in the story, and the woman's husband. Since the story starts with a description of this complicated situation the reader can assume that the theme of the story would be of a romantic nature. Although there is a romantic tension in the story Carver surprises his readers both with the outcom...