Other characters

Elsie’s mother

Elsie’s mother is a secondary character in Kathy Steven's story “This Is All Mostly True”. She does not appear in the direct action of the story but is mentioned several times by Elsie, who is her only child. We are given few details on her outer characterisation – she is 53 years old (l. 30), which means that she is a middle-aged woman.

The mother’s inner characterisation is suggested through the details given by Elsie about her actions and behaviour.

In the beginning of the story, we learn that Elsie’s mother believes lying is wrong (l. 1). However, Elsie suggests that her mother lies often, although it sometimes appears to be unintentional: “She said she’s going to the bingo and will be back before ten. This means she’ll be going out clubbing and will be back after one. Mum’s rubbish at planning ahead, and she tells lies of all colours.” (ll. 9-11) This suggests that Elsie’s mother wants to teach Elsie that lying is wrong but fails to provide a good example through her own behaviour.

Elsie’s mother drinks (l. 12), and she blames her drinking on her husband: “I drink because your father’s a cheating bastard.” (l. 13) However, she does not openly discuss this issue with him: “They don’t say these things to each other. They say it to themselves, and to me if I happen to be there at the time” (ll. 14-15). She also claims she does not want to be in a relationship with him anymore: “I’ve only kept with him because of you, Mum says, because I love you very much” (l. 21). The story also suggests that Elsie’s mother is the one who usually makes rules about the house: “She says for fuck’s sake when we both forget to take the washing in (…) You’ve no excuse at all, she tells Dad.” (ll. 39-44); “Dad’s having a fag out of the ...