This scene from Stand By Me illustrates how you can learn a great deal about a character in what they’re made fun of or harassed for and, especially, in how they respond.

Milo makes accusations that Teddy’s father held his head to the stove, which is just such an awful thing that (whether the taunt is true or not) gives the reader a great deal of empathy for Teddy.

In responding to Milo’s taunts, Teddy yells/reveals that his father stormed the beach in Normandie.