The narrator

Outer characterization

There are no explicit descriptions of the narrator’s outer characterization. No details about her appearance or occupation are provided. It is never specified that she is female. However, this is suggested through her relationship with Vern, in which she takes care of tasks traditionally attributed to a wife, such as cooking and cleaning. It is also implied by the fact that she is particularly offended by the undressing woman’s actions and by her joking interest in the actor Cary Grant (p. 65, l. 41). However, the narrator’s gender identity remains uncertain.

Inner characterization

The narrator is a meticulous person. She stays on watch (p. 64, l. 2), she keeps track of the time when her neighbor appears outside (p. 64, l. 3), and she monitors the neighbor’s movements (p. 64, ll. 8-9). She is vigilant and observant, as she has good attention to detail and she immediately spots her neighbor, even though he is moving fast (p. 64, ll. 9-10). She is also cautious, since she turns off the light to make sure she and Vern are not seen (p. 64, l. 19). This behavior seems rather obsessive, something whi...