In the short story of necklace does narrator paint a mostly sympathetic or unsympathetic picture Mathilda?

In the short story "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant, the narrator paints a mostly sympathetic picture of Mathilde Loisel. The story follows Mathilde, a young woman who lives in Paris with her husband and dreams of a luxurious lifestyle that she cannot afford. When her husband invites her to a formal party, she borrows a diamond necklace from her wealthy friend, Madame Forestier, in order to appear fashionable. However, she loses the necklace during the party and is forced to replace it with a new one, which puts her and her husband into debt for years.

The narrator portrays Mathilde as a kind and loving person who is trapped in a life that does not meet her expectations. She is not inherently materialistic, but she becomes obsessed with the necklace because it represents the luxurious lifestyle that she believes she deserves. The narrator also highlights Mathilde's vulnerability and naivety, as she is easily swayed by her friend's luxurious possessions and does not consider the consequences of her actions.

Despite her flaws, the narrator ultimately paints a sympathetic picture of Mathilde. She is a relatable character who is struggling to find her place in the world, and her actions are understandable, if not always wise. The narrator's sympathy for Mathilde helps to create a sense of tragedy in the story, as the reader feels empathy for her character even as she makes poor choices.