The borrowed armour

Original fiction extract.

The costume assistant lifted the chainmail shirt from its padded hanger. Ben had worn the soft rehearsal version for a fortnight and expected this one to feel much the same. He put his arms through while she held its weight. When she let go, his knees bent before he had decided to move them.

The shirt settled on him like a crowd choosing the same seat. Every little ring seemed to bring its own demand, pulling the fabric of his clothes towards the floor. He straightened with the care of a person carrying a full bowl. The metal answered in a low, crowded whisper. Across the room, his reflection had acquired a broad grey seriousness which his face did not share. He tried the grand turn from the second scene. His shoulders began it; the rest of the shirt arrived a moment later, bringing him back towards the position he had meant to leave.

The assistant asked him to walk before attempting the turn again. Ben crossed the room slowly, listening. When he returned, he tried the line without the gesture. His voice sounded less commanding than usual. He asked how long he would have to wear it before the audience came in.

Choose three powerful words or phrases from the extract above. Analyse how the writer uses language to present the actor’s experience of wearing the chainmail shirt.

Write about 200 to 250 words.