Character Analysis: “Fur” by Saki

Character Analysis: “Fur” by Saki

Character Analysis: “Fur” by Saki

Eleanor

Eleanor is one of the central characters in the story, representing a woman of higher social and economic standing. She recently acquired a luxurious fur coat, which becomes a symbol of her wealth and status. Eleanor is confident and somewhat vain, enjoying the attention and admiration her coat brings. She seems unaware—or perhaps indifferent—to the jealousy she stirs in her friend Suzanne. Eleanor’s character reflects the societal focus on material possessions and how they can create power imbalances even in close relationships.

Suzanne

Suzanne, on the other hand, is portrayed as more envious and insecure. While outwardly friendly towards Eleanor, her true feelings are marked by a deep jealousy of Eleanor’s fur coat. Suzanne struggles to hide her desire for the coat, which she covets as a symbol of the status she lacks. Her internal conflict between maintaining her friendship and grappling with her envy highlights the fragility of their bond. Suzanne’s character represents those who, though less fortunate, aspire to the same level of material success, often at the cost of genuine relationships.