The judge in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial was taciturn through months of court proceedings that caught the attention of the world.
On Thursday, however, she'll deliver a judgment that brings her to the forefront.
Judge Thokozile Masipa, 66, has sat on a dais throughout the televised trial, rarely interrupting the drama unfolding as the prosecutor sought to prove that the Olympic athlete murdered girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp and defence lawyers argued that the shooting was a terrible mistake.
In the rare instances when her personality has shone through, Masipa has been stern, chiding the prosecutor for harshly questioning the double-amputee runner when he testified in April.
And she lightened the mood in the courtroom when she joked about making lawyers work "after church" on a Sunday.
South Africa does not have a jury system, so Masipa will read her verdict in a lengthy process, filled with summaries of testimony and legal references, that some analysts say might require more court time on Friday.
Clues about the looming verdict could emerge during the reading, but Pistorius will only know the judgment for or against him at the end of what is likely to be a long reading that will grip the world's attention.
Pistorius could face 25 years to life in prison if convicted of premeditated murder.
He could also be convicted of a lesser murder charge or negligent killing, both of which call for years in jail.
The judge could acquit him if she believes the 27-year-old made a tragic error.
