A developing character is a character who during the course of a story undergoes a permanent change in some aspect of moral qualities, personal traits, or out look. The change may be large or small; it may be positive or negative, but it is something significant and basic, not some minor change of habit or opinion. In Katherine Mansfield's short story "Miss Brill,"" Miss Brill is a developing character.
As a developing character, Miss Brill is forced to face the reality of who she is, where she comes from, and what others think of her. Miss Brill does not think of herself as old, but in reality, she is quite old. Miss Brill has a routine that she follows every Sunday. She leaves the house at the exact same time. When she arrives at the park she sits on the same bench. After leaving the park Miss Brill would stop at the same bakery to buy a piece of honey cake. In addition to the routine, Miss Brill also feels tingling in her hands and arms; she thinks it is from walking, but in reality, it is just old age. Miss Brill is also is alone. She has no friends or family and no one for companionship. She is in France, yet she teaches the English Language to English speaking students. Language is a barrier isolating her from the outside world. Also, Miss Brill is poor. Although she does not think she is poor, the way she lives her life proves otherwise. All that Miss Brill has is an old fur that is not worth very much. She also finds free entertainment by going to concerts in the park and eavesdropping on other people's conversations. A woman of this age should be retired, but in fact, she is teaching English to students and reading the paper to a man in the park for income. In addition, Miss Brill's home is quite small and not very expensive. Finally, a piece of honey cake is all she treats herself to once a week, and if she gets an almond on the top, it makes her happy. Miss Brill is not wealthy. Miss Brill could also be described as a nave individual.