A frame story, the ironic "The Open Window" is dependent
upon its main character, Vera, for its development. The other characters are merely
present as the audience for Vera's ingenious fable. In fact, they resemble stock
characters; that is characters of a type quickly recognized by the reader that require
no development by the writer.
Dynamic
Vera,
Saki's mischievious protagonist, is indeed a dynamic, or round, character who exhibits
several traits. For one thing, she is a perspicacious young lady who is able to
identify people's vulnerabilities and seize upon details surrounding her in order to
weave a convincing tale that will deceive her audience. She, also, can quickly adapt her
fabrications to the next person or situation as her spontaneous response to Mrs.
Stappleton's inquiry about Nuttel's bizarre reaction when she has announced the return
of her family. Certainly, Vera enjoys exploiting the weaknesses in others with her
subtle and clever practical
jokes.
Static
Framton
Nuttel is the nervous, insecure type. He worries about Mrs. Sappleton's reception of
him when he is introduced, and he is uncomfortable throughout the telling of Vera's
tale.
Mrs. Stappleton is the blase gentlewoman, concerned
only with herself and those for whom she cares. For, she takes no interest in Framton
Nuttel and shallowly "rattled on cheerfully about the shooting and the scarcity of
birds...." When Nuttel mentions his condition as explanation for his visit, she
responds in a voice that barely stifles a yawn. After Nuttel's abrupt flight, she
merely remarks upon his behavior and displays no concern for his feelings, expressing a
slight curiosity for his actions which Vera's cleverly allays.
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