Suspense: Suspense sets in at the beginning, when after the murder, the question arises, “Why did he kill her?” This question is accompanied by a desire to know more about the murderer. The story if it fulfils the implied promise will explain. Desire to know whether the murderer is apprehended is satisfied after the next hundred words or so, in the sentence, “For he is still at liberty.” Herein, also, lies an element of novelty; the more unoriginal story presents the crime, then arouses suspense as to whether the criminal will be caught, and justice meted out. (Study the story for further working of the principle of suspense. What question motivates your reading after Nag Hong Fah beats Fanny, for example?)

Suggestion: What is suggested to the reader in Fanny’s becoming a model wife? In Miss Ritter’s speech about “Real love”? In the “imitation” bracelet? How much of the business “off-stage,” after Fanny’s subsidence, is built up by the reader?

Characterization. The dominant character interest lies in the racial features, which are set off by contrast with each other. The author manifests skill in creating hybrid Fanny, a product of racial crossing. In order of importance, the main figures are: Nag Hong Fah, Fanny, Yung Long, Quai Long.

Nag Hong Fah is played up as the chief character through

A. His rôle; he is easily the most important by virtue of the part assigned to him.

B. Dramatic management on the author’s part.

  1. He is the figure most constantly found on the stage.
  2. He is the protagonist in the scenes presented.
  3. He is frequently followed behind the scenes. (Purpose here being to create variety of effect, so far as is consistent with a larger unity.)

C. Stylistic management.

  1. Giving to Nag Hong Fah the places of rhetorical emphasis—the beginning and the end of the story.

Study the story for concrete examples that illustrate the main points just made. Study, also, the proportion given to other characters. What is the greatest contributory value of Señora Garcia? Of Edith Ritter? Nag Sen Yet? The Chinese Soothsayer? Brian Neill? Little Brian? Mamie Ryan? Little Fanny? Compare the author’s ability to describe physical details with his skill in revealing mental characteristics. To what extent does the outer personality reveal the inner? Answer for each of the important characters.