Final answer:
Characters in the provided literary snippets demonstrate a range of reactions to their circumstances, contributing to the dynamics and development within the narrative. The importance of perspective is highlighted, but the specific details about Dr. Lakeby's views on Mildred and past events in the house are not provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the provided passages, it seems that the characters involved are reacting to situations based on their perceptions and experiences. In literature, such varied perceptions often contribute to character development and the dynamics between characters. In these passages, Mrs. Tilley, Mrs. Ludly, Mr. Tower, Sylvia, her mother, and Dr. Lakeby all present different ways of viewing and interpreting events, which reflects the richness of human interactions and perspectives within the narrative.
The scenarios provided don't give a clear indication of how Mildred is affected by past events in the house according to Dr. Lakeby, nor how Dr. Lakeby presents the events as scientific rather than supernatural. As such, without additional context, it's not possible to comment on whether Dr. Lakeby believes his own explanations. However, these literary snippets do suggest that the characters respond to their circumstances with a mix of curiosity, laughter, gentle reprimands, and in some cases, a lack of understanding of the gravity of a situation; all of which contribute to their character dynamics and the unfolding story.