In the short story "Mr. Know-All," the main character is a man named Max Kelada, who is traveling on a passenger ship from San Francisco to Yokohama. At first glance, Max Kelada seems to be a typical wealthy, arrogant, and self-absorbed individual. He boasts about his wealth and accomplishments, and he looks down on the other passengers, particularly Mr. Ramsay, who he refers to as a "poor devil."
However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Max Kelada is not as confident and self-assured as he appears. Despite his bravado, he is actually quite insecure and unsure of himself. This is revealed when he becomes agitated and defensive in the face of Mr. Ramsay's calm and collected demeanor, and when he becomes jealous of Mr. Ramsay's close relationship with the ship's captain.
Furthermore, Max Kelada's arrogance and condescending attitude towards others reveal a deep sense of insecurity and a lack of empathy. He is quick to judge and belittle others, and he seems to enjoy making others feel inferior to him. This is evident in the way he treats Mr. Ramsay and the other passengers on the ship.
Overall, Max Kelada is a complex and multifaceted character. On the surface, he is a wealthy and arrogant man who looks down on others and is full of himself. However, beneath this facade lies a deeply insecure and uncertain individual who is struggling to find his place in the world. Despite his flaws, Max Kelada is a well-rounded and believable character, and his development over the course of the story is an interesting and engaging aspect of the narrative.