Brian Clarke uses several techniques to engage the reader.
He immediately shows the audience Kens humorous personality, as he says "I am afraid I cant offer you my hand you will just have to put up with my backside instead". This is a crude joke, but also he introduces sexual innuendo, which will later become a recurring technique. On the first page Ken is seen to be helpless, because in the stage directions it says, "They rub spirit and talc into his back". This gives us the impression he cannot do it himself, and also it hints his condition.
This is a good technique as it leaves the audience wanting to know more about his condition and how it happened. The control is then switched to contrast the earlier sense of the nurse's authority and order. On the second page the audience are shown that Ken is actually in control by the way he questions the nurse. He says, "What's your name? You must answer..? " This puts the nurse in a difficult position, as she has to answer him but must try to stay professional.
This makes the audience question whether Ken is really coping with his condition or if he uses his humour and rudeness to cover up his emotions. The nurse is also used as a way the audience find out about Kens condition, and his past. Clarke writes the nurse as a trainee which means she doesn't yet know all the rules of being professional, but most of all she is young and naive. This shows when she is having a conversation with Ken and he makes some sexual references, she doesn't really know how to handle it, then she answers him but in a very un-professional way.Her character is used to find out that Ken is quadriplegic.
After her scene the sister is introduced into the room and suddenly we see a dramatic difference between Nurse Sadler and the sister. Sister comes across as very professional however we see that she has a very close friendship with Ken and can have a joke with him but knows where the line is and not to cross it. We can see the friendship between the two by the colloquial language that is used.A lot of key information is given through stage directions and dialogue throughout the play. Before John enters we are told that he is an orderly. This helps the reader to understand and follow the story.
When the stage directions say " He puts down his razor... Ken is delighted" This shows us Kens emotions, but also gives us an insight into the scene, that we otherwise wouldn't have got.
Also it can be used as a technique, like when it says "roll him over and make the bed".This is a metaphor showing the routine and how his life will be from now on. But it also shows us that the setting is a hospital. Kens character is introduced as being unlike any other typical patient. His immediate banter with Dr Scott shows a bond that is un-professional and friendly.
As soon as Dr Emerson is introduced the professionalism is set straight and we immediately see a contrast between the two characters. This contrast is most obvious when Nurse Sadler and Ken meet. "
