Character Analysis
Mrs. Pinchbeck, Grisini's landlady, is a very dramatic woman who likes to be the center of attention all the time. She's always telling long-winded stories in which she's the heroine or the victim and putting herself right in the middle of the action. For example, when the police come to question Grisini, she acts as though she's the one being questioned and abused:
"Alas, poor child," Mrs. Pinchbeck replied, "I wonder if I shall e'er be well again. Coppers—first thing in the morning!" She dropped her voice half an octave. "And oh, child, the way they spoke to me!" (9.20)
But, despite the fact that Mrs. Pinchbeck can often seem self-centered and frivolous, she is truly a kind soul. When Grisini attacks the children, she takes them into her room without any questions, and then she allows them to stay on rent-free, even though she could easily kick them out and onto the street. She's always there to help them or slip them a little bit of food, even though she herself is poor.