Characterization of Nancy Loughlin

Outer characterization

Nancy Loughlin is the main character of the postmodern short story “Born Again” by Anne Billson. The short story does not offer a lot of details about her outer characterization. We do not know how old she is or what she looks like. Besides her name, we know that she calls herself a born-again virgin: “There was no way at all I could be having a baby, because I was a born-again virgin; I hadn’t had sex for years.” (p. 79, ll. 34-35). However, the narrative does not explain the reasons why Nancy has chosen to be a born-again virgin. One very practical reason might be her preoccupation with her career. It might also have to do with identity on some level.

The narrative also reveals that Nancy’s “only weakness” (p. 76, l. 4) is wine. She is most likely negotiating a deal with some Belgians at work (p. 76, ll. 16-17), and probably runs her own business (p. 82, l. 3). ...