IndexLoyalty: Mary's Undying DevotionAdaptability: Mary's TransformationResourcefulness: Mary's Calculated ActionsConclusionBibliographyMary Maloney, the protagonist of Roald Dahl's short story "The Lamb to the Slaughter", he is a compelling character whose traits and actions drive the narrative. Throughout the story, Mary displays several distinctive traits that contribute to the development of the plot and the overall message of the story. This essay will explore Mary Maloney's character traits and their implications, highlighting her transformation from a seemingly ordinary housewife to a cunning and manipulative woman. By examining her loyalty, adaptability, and resourcefulness, we can gain a deeper understanding of Mary's character and the story's themes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Loyalty: Mary's Undying Devotion One of the key character traits that defines Mary Maloney is her unswerving loyalty, particularly to her husband. From the first lines of the story, it is clear that Mary has a deep love and affection for Patrick Maloney. Dahl writes, “She loved to bask in this man's presence and feel – almost as a bather feels the sun – that warm masculine glow that came off of him when they were alone together” (Dahl, 1953). This quote highlights Mary's deep emotional connection and dependence on her husband. However, as the story progresses, Mary's loyalties take a dark turn. When Patrick reveals his intention to leave her, Mary's initial shock and disbelief quickly turns into a desperate desire to preserve their relationship at any cost. In a fit of anger and desperation, Mary grabs a frozen leg of lamb and stabs Patrick, killing him instantly. This act of violence demonstrates the depth of Mary's loyalty and her will to protect her marriage at all costs. Mary's loyalty is further exemplified in her actions after the murder. Instead of panicking or turning himself in, he calmly devises a plan to hide the crime. He cleverly places the lamb in the oven, ensuring that it will be cooked and eaten, effectively destroying the murder weapon. Her loyalty to Patrick drives her to protect his reputation even in death. Adaptability: Mary's Transformation Another significant character trait of Mary Maloney is her remarkable adaptability. When faced with adversity, Mary quickly adapts her behavior and demeanor to fit the situation. This adaptability is evident in his interactions with the investigating police officers who arrive at his door. Instead of showing the pain and shock one might expect from a grieving widow, Mary stages a convincing act of innocence and grief, presenting herself as a victim rather than a perpetrator. Mary's adaptability is also evident in her ability to think on her feet and find creative solutions to her problems. After the murder, he coldly conceives a plan to dispose of the murder weapon by cooking it and serving it to the same agents investigating the crime. This act not only eliminates any evidence, but also serves as a testament to Mary's quick thinking and resourcefulness. Resourcefulness: Mary's Calculated Actions Mary Maloney's resourcefulness is another important trait that drives the story forward. After committing the murder, Mary's mind immediately goes to work, contemplating the best course of action to avoid detection. Observe officers carefully, noting their behavior and attitude to gauge their suspicions. Mary's resourcefulness is further demonstrated in her interactions with i.