Characters

The short story “The Mother of the Child in Question” by Doris Lessing features several characters: Stephen Bentley the social worker, Mrs Khan, Shireen, and Hassan.

The main conflict of the story is between Stephen Bentley and Mrs Khan, on the topic of Shireen’s school. In the end, the conflict is unexpectedly resolved, following Stephen’s realization regarding Mrs Khan’s attitude towards Shireen. The conflict could also be the result of cultural differences as well as Stephen’s expectations of how Mrs Khan and her family might act, based on her ethnicity.

Shireen's brother, Hassan, also appears in the story. He displays maturity and responsibility, as he is there to translate for his mother. He shows affection towards Shireen. 

You can read a full characterization of Stephen Bentley and Mrs Khan in the following pages.