The cast is even more limited than in most Conrad short stories, partly because of Conrad's economical manner of telling the tale. Nevertheless, the narrator, the count, and the robber are all vividly characterized. The narrator is an articulate and perceptive man, apparently an Englishman who enjoys visiting Naples. Although he has no personal involvement in the story, except for his sympathetic friendship with the count, he evinces several interesting qualities: attentive observation, shrewd judgment, and the ability to empathize with others. His description of the count as a "fairly intel ligent man of the world" with good taste that is "natural rather than cultivated," shows observation and discernment. The count's weariness and lack of vitality are conveyed by the narrator's description of the count's response to the busts of the Roman emperors as being too energetic and vigorous. All in all, the narrator provides an experienced and...