Greta

Outer characterisation

Greta’s outer characterisation in “Beggarland” by Alan Sillitoe is brief. Her age is uncertain: “Her letter had said eighteen, but she could be anywhere between twenty and thirty” (ll. 1-2). The narrator also provides a short description of her physical appearance, which is eccentric: “She wore a red Fair Isle jersey, tartan skirt and lace-up boots, a woollen coat over all with a slim fur collar. (…) Yellowish hair straggled both sides of her face below a flowerpot hat of many colours” (ll. 4-7). Her appearance also suggests she does not have much money, as her suitcase is held together by a belt (l. 12).

Greta has a Northern accent and adopts an informal tone from the beginning of the story: “ ‘I am ’ungry.’ She looked around, perhaps hoping for a bed to lie on. ‘Where’s the kids?’ ” (ll. 17-18). Greta has a sister with three children and suggests she has taken care of them as well: “ ‘My sister’s got three, so I’m used to kids.’ ” (ll. 26-27)

Inner characterisation

Greta’s inner characterisation ...