In what capacity is Annabelle acting if she is performing only a few duties for Joseph without representing him as an agent?

When Annabelle is performing only a few duties for Joseph without acting as his representative, she is best classified as an independent contractor. This role typically involves providing services based on a contract while maintaining control over how those services are delivered, rather than being directly employed by Joseph.

In this context, an independent contractor offers flexibility and does not have the same level of supervision or accountability as an employee might. This designation reflects a working relationship where Annabelle is engaged in specific tasks without assuming legal responsibilities or fiduciary duties as a traditional agent would carry.

The other possible roles, such as employee, assistant, or partner, would imply a closer working relationship with different obligations and levels of authority. An employee often has a more structured arrangement, usually following specific guidelines set by the employer, while an assistant typically supports someone else's work but does so under their direction. A partner implies a shared responsibility and legal stance in business operations, which clearly does not fit the scenario of Annabelle's limited role. Thus, labeling her as an independent contractor accurately captures the nature of her engagement with Joseph.