The Landlady" is a short story written by Roald Dahl. In the story, the landlady's dialogue and actions reveal several aspects of her character:
Politeness: The landlady is exceedingly polite and welcoming to the young protagonist, Billy Weaver, when he arrives at her boarding house. She uses phrases like "my dear" and "darling" when addressing him. This politeness may initially seem friendly, but it becomes increasingly eerie and unnerving as the story progresses.
Peculiar Attention to Detail: The landlady pays close attention to specific details about her guests, including their names and the dates they sign the guest book. This attention to detail takes on a sinister quality as the story unfolds, suggesting that she is not what she initially appears to be.
Inexplicable Behavior: As the story progresses, the landlady's behavior becomes increasingly strange and unsettling. She is overly insistent on Billy staying at her boarding house, even though he is the only guest. Her apparent naiveté about the ages of the stuffed animals and her fascination with taxidermy indicate a dark side to her character.
Suspense and Mystery: Throughout the story, the landlady's dialogue and behavior create an air of mystery and suspense. Readers are left wondering about her true intentions and the fates of the other guests who have signed her guest book.
In "The Landlady," the landlady's character is portrayed in a way that keeps readers guessing and contributes to the story's overall sense of unease and horror. Her polite facade gradually unravels, revealing a much darker side to her character.