1.

Albert Edward Foreman: The protagonist and verger of St Peter's, Neville

Square. He serves faithfully but is confronted with the unexpected revelation
about his illiteracy. His resourcefulness and adaptability lead him to transition
successfully from a church verger to a tobacconist and newsagent.
2. The Vicar: The newly appointed clergyman at St Peter's. He discovers Albert's
illiteracy and, despite acknowledging his satisfactory service, sees it as a risk to
the church.
3. Churchwardens: Elderly men who, like Albert, have served the church for a
long time. They participate in the discussion about Albert's illiteracy.
4. Manager: The bank manager who informs Albert about the large sum of
money he has on deposit. He is surprised to learn about Albert's inability to
read and write.

Speaker:

The speaker is an omniscient narrator who provides insights into the thoughts and
actions of the characters. The narrator conveys the story with a neutral and observant
tone, allowing readers to follow the events and the characters' experiences without
explicit bias.

Tone:

The tone is generally reflective, with moments of surprise and humor. The narrative
explores the unexpected turns in Albert's life, and the tone is sympathetic to his
situation while also acknowledging the irony and humor in his success despite his
lack of literacy.

Themes:Adaptability and Resourcefulness: Albert Edward Foreman's ability to

adapt to unexpected circumstances and find success in a new venture highlights the
theme of adaptability and resourcefulness.

1. Class and Social Mobility: The narrative touches on social class and mobility
as Albert moves from a position as a verger in an affluent church to a
successful business owner.
2. Education and Literacy: Albert's illiteracy becomes a central theme,
emphasizing how societal expectations around education can be challenged
by individual abilities and determination.
3. Irony and Humor: The story is imbued with irony and humor, especially in the
contrast between Albert's success in business and the expectation that literacy
is essential for such achievements.

Language:The language used is descriptive, conveying details about the characters,

settings, and events. It's straightforward, allowing readers to engage with the
narrative easily. Dialogue is used effectively to reveal the characters' personalities and
advance the plot. The language also incorporates humor and irony to add depth to
the storytelling.