The Transformation of Arturo Bandini’s Character in Ask the Dust by John Fante Outline Thesis Statement: By the end of Ask the Dust by John Fante, it is clear that the Arturo Bandini who returns to Los Angeles is a changed man. He is more sociable, has accepted being outsider in Los Angeles, and he no longer holds strong beliefs about religion and God. Introduction. The novel Ask the Dust by John Fante narrates the story of Arturo Bandini, who unsuccessfully attempts to make a name for himself in Los Angeles as a writer. Arturo’s experience in Los Angeles transforms his character significantly, by changing the way he views others, his social status, religion, and God’s place in human life. Initially Arturo is boastful, more concerned about his career as a writer than his relationship with other human beings, and conscious of his outsider-status in a Whites dominated society