Charecter sketch of Philip sletherby in 'a shot in the dark' by saki
Answers
Philip is a pleasant looking well-built young man of 23. He has served as an army officer abroad for four years and has just come back home. He is a man of strong determination. He is used to make his own decisions and cannot accept the supremacy of any bluffer. He is witty, amusing and tender-hearted. He is also very polite and decent in his behaviour. Philip is a bold and fearless young man. During his military service, he has learnt how to wrestle with problems and dangers. He has the capability to make bold decisions. He is courageous enough to even risk his life. In the war, half of his company was lost but he remained undaunted. His military career has made him more of a man who watched his own interests. He does not allow others to take undue advantage of his gentleness. When Uncle James hesitates to hand over the property, he bravely confronts him. He tries to make his uncle understand the consequences of using force.
Philip is a very intelligent and witty fellow. He resolves his dispute with Uncle James very intelligently. He plainly tells him that he cannot live with him in the same house. He tells him that he should not be treated like a schoolboy.
Philip is a nice and polite young man. He talks to his aunt Emily in a soft respectful way. He does not allow the servants to cross their limit and corrects them immediately. In his argument with Uncle James, he is not rude or insulting. In the end he becomes very friendly with Uncle James and shows his willingness to join his jam business. Philip believes in the use of force to put down force. Philip believes in human rights too.
In short Philip is a fine young man with many qualities of head and heart. We feel happy when he overcomes the aggressive attitude of his uncle and wins the battle.
The playwright has produced a strong dominating character of Philip who uses the circumstances in his favour. He is humanist and humorist at heart.