Sketch the character of Sue. What is striking about her?

 Sketch the character of Sue. What is striking about her?

In O. Henry’s short story The Last Leaf, Sue is one of the central characters. She and Johnsy are two young artists who share common tastes in art, food, and dress. Their similar likes bring them together, and they set up a joint studio in Greenwich Village. Sue comes across as a loving, caring, and responsible friend who plays a vital role in the survival of Johnsy.

When Johnsy is attacked by pneumonia, Sue immediately calls in a doctor. The doctor clearly tells her that medicine alone cannot cure Johnsy unless the patient has the will to live. Sue, understanding this, tries her best to bring back Johnsy’s interest in life. She paints in her room to keep her company. She tries to divert Johnsy’s mind from the window, where she keeps watching the falling ivy leaves. Sue’s continuous efforts show her deep affection, loyalty, and patience as a true friend.

Sue also becomes the connecting link between Johnsy and Behrman, the old painter. When Johnsy declares her strange fancy that she will die when the last ivy leaf falls, Sue narrates this to Behrman. Though Behrman dismisses it as foolish, he realizes its seriousness. Without Sue’s report, Behrman would never have known about Johnsy’s condition, nor would he have painted his masterpiece — the last leaf that saved Johnsy’s life.

What strikes us most in Sue’s character is her devotion and sacrifice for friendship. She does everything a loving friend can do — caring for the sick, encouraging her, seeking medical help, and even involving Behrman to fight against Johnsy’s morbid idea. She is the silent force behind Johnsy’s recovery, and her role proves that true friendship has the power to save life.

Thus, Sue stands out as a symbol of selfless love, dedication, and humanity.