In "The Rocking Horse Winner," how many characters are affected by materialism? How might a sentimental writer have ended the story?

Hester, Paul's mother is affected by materialism because she is obsessed with money and is unable to show any kind of love toward her son. Paul's uncle, Oscar Creswell is also affected by materialism. When Creswell finds out about Paul's ability to pick winners of horse races, he uses this to increase his wealth. He doesn't really care about the affects that it has on Paul until Paul dies. Paul is affected by materialism the most. He realizes that his mother isn't happy, so he does everything in his power to make more money, which ultimately leads to his death.

A sentimental writer might have ended the story by having Paul recover after his big win and have Hester realize the that her son is more important than money. However, by not ending the story with a "happily ever after" moment, the reader is more strongly affected by the lesson.