I admit that James writes in difficult and complex sentances, but that is what makes his writing so grand. He describes every little detail and every moment as if it were an epiphany. The reading of the book was difficult and required many rereadings to completely compehend. <br> I however think that Isabel as a character was completely and clearly presented. James did a remarkable job identifing Isabel not just physically but mentally as well. The insites into her thoughts and her feelings were incredible. Isabel also aged with the story her mind quickened and matured as the story of her life unfolded. I have yet to find another character so well portrayed as James' Isabel.<br> As for the rest of James' characters they lacked nothing in their descriptions. Miss Stackpole was presented with enough insite to explain her actions, yet not enough to bore me as the reader. The Lord Warburton and Ralph were given excellent descriptions as to their thoughts, actions, and the relevent relationship to Isabel. Madame Merle was decribed so completly before and after her secret was revealed that I as the reader felt betrayed also. <br> Henry James identified the reader many times and only gave the reader enough insite into each character to allow a sense of intimacy to form. James' understanding of the reader, not just of his era but of those to come, is remarkable. He was able to identify his audience so well that as questions formed in my head he aswered them. <br> I enjoyed this peice of work. I found it interesting and captivating to read. I had trouble putting it down. I do not agree with you that it could have been done better. Henry James created a masterpiece with "The Portriat of a Lady".