In Joyce Carol Oates' "The Sign of the Beast," Mrs. S is depicted as a woman whose youthful and boisterous demeanor creates a sense of discomfort among children. Her behavior challenges the expectations of adult authority, leaving the children feeling uneasy as they grapple with her unconventional conduct.

The children's observation of Mrs. S's frequent winking suggests an unsettling familiarity, as if she shares a secret bond with them that remains undefined. This dynamic brings a layer of complexity to their interactions, highlighting the dissonance between adult behavior and childlike innocence.