What is the central conflict of "Thank You, Ma’am”?

The story’s main conflict is how Mrs. Jones responds to Roger after he tries to steal her purse. Rather than simply punish him, she takes him home, feeds him, and guides him, so the central struggle is her decision about how best to help the boy. Roger’s attempt to steal is the event that starts the story, not the central conflict.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.