Jane

The story “Beggarland” by Alan Sillitoe does not contain any direct references to Jane’s outer characterisation. She is a writer, is married to Tim, and has two young children – Ben and Angela.

Jane is most likely English and born in the South of England. This is suggested by some of her remarks about Greta, who is Northern - “Maybe that was how they dressed up North.” (l. 5), and “If they were all like that from the North she couldn’t have enough of them” (ll. 49-50).

Although her husband has not been working for three months as he was made redundant (ll. 34-35), Jane can still afford to hire an au pair, which implies that they lead a financially stable life.

Inner characterisation

Jane's inner characterisation is constructed through her perspective on the events she experiences, by her language, actions, and attitude.

From the beginning of the story, we learn that Jane did not want to hire Greta at first (l. 9-10), possibly because of her prejudices against those from the North (a less well-off part of Britain), from where Greta is (l. 5, ll. 49-50). Furthermore, Jane doesn't like Greta's blunt attitude but seems to be too polite or without any other option (because Jane couldn't find any other suitable au pair) not to hire her :

‘Where’s that bread and cheese, though?’
‘Oh yes, I’d forgotten.’ Too late to say she might not want her.’ (ll. 27-28)

However, Jane is willing to look past Greta’s attitude because she needs to finish writing a book and, therefore, doesn’t want to be distracted by he...