Character Sketch from PSEB Class 10 English Main Course Book Chapter 8– The Rule of The Road of A.G. Gardiner, The Stout Old Lady, The Loud Passenger, Friend X and the Distinguished Lady

 

A character sketch defines what the character is like and how he/she evolves or develops throughout the story. In this post you can find the Character Sketch of A.G. Gardiner, the Stout Old Lady, the Loud Passenger, Friend X and the Distinguished Lady from PSEB Class 10 English Main Course Book Lesson 8 – The Rule of The Road

 

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Character Sketch of A.G. Gardiner (as the narrator/essayist)

Gardiner appears as a wise and observant writer who finds deep meaning in ordinary daily events. He uses gentle humor and logical reasoning to convince readers rather than preaching or lecturing. When disturbed by the loud passenger on the train, he shows patience and self-control by thinking about the situation rather than arguing with the man. He writes using “I” and “we” to make readers feel like he’s having a friendly conversation with them. He is witty and honest about human weaknesses, asking thoughtful questions that help readers understand ideas themselves rather than forcing his views on them.

Questions related to the Character of A.G. Gardiner 

Q1. Describe the narrator’s way of presenting his views.
Q2. How does the writer show an inclusive attitude towards the reader?

Character Sketch of the Stout Old Lady from Petrograd

She perfectly embodies the essay’s warning about misunderstanding liberty, representing those who confuse freedom with license. Her declaration “We’ve got liberty now” shows recent liberation but lack of understanding that liberty comes with responsibilities. Well-intentioned but naive, she’s dangerous through ignorance rather than malice. Her walking in the middle of the road symbolizes self-centered thinking that would create chaos if universalized. She serves as a cautionary example of “liberty-drunk” behavior.

Questions related to the Character of the Stout Old Lady

Q1. What observations can you make about the character of the old stout lady?
Q2. What kind of liberty does the old stout lady want?

Character Sketch of the Loud Passenger on the Train

This character represents people lacking “social sense.” Talking in “a loud and pompous voice on any and every subject,” he is self-important and oblivious to others’ needs. Well-intentioned but unaware of his intrusion, he likely left convinced he’d provided an “illuminating journey.” His pompousness reveals intellectual vanity. Though not deliberately rude, he fails to consider others’ priorities, serving as a mirror for readers to recognize similar tendencies.

Questions related to the Character of the Loud Passenger

Q1. Describe the passenger on the train.
Q2. What are the character traits of the passenger on the train?

Character Sketch of Friend X from West End Square

Described as “an amazing mixture of good nature and irascibility,” X represents those intolerant of certain nuisances. He “flies into a passion” at street pianos and “rushes out to order it away,” showing extreme reactions to minor annoyances. He symbolizes the challenge of balancing competing liberties when people have genuinely opposing tastes.

Questions related to the Character of Friend X

Q1. Describe friend X.
Q2. What does friend X symbolize?

Character Sketch of  the Distinguished Lady with Romantic Picaresque Tastes

She represents the opposing side, “dotes on street pianos, and attracts them as wasps are attracted to jam.” Her romantic, unconventional tastes directly conflict with X’s preferences. Neither wrong nor unreasonable, she illustrates that some liberty clashes cannot be easily resolved because both parties have equally valid claims.

Questions related to the Character of the Distinguished Lady

Q1. Describe the distinguished lady.
Q2. What are the views of the distinguished lady?