In "The Open Window" by H.H. Munro, Vera and Framton's character traits significantly contribute to the story's main theme of appearance versus reality.
Vera, the clever and confident young woman, uses her wit and charm to manipulate Framton. She creates a believable story about her aunt's tragic past, showcasing her deceptive nature. This highlights the theme by demonstrating how appearances can be misleading; Vera appears innocent, but she is actually playing a prank.
On the other hand, Framton is anxious and naive. His nervousness makes him susceptible to Vera's lies. He believes her story without question, illustrating how easily someone can be misled by what they see and hear.
Together, Vera's cunning and Framton's gullibility emphasize the theme that things are not always as they seem, reminding readers to question surface impressions.