Mrs Casper

Mrs Casper (Billy’s mother) is presented as a pathetic figure.

She is not much of a mother as the description of the house at the start of the novel proves; it is cold, unwelcoming and there is no food.

She is a coward and doesn’t stand up to her own son Jud.

She treats Billy badly, getting him to run errands for her.

She uses bad language around Billy and even asks Billy for a cigarette showing the bad example she is.

She spends ages getting ready for the pub, showing her vain side.

She is more concerned about this than she is about Billy.