In "Lamb to the Slaughter," Roald Dahl effectively develops the protagonist, MaryMaloney both directly and indirectly.

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*Character Sketch Essay

Character Essay Characterization is a method an author chooses to develop his/her character, is a very

important element in a story. In “Lamb to the Slaughter,” Roald Dahl effectively develops the protagonist, Mary

Maloney both directly and indirectly; however, the use of indirect characterization is more dominant because it

reveals her actions and how she deals with her conflict, her words, and creating a dynamic character with her

words and personality, such as her calmness and serenity, her self-consciousness and lastly her deceitfulness.

In the beginning of the short story “Lamb to the slaughter,” the main character Mary Maloney, portrays her

calm and serene character trait in various different scenes. As a role throughout her daily life routine, Mary is a

perfect and devoted house wife, “there was a slow smiling air about her, and about everything she did… was

curiously tranquil.” (Dahl 10) The following quote expresses her as a calm and serene person by how tranquil her

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actions was, and how she was physically and mentally through her day-to-day life. Mary Maloney awaits

happily each night for the arrival of her husband, Patrick home from work, now and then she would she would

glance at the clock, without anxiety merely to please herself with the thought that each minute gone by made

it nearer to the time he would come. The following states again Mary’s serenity, by the fact that she is able to

relax without any worries about her husband getting hurt in his dangerous profession. The ...

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