Henry James', The Turn of the Screw, can be referred as a ghost story or psychological novella. The governess, narrator and protagonist of the story, is seen as an ambiguous character in James' short story. She can be seen as a heroic figure or a sexually deprived psychopath. Her character is one that cannot be judged by first interpretations, such as a book cannot be judged by its cover.

The governess' first characterization can be seen as a heroic figure. From the beginning, she sets her attitude to her readers, "proud of herself and protecting children." (James, #). As bold as she is, the governess believes that she can help save the children from whatever is haunting them. The governess believes that she is the savior of these children. Even till the end, the governess acts like a hero, "I could only get on at all by taking `nature'...