Question

Write a brief character sketch in about 125-150 word on 'Virginia Otis'.

Answer 1

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HOMEWORK HELP > THE CANTERVILLE GHOST

Provide a character sketch of Virginia Otis.   

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EXPERT ANSWERS

KMJ23 | CERTIFIED EDUCATOR

In "The Canterville Ghost," Virginia is the only member of the family who shows no interest in the ghost at all. She does not bother him nor does she try to remove the blood-stain in the library, like the other members of her family. This demonstrates her unprejudiced and inclusive attitude towards others: she not only accepts the ghost as a fellow inhabitant of the house but she respects his historic position.

Secondly, Virginia is kind-hearted, as we see in Chapter Five when she meets the Canterville ghost in person. When he tells her that he was starved to death, for example, she offers him a sandwich from her case. In addition, when the ghost says that he has not slept for three hundred years and is very tired, her reaction provides further evidence of her kind and gentle nature:

Virginia grew quite grave, and her little lips trembled like rose-leaves.

Finally, Virginia is helpful and generous, even when her safety is in peril. This is shown by her willingness to help the ghost, even though she is warned against it:

Horrible animals with lizard tails, and goggle eyes, blinked at her from the carven chimney-piece, and murmured 'Beware! little Virginia, beware! we may never see you again."