Characterization of Jean McGrath

Outer characterization

Jean McGrath is the main character in Michael Becket’s short story “To Keep the Faith”. She is described as a “slim, pretty girl” (p. 118, ll. 5-6) with a “clear gaze” (l. 5). At the funeral, she wears a “carefully brushed, black hat” (p. 120, l. 32) with a veil (p. 121, l. 13). Her dead husband, William, was a police constable. Jean and William have a 10-year-old son named Billy. The McGraths are Protestants. 

Inner characterization

Throughout the story, Jean experiences the stages of grief after learning about the death of her husband.

At first, the unexpected news leaves her in shock and denial: “a mist blurred her vision. The sergeant gripped her arm” (p. 118, ll. 11-12). This suggests that Jean is unsteady and confused because of the shock she ha...