Characters

The main characters in the short story “DHSS” by Doris Lessing are the unnamed woman who is struggling to feed her children, and the unnamed man who used to work for the DHSS. The narrative focuses mainly on their interaction. There is a conflict between them, but they also help each other. By giving the woman money and food, the man tries to ease some of his guilt at having worked for the DHSS and no longer being able to help people. By accepting the help and listening to him, the woman helps the man, even if she does so reluctantly. They also both have an inner conflict regarding the DHSS.

The characters being unnamed is significant. This points to their symbolic roles, as they represent the many people who have been disappointed by the DHSS in some way or another. Their relationship also highlights the issue of class differences, which are noticed several times in their interactions. 

You can read a full characterization of the woman and the man in the following pages.