Final answer:
Characters like a doctor or gentlewoman in literature may choose not to disclose information due to fear, personal ethics, or the need to protect themselves or others. This behavior is a common narrative device that contributes to suspense and character development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reluctance of characters such as a doctor or gentlewoman to share what they have seen or heard can be attributed to various reasons, often rooted in the complexities of personal ethics, fear, or the character's need to protect themselves or others from potential harm or misunderstanding. In literature, this dynamic can create suspense and contribute to the development of the theme or the plot.
In one instance, a character might hesitate because the truth carries danger or because they are protecting someone's reputation or even their own; revealing secrets or sensitive information would lead to significant consequences. In other cases, the revelation of the truth could be so unbelievable or shocking that characters prefer silence to disbelief, ridicule, or the stirring of chaos. Finally, sometimes characters are simply bound by their own honor or duty to discretion.
Each of these scenarios reflects the narrative tension and character dilemmas often explored in English literature, where a character's decision whether or not to reveal a secret can signify deeper themes of trust, loyalty, and the burdens of knowledge.