Character Sketch of Robert Gillian, Old Bryson, Miss Hayden, Others| One Thousand Dollars

by | Jul 22, 2025 | General | 0 comments

One Thousand Dollars CS

 

Character Sketch from PSEB Class 10 English Literature (Supplementary Reader) Book Chapter 3– One Thousand Dollars of Robert Gillian, Old Bryson, Miss Hayden, Lawyer Tolman, Blind Man and Cab Driver

 

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 Robert Gillian, Old Bryson, Miss Hayden, Lawyer Tolman, Blind Man and Cab Driver from PSEB Class 10 English Literature (Supplementary Reader) Book Lesson 3 – One Thousand Dollars

 

 

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Character Sketch of Robert Gillian

Robert Gillian is the main character. In the first meeting, he is shown as a careless, rich young guy who spends money freely and doesn’t think about how much things cost. He seems not interested in serious things. He even jokes about only getting a thousand dollars from his rich uncle’s will. 

But at the end of the story, he shows maturity and kindness when he decides to give all the money to Miss Hayden. When he finds out that being honest about how he spent the money could get him fifty thousand dollars, he lies so Miss Hayden gets the money instead. This act changes Gillian from someone who wastes money to a man who is thoughtful and kind. O. Henry shows Gillian as a black sheep who is secretly good. He hides his good qualities with sarcasm and charm, but they come out in the end.

 

Questions related to the Character of Robert Gillian

Q1. How do we witness Gillian’s generosity?
Q2. How does the character of Robert Gillian attain maturity in the story?

 

Character Sketch of Old Bryson

Old Bryson, Gillian’s friend, a scholar and reserved man in his forties who enjoys reading at his club. 

When Gillian asks for advice on how to spend the thousand dollars, Bryson suggests donating to charity or supporting education. However, his suggestions come off as sarcastic, as he doubts Gillian will follow through with them. Later he suggests Gillian buy a pendant for Miss Lotta Lauriere. 

Bryson is like a mirror of society. He sees himself as all sensible and better than others, but he totally gets Gillian wrong. Bryson is that voice in the society that often misses the good in people who seem shallow. His short time with Gillian moves the story forward and shows us Gillian’s inner battles and how he changes.

 

Questions related to the Character of Old Bryson

Q1. What advice does Bryson give Gillian?
Q2. What impact does Bryson make in Gillian’s life?

 

Character Sketch of Miss Hayden

Miss Hayden is the quiet, humble ward of the late Mr. Gillian. She is described as a small, thin woman dressed in black, likely unhappy. Despite living in Mr. At Gillian’s house, he had left with only a seal ring and ten dollars in her will. Her character shows grace, dignity, and emotional control. When Gillian brings her the thousand dollars by saying a new postscript in the will, she accepts it and expresses her sorrow not happiness. 

This reaction shows her modesty and sense of pride and loss. She does not expect nor demand anything. Her presence brings a quiet strength to the story. 

 

Questions related to the Character of Miss Hayden

Q1. How is Miss Hayden impacted by her uncle’s will?
Q2. How does Gillian help Miss Hayden?

 

Character Sketch of Lawyer Tolman

Lawyer Tolman is one of the legal officers of the late Mr. Gillian’s will. He is shown as formal, serious, and a man who strictly follows the instructions laid out in the will. From the beginning, Tolman is clear about his duty; he gives Gillian the one thousand dollars and tells him that he must submit a written account of how it is spent. He maintains a professional tone, representing the voice of order and legal responsibility in the story. Tolman does not try to influence Gillian’s decision but reminds him of the conditions attached to the money. 

 

Questions related to the Character of Lawyer Tolman

Q1. How does Tolman fulfil his duty?
Q2. How does Tolman review Gillian’s usage of the money to decide if he inherits the fortune or not?

 

Character Sketch of the Blind Man

The blind man had a small role that leaves a strong impression. Selling pencils on the street, he seems to be a symbol of helplessness. However, when Gillian questions him about money, he surprises him with a bank book showing a balance of $1,785. This reveals his hard work, and financial discipline. The blind man symbolizes dignity, independence, and how looks can fool you. His presence in the story influences Gillian’s moral journey, showing him that even someone with limitations can lead a responsible and meaningful life.

 

Questions related to the Character of Blind Man

Q1. What lesson does Gillian learn from the blind man?
Q2. What role does the blind man play in Gillian’s attainment of maturity?

 

Character Sketch of the Cab Driver

The cab driver in the story represents the middle-class working man with simple dreams. When Gillian casually asks what he would do with a thousand dollars, the driver replies that he would open a saloon and make money with both hands. His replies show a practical and straightforward mindset using money for business and financial gain. 

 

Questions related to the Character of the Cab Driver

Q1. How does the cab driver intend to use the money?
Q2. What character traits does the cab driver display?

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