Framton Nuttel is the perfect victim for Vera's imaginative prank, because he is an eccentric hypochondriac who is not familiar with the region or its inhabitants, which makes him vulnerable to her amusing lies. Framton initially travels to the countryside hoping that the rural area will soothe his nerves and ease his mind. He is portrayed as a neurotic man, who lacks confidence and self-esteem. When he arrives at Mrs. Sappleton's home, Vera answers the door and asks him several questions that immediately reveal his vulnerability. As soon as Framton explains to Vera that he has letters of introduction for people living in the country and knows nothing about her aunt, Vera begins to tell her elaborate story about why the large French window stays open. Vera accurately reads that Framton Nuttel is easily excitable and will believe her fabricated story about her aunt's tragedy. Once Framton sees Vera's uncles walking towards the open French window, Vera gives him a look of horror and he instantly dashes out of the home in fear.
Framton Nuttel is the nervous type. In fact, he is spending some time in the country on doctor's orders to try and help cure his strained nervous system. At the same time, his sister does not want him to become isolated; she wants him to go out and meet new people. It sounds like sensible advice, but it leads to Framton's already frayed nerves ending up almost completely shattered.
Vera could not have wished for a better victim of her terrifying shaggy-dog story. Framton is already nervous when he meets her, even though she is a fairly ordinary teenage girl. As well as having a nervous condition, Framton is rather shy, so meeting new people is a bit of a chore. Vera quickly establishes that Framton does not know anyone in the area, so her tall story will sound much more plausible. Everything is now set up to provide Vera with the ideal opportunity to spring her cruel little prank.
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