Michelle

Outer characterisation

Michelle’s outer characterisation tells us that she is 21 years old (p. 79, ll. 24-26). She is tall and slim, with brown eyes and dark hair. She wears red lipstick, black jeans, and a black furry coat (p. 79, ll. 2-5). Michelle works as an account executive (p. 79, ll. 9-10) for an advertising agency in Soho (one of the main entertainment and business areas in London).

Michelle comes from a family of artists: “her father, a successful artist, her mother, a writer of romances” (p. 79, ll. 27-28). She was born and raised in London, just like the rest of her family: “Her whole family had been raised in the centre of the city, generation upon generation. She was probably one of the last true Londoners.” (p. 79, ll. 33-35). Her ex-boyfriend was a musician (p. 79, l. 29).

Inner characterisation

Michelle’s love for London stands out throughout the story. This contributes to her inner characterisation. There are many explicit and implicit reasons why Michelle loves the city. She explicitly tells Douglas that the city makes her feel safe: “told me how much she loved the city, how private and protective it was” (p. 80, ll. 12-13). The story mentions that Michelle often goes out with her friends,  suggesting that she loves London’s rich nightlife.

The story also reveals some...