In Hilary Mantel's "Wolf Hall," the character Hans expresses a playful yet cunning demeanor. His confident posture and bright eyes suggest a deeper layer to his personality, embodying a mischievous spirit akin to a dog that takes a handkerchief to provoke a chase. This imagery highlights his cleverness and ability to manipulate situations to his advantage.

This scene captures the dynamics of power and attentiveness in the narrative. Hans's actions invite others to react, creating a sense of intrigue and engaging the audience in the unfolding drama. Mantel effectively illustrates how seemingly innocent gestures can mask more profound intentions in the courtly environment of the story.