After Twenty Years -O. Henry

Policeman

A law enforcement officer patrolling the streets, depicted as impressive and watchful in the story.

Appointment

A planned meeting set for a specific time, in this case, made twenty years prior between two friends.

'Big Joe' Brady's restaurant

The location where the two friends dined before parting ways, significant to their agreement to meet again.

Destiny

The predetermined course of events in a person's life, which the characters believed would be shaped over twenty years.

Corresponded

The act of exchanging letters or communication, which the two friends did for a time after parting.

West

Refers to the western United States, where one of the friends went to seek his fortune.

Scar

A mark left on the skin after a wound has healed, noted on the face of the man waiting in the doorway.

Diamond scarfpin

A piece of jewelry worn by the man, indicating his wealth and success.

Egotism

Excessive pride in oneself, exhibited by the man from the West as he discusses his success.

Arrest

The act of being taken into custody by law enforcement, which happens to the man from the West at the end of the story.

Note from Patrolman Wells

A written message revealing the true identity of the man from the West and his connection to the policeman.

Transformation

The change in a person's character or appearance over time, highlighted by the physical changes in the characters after twenty years.

Friendship

The bond between the two main characters, which is central to the plot and their meeting.

Deception

The act of misleading or tricking someone, as seen in the twist of the story where one friend is not who he seems.

Fate

The development of events beyond a person's control, which plays a crucial role in the story's conclusion.