What adjective best describes Mrs Mallard?

It's impossible to pick just *one* adjective to describe Mrs. Mallard from "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin. She's a complex character, and different readers will have different interpretations. Here are some possibilities, depending on what aspects of her character you want to emphasize:

Positive:

* Independent: She begins to feel a newfound sense of freedom after learning of her husband's death.

* Introspective: She experiences a powerful emotional journey of self-discovery in a short period.

* Yearning: She longs for something beyond the confines of her marriage.

* Strong: She overcomes societal expectations to embrace her own desires.

Negative:

* Deceptive: Her reaction to the news of her husband's death is initially one of relief, which some might consider deceitful.

* Tragic: Her ultimate fate, with its ambiguous meaning, is undeniably tragic.

* Confused: She experiences a whirlwind of emotions and seemingly contradictory feelings.

* Unstable: Her emotional journey is rapid and intense, which some might interpret as instability.

Neutral:

* Complex: She is a multifaceted character with contradictory impulses and motivations.

* Ambiguous: Her true feelings and motives remain open to interpretation.

* Real: She is a believable character who experiences a range of human emotions.

The "best" adjective will depend on your personal interpretation of Mrs. Mallard and what you want to emphasize about her character.