Rosemary Fell
Rosemary is a young, wealthy woman from a privileged background, enjoying a comfortable life of wealth and status. She prides herself on being modern and sophisticated, but this is also coupled with a sense of insecurity and a desire to appear charitable. Her decision to invite a poor girl, Miss Smith, into her home comes across as a spontaneous act of kindness. However, this gesture is more about proving her benevolence rather than genuine compassion. Rosemary’s deep-seated insecurities surface when she perceives a threat in Miss Smith’s beauty, leading her to quickly dismiss her.
Miss Smith
Miss Smith’s role acts as a mirror to Rosemary's, highlighting the stark contrasts between their worlds. Unlike Rosemary, Miss Smith comes from a humble background, desperately seeking help. Though quiet and grateful for Rosemary’s initial offer to help, Miss Smith’s true nature remains largely mysterious, adding to her fragile and vulnerable demeanour. Her presence catalyzes Rosemary’s reflection and her actions, which ultimately reveal her self-centered nature.
Philip Fell
Philip is Rosemary's husband. He is a practical, somewhat distant figure in the story. His role in the narrative is to subtly bring Rosemary back to her self-conscious reality. He shows discomfort with Miss Smith’s presence, and his comment about the girl’s beauty brings out Rosemary’s jealousy. Philip’s indifference and lack of empathy highlight the emotional void in Rosemary's life, as he seems unaware or unconcerned with the internal struggle she faces.
The Shop Attendant
The shop attendant, though not central to the plot, plays a small but important role in establishing Rosemary’s materialistic and aesthetic values. He flatters her, feeding into her desire to be seen as someone with refined taste. His polished mannerisms and subtle flattery are emblematic of the world Rosemary occupies, where appearances and possessions matter more than genuine human connection.
The Maid
The maid’s role is minor but significant in portraying the class divide in the story. Her quiet, obedient demeanor contrasts with the tension between Rosemary and Miss Smith. As a servant in the household, the maid is part of the background, silently observing the unfolding drama between the two women. Her presence emphasizes the story’s focus on social stratification and the transactional nature of relationships within class structures.
