The man

Outer characterization

The man appears to be around 40 (p. 63, l. 21), “with nothing particular about him” (p. 63, l. 21). He is casually dressed, but with “the carelessness of confidence” (p. 63, l.22), suggesting that he is financially fairly well off. He worked for the DHSS for 15 years (p. 66, l. 19), until he quit a year ago (p. 64, l. 32). His current, less well-paid job is driving minicabs (p. 67, l. 14-15). He has a wife and two children (p. 67, l. 17). 

Inner characterization

The man appears to be strongly motivated to help the woman. Not only does he pay for her groceries in the supermarket, but he buys her coffee and sandwiches, gives her more money to stock up, and then offers to take her home with her heavy bags. He also follows her in the supermarket after h...