Characters

The main character of Nadine Gordimer’s short story “Some Are Born to Sweet Delight” is Vera. She is a developing character because she changes her attitude and behaviour throughout the story. She matures, but this - ironically - turns out to be fatal for her.

Rad is another major character in the story. He is not a developing character because his way of acting and thinking does not change throughout the text. Unlike Vera, he remains firm in his convictions and values.

Vera’s family members are secondary characters. Vera’s mother and father are the traditional conservative parents who are sceptical about their daughter’s involvement with a foreigner. They are, however, both developing characters as they change their view about Rad and his relationship with Vera.

You can find detailed characterisations in the next pages of this study guide.