English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

In the poem, Belinda, Ink (the cat), Blink (the mouse), and Mustard (the dog) all claimed to be very brave. However, when the pirate appeared:

• Mustard, despite being called a "yellow" coward by others, fled away, crying loudly.
• Ink trickled down to the bottom of the ink jar to hide.
• Blink crawled through a hole in the floor to escape.
• Belinda herself turned three times round and sat down piteously, crying for help.

Only Custard the dragon, always mocked for his timidity, bravely faced and ate the pirate, proving the others' boasted courage was hollow.

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Examiners expect you to name all four characters (Belinda, Mustard, Ink, Blink) and describe their specific cowardly reactions. The contrast with Custard is the central irony of the poem — mentioning it shows understanding of the poem's theme. Keep the reactions precise and matched to each character.