What Is The Direct Characterization Of Mrs Thorold's Character

Although, the antagonist was quite difficult to identify, we still found out who it was; Mrs. Thorold. Her attitude was very clear to identify; clever, rude and arrogant. Her cleverness was obvious to everyone at the end of the book. Right from the beginning, she acted as if she was ailing, when actually she was behind all of the shipwrecking that was happening. No doubt, she played innocent brilliantly, making a fool of everyone. A passage from the book, about James finding out about Mrs. Thorold’s clever play, is read:
“Slowly. Stand up.” James nodded, his eyes finally focusing on the person-a woman, he realized with a sense of shock- behind the gun. She was tall and athletic, her gaze cold and direct. And she seemed extremely familiar. . . . “Come on.” She bobbed the gun at him. “It’s time to stop playing about, young James.” Sudden recognition sliced through him. “Mrs. Thorold?” She smiled grimly. “But of course.” He stared at her stupidly. “You did all this . . . ?” …show more content…
Thorold’s real personality is not shown until the end of the book when she is threatening James with a gun. Even her rude and arrogant attitude are detecting in the same conversation; between James and her. The conversation goes like this: A husband and wife, emphatically not partners. Insurance fraud. Sunken ships. Guilt money. A ransacked office. There was at least one more missing detail. . . . Mrs. Thorold watched him struggle with the puzzle, a scornful smirk on her face. “You poor dim brat,” she said, almost tenderly. “You’re nearly as stupid as my