Question

A character arc is the transformation or development of a character throughout a story and refers to the changes a character undergoes as a result of their experiences, challenges, and interactions with other characters.
In the light of the above information, trace the character arc of Matilda in Guy De Maupassants’ ‘The Necklace’, in about 120 words.

Answer 1

Matilda Loisel, in Guy De Maupassant’s ”The Necklace,” begins as a discontented and materialistic woman, dissatisfied with her modest life and dreaming of wealth and luxury. She borrows a beautiful necklace to attend a high-society event, only to lose it. Faced with the consequences, she and her husband sacrifice everything to replace it, living in poverty for ten years. During this time, Matilda transforms. The hardship forces her to work hard and endure suffering, leading her to develop a more realistic understanding of life. When she learns that the necklace was a fake, her character arc reaches its climax—she has gone from vanity and superficiality to a deep appreciation of life’s true value.