How does Iris Johansen use imagery in Blind Alley?

Imagery:

"He was placed in an orphanage and was in and out of trouble until he ran away at sixteen. The reports of the teachers were definitely mixed. Some wanted to toss him in jail and throw away the key. Others wanted to give him a scholarship and send him to Oxford."

In her cadet uniform and short haircut, Carrie Brockman appeared both mannish and loud. Laughing, whistling, kidding the other players. A noisy, boisterous extrovert.