The Open Window Characterization refers to the way authors convey information about the characters they create and is an important component in making a narrative text more compelling to an audience. In The Open Window, the author has used effective characterization of the young lady (Vera) by describing her behavior through her actions, speech, and thoughts. This information has been conveyed in two ways:

Direct characterization – the author has explicitly told us what the character is like. For example, the beginning of the story, Vera is described as a very self-possessed young lady. Then, we discover probably the most important aspect of her personality in the very last sentence - Horror was her specialty.

Indirect characterization – the author implicitly makes us aware of Vera’s personality through her actions (particularly body language), what she says and most importantly - how she says it. This becomes particularly apparent through her interactions with her house guest, Framton Nutter, and is confirmed by the way he reacts to her.

Task 1: Analyze how the author has used indirect characterization to let us know more about Vera’s character by answering the following questions:

And the girl looked down dramatically...She paused and choked back a sob...She broke off with a little shudder... How does her body language support her story?

She was silent. She wiped her eyes, went to the window, and looked out. Why does Vera do this?

• She looked at Framton accusingly. Why does the author use this adverb to describe how Vera looked at Framton?

• Vera is present when Framton explains to Mrs. Sappleton that the doctor has ordered him to rest - “No excitement, no frights,” he whispered. “N-n-nothing to worry me.” But, rather than feel remorse about the concocted story she has just told Framton, Vera continues the charade by staring out the open window with an expression of dazed horror in her eyes. What does this tell us about Vera’s character?