Her First Ball

by

Katherine Mansfield

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on Her First Ball makes teaching easy.

Her First Ball Characters

Leila

Leila, the story’s protagonist, is an eighteen-year-old girl from the New Zealand countryside. As the story begins, she is on the way to her first ball with her cousins Laurie, Laura, Jose and… read analysis of Leila

The Old Man

The old man is one of Leila’s dance partners, who fills out her dance card at the start of the story. His appearance shocks Leila, because it doesn’t fit with the beauty of the… read analysis of The Old Man

Meg Sheridan

Meg is Leila’s older cousin, who brings her to the ball. Having been to many balls before, Meg isn’t nearly as excited about the ball as Leila is. Once they arrive at the drill hall… read analysis of Meg Sheridan

Laurie Sheridan

Laurie is Leila’s cousin, who helps escort her to the ball. The Sheridans are of a higher social class than Leila, and Leila watches in horror as Laurie throws away the wrapping of his new… read analysis of Laurie Sheridan
Minor Characters
Laura Sheridan
Laura is Leila’s cousin, who helps escort her to the ball. Laura seems to care about Leila, telling her to hold onto her as they enter so Leila doesn’t get lost.
Jose Sheridan
Jose is Leila’s cousin, who helps escort her to the ball.