They are curious about how her personality might affect her son's behavior
troublemaker
laurie is charles
jack eats too much
Laurie's mother feels conflicted about how to handle the conference with Laurie's teacher. Another conflict arises at the end when Laurie's parents, as well as the reader, discover that Laurie has invented Charles, and that his tales about Charles reflect conflicts in Laurie's own life.
troublemaker
surprised
In "Charles" by Shirley Jackson, the protagonist is Laurie's mother, who is the one narrating the story.
Charles
Laurie convinces his parents that Charles is a real student by providing details about Charles' misbehavior in school that are too specific to be made up. This includes information about the teacher reprimanding Charles and Charles being punished for his behavior. By giving such detailed accounts, Laurie is able to maintain his deception.
C: surprised (Apex)
Laurie's teacher says that there is no Charles in kindergarten