Carrie

Outer characterisation

Carrie is a secondary character in Eileen Merriman's story “I Dare You”. Her outer characterisation is constructed through Jane's description of her.

Carrie is most likely around 15 years-old, like Jane (l. 7). She has blond hair (l. 39), is dressed in her school uniform (l. 9), and wears the same kind of leather friendship bracelet as Jane. Carrie seems to be tanned, as Jane describes her thighs as “coppery” (l. 9). Jane’s description suggests that Carrie is slim and beautiful: “her shapely ankle (…) perfect skin, her coltish legs” (ll. 10-11).

Jane describes Carrie being dressed in a revealing manner, which also suggests that Carrie wants to show off her body: “his eyes travelling over her tightly fitted blouse, the school skirt she’d hitched halfway up her thighs, her gazelle-like ankles.” (ll. 41-42).

Inner characterisation

Carrie’s inner characterisation is constructed through her language her actions.

At the beginning of the story, she is at the park with Jane. When Jane makes a daring jump out of her swing, Carrie yells: “ ‘Oh my God, (…) you’re such a kid.’ ” (l. 6). Her disapproval indicates that she most likely tries to act older. However, Carrie jumps out of the swing as well (l. 9). This suggests that she wanted to prove that she is brave and that she also sees her friendship with Jane as a competition. It also sug...