Characters

The main character in the short story “Ice Cream” by Helen Dunmore is Clara. She is a fashion model, whose conflicting relationship with food is analyzed throughout the narrative. 

Another important character is Elise, Clara’s personal trainer. Her relationship with Clara is professional and strict. She tries to prevent Clara from eating an ice cream, which becomes a symbol of the things that endanger Clara’s career. Throughout the narrative, she clashes with Clara, who disregards her advice. 

The character of the waiter is only briefly introduced and is important mostly for his interactions with Clara. While he seems attracted to her, he also seems to be the only one there who sees Clara as a human being. His reaction to Elise’s talk about mouth therapy and his silent encouragements to Clara to eat suggest that he disagrees with the others’ treatment of Clara.

You can read a full characterization of Clara and Elise in the following pages.