The main character's development
The story “The Swimmer” by S.J. Butler only features one active character, the female protagonist. Fishermen are also mentioned but as part of the setting. The swan is a symbolical character.
The protagonist is a developing character because she changes throughout the short story and pushes the action further. For this reason, character development is an important feature of the short story.…
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Outer characterisation
The outer characterisation of the protagonist presents her as a woman who does a job which requires her to work at a desk (perhaps as a writer, as she works independently and has to meet deadlines): “She sits at her desk in the back room gazing out at the river.” (l. 6).
Occasionally, the narrator gives readers details about her physical appearance: “She gather…
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Inner characterisation
The woman’s inner characterisation is marked by her development.
This swimming episode could be viewed as a rite of passage, in which the protagonist must face several trials before reaching her psychological development marked by a new level of consciousness – or broadening her horizons, enriching her experience. This, however, means that she has to relinquis…
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The character's development
The first step of her development is marked by her finally entering the river and swimming. Her swimming experience is described in detail and suggests that despite being cautious, she enjoys the swim: “Down here at water level, she realises, not only is she invisible to the rest of the world, but it is invisible to her.” (ll. 63-64); “She slows her stroke, relaxing as the current releases its pressure, lazily making her way up to the next bend.” (ll. 67-68)
When the woman spots the swan, she is taken by surprise, but impressed by the bird’s beauty. This marks the second step in her developme…
