Posted by Dave Thewlis on November 13, 2006 at 05:19:58 from 70.191.49.25 user dthewlis.
In Reply to: Re: Coddling children posted by Prue on November 13, 2006 at 04:39:16:
I agree that in the sense of growing through the series and in the stories, it doesn't happen (very much). I think the characters do grow through the series, but in a way it happens between the books.
An exception is the Swallows growing in WD, and I think the D's show some growing in PM. Ditto Nancy perhaps. They all exhibit "more grown" characteristics in GN.
Ransome seems to show them more "grown up" when appropriate, than spending story time showing them growing. In that respect he is conscious of the series, and perhaps counting on the audience knowing the series as well. (His concern about readers reading them in sequence might support this notion.)