Louise Mallard is a dynamic character. Although the story takes place in the duration of just an hour, she undergoes significant character changes and growth. We see her transform from a heartbroken and grieving widow to a self-aware woman with a profound sense of independence and identity.
Chopin develops Louise’s character primarily through internal thoughts. She gives us a vivid picture of Louise’s psyche—all her thoughts and feelings are laid bare. Chopin’s description of Louise’s internal thoughts also gives us a hint of what lies behind the character’s motivations.
Ms Mallard's character is constructed through the detailed internal thoughts looking through the window. Her moment of epiphany, sudden revelation, helps her grasp a life of freedom and feel it. Some guilty might cross her mind, however, considering that the role women played in the time the story is set was not trascendent, it is such a great opportunity for a woman to be a widow and have a property.
“When thinking” is the right answer (the definition of retrospect is “a survey or review of a past course of events or period of time”. So “when thinking “ is most likely the right answer.
