The short story ‘Charles’ by Shirley Jackson is narrated from a first-person point of view. The narrator is the mother of the main character, Laurie, who recounts her experiences and observations about her son’s behavior as he starts kindergarten.
This perspective allows readers to engage directly with the mother’s thoughts and feelings, providing an intimate look at her perceptions and interpretations of Laurie’s actions. As she shares anecdotes about Laurie’s adventures, including his tales about a classmate named Charles, the first-person narration creates a relatable and personal tone.
By using the first-person point of view, Jackson effectively builds suspense and irony, especially as the mother’s understanding of her son and his school life unfolds throughout the story. We see her pride and confusion through her own eyes, leading to a powerful revelation at the end.