Sensitive
Although Vivian may appear as a hard woman at the beginning of the film, it soon becomes apparent it is a defence mechanism to hide her sensitive side from the world. When she meets Edward she shows a softer side to her personality. Used to being judged, she is hurt when she is treated disrespectfully by the shop assistants. This frustration eventually leads to her visiting the shop dressed different and informing them of the mistake they have made. When she goes to the opera, she is moved to tears by the performance. When Philip is abusive towards her she is upset with him and also Edward because he has broken her confidence and told him her job.