The passage highlights the indifference of relatives towards Roy, who has recently joined the family through marriage. They have little interest in him due to his lack of familial ties, such as children, and his dissimilar personality. While the relatives are described as large, talkative, and vibrant, Roy is portrayed as a short, compact, and quiet individual, which sets him apart and diminishes their inclination to engage with him.

This contrast emphasizes the challenges that come with blending into a new family dynamic. The relatives' expansive nature underscores their sense of belonging and highlights Roy's outsider status. His limited connection to them serves to illustrate how familial bonds are often based on shared experiences and common traits, leading to feelings of exclusion for those who don't fit the mold.