How Does Kate Chopin Use Direct Characterization In Desiree's Baby

In “Desiree’s Baby”is a short story written by Kate Chopin. Chopin displays the main characters Armand and Desiree struggling in their marriage due to the fact that their first child is dark skinned. Armand is quick to assume that his wife Desiree is the reason their child is dark skinned since her background is unknown. Armand ends up having to decide what he is going to do with his marriage. Kate Chopin uses direct and indirect characterization in order to enhance the story’s plot.

The conflict in the story is between Armand and Desiree (person vs. person). “Armand is a wealthy son of a plantation owner. Because of his family’s name and money he is at the top of the social ladder. Appearances are very important to him so he looks at everything

Throughout the story she is a very devoted wife but when Armand asks for her to leave she listens and takes nothing with her but the baby. She shows a sign of independence as if she knows she can go on without Armand. For example in the story it says “Good-by Armand, she moaned. He did not answer her. That was the last blow of his fate. Desiree went in search of her child. Zandrine was pacing the sombre gallery with it. She took the little one from the nurse’s arms with no word of explanation, and descending the steps, walked way” (Chopin 4).The way Desiree leaves without any kind of hesitation comes to show that she has undergone development she is no longer dependant on Armand and feels she can go on without

She is always there for Desiree and stands by her side even in the roughest moments. For example in the story there is an instant when Armand discovers the child is not white, he is quick to conclude that Desiree is of mixed ancestry. Desiree quickly writes a letter to her mother (Madame Valmonde) saying “My mother, they tell me I am not white. Armand has told me I am not white. For God’s sake tell them it is not true. You must know it is not true. I shall die. I must die. I cannot be so unhappy, and live.” (Chopin 3) Madame responds saying “ My own Desiree: Come home to Valmonde: back to your mother who loves you. Come with your child.” (Chopin 3) This shows that Madame is there for Desiree in the roughest moments even when everyone has their back turned against her. She truly loves Desiree like if she was her own daughter. This love and tenderness never changes throughout the story making Madame a flat