Mathilde, the main character from The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant, is a character I can relate to in some aspects, but not others. For example, while Mathilde is shown to be a greedy person, I am content with what I have. When Mathilde was looking through Madame Forestier’s jewelry, she picked the most luxurious one despite all the other options, symbolizing greed. Though Mathilde wants expensive items, I am fine with simple things and do not want any more than I have. Additionally, Mathilde is a jealous person, and jealousy is not a trait I possess. Mathilde would not visit her friend in the upper class because, upon returning home, “she would feel so distressed.” This is an example of direct characterization. Mathilde wants what other people have and is jealous of their lifestyle, while I am not a jealous person and do not desire what another person has. On the contrary, I can relate to Mathilde in that she is a selfish person. Maupassant writes, “She left around four o’clock in the morning.
