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I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato
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"I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato" Characters Analysis

A clever brother convinces his picky eater sister to try different foods by giving them silly names.

Estimated read time: 7 min read

List of Characters

NameRole
LolaProtagonist
CharlieLola's older brother
MommyLola's mother
Mr. Wobbly ManLola's imaginary friend
Soren LorensenLola's imaginary friend
LottaLola's best friend

Role Identification

In "I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato" by Lauren Child, Lola is the main character and protagonist of the story. She is a young girl who has a strong aversion to eating vegetables, especially tomatoes. Lola's older brother, Charlie, plays a supportive role as her sibling and helps her overcome her fear of trying new foods. Lola's mother, Mommy, encourages her to eat a variety of healthy foods and teaches her important life lessons. Additionally, Lola has two imaginary friends, Mr. Wobbly Man and Soren Lorensen, who add an imaginative element to the story. Lotta, Lola's best friend, also appears in the book and shares Lola's adventures.

Character Descriptions

  • Lola: Lola is a creative and imaginative young girl with a vivid imagination. She has a wild imagination that brings her toys and food to life. She has long, curly hair and is often seen wearing colorful clothes. Lola's expressions and body language reveal her emotions, from excitement to frustration, throughout the story.
  • Charlie: Charlie is Lola's caring and patient older brother. He is responsible and mature for his age, always looking out for Lola's well-being. Charlie has short hair and is often seen wearing comfortable clothes. He plays a crucial role in helping Lola overcome her fear of trying new foods.
  • Mommy: Lola's mother, Mommy, is a nurturing and encouraging figure in the story. She is patient and tries to find creative ways to make healthy foods appealing to Lola. Mommy has a warm and loving presence, and her interactions with Lola demonstrate her love and concern for her daughter's well-being.
  • Mr. Wobbly Man: Mr. Wobbly Man is Lola's imaginary friend, who comes to life through her imagination. He is a quirky and wobbly character made of various objects, such as a bottle top and a ping pong ball. Mr. Wobbly Man brings humor and fun to the story, adding an element of imagination.
  • Soren Lorensen: Soren Lorensen is another one of Lola's imaginary friends. He appears as a lion with a colorful mane, representing Lola's bravery and courage. Soren Lorensen encourages Lola to try new things and overcome her fears.
  • Lotta: Lotta is Lola's best friend, who joins her in various adventures throughout the book. She is a cheerful and supportive character who shares Lola's enthusiasm for imaginative play. Lotta has a distinct style and is often seen wearing funky outfits.

Character Traits

  • Lola: Lola is imaginative, stubborn, and adventurous. She often comes up with creative solutions to her problems and has a strong will. However, she can also be picky and resistant to trying new things.
  • Charlie: Charlie is responsible, patient, and caring. He is always there to support Lola and help her overcome her fears. Charlie is understanding and compassionate, providing a sense of stability and guidance for Lola.
  • Mommy: Mommy is nurturing, patient, and creative. She uses her imagination to make healthy foods more appealing to Lola. Mommy is determined to teach Lola the importance of eating a balanced diet while understanding Lola's preferences and fears.
  • Mr. Wobbly Man: Mr. Wobbly Man is whimsical, playful, and unpredictable. He brings a sense of fun and fantasy to Lola's world. Mr. Wobbly Man helps Lola see the lighter side of things and encourages her to approach new experiences with a sense of adventure.
  • Soren Lorensen: Soren Lorensen is brave, supportive, and encouraging. He represents Lola's inner strength and helps her face her fears head-on. Soren Lorensen empowers Lola to step out of her comfort zone and try new things.
  • Lotta: Lotta is cheerful, imaginative, and loyal. She is always ready to join Lola in her adventures and supports her throughout the story. Lotta's playful nature adds to the creativity and excitement in the book.

Character Background

Lola is a young girl who has a strong aversion to eating vegetables, especially tomatoes. Her fear of trying new foods leads her to come up with imaginative excuses to avoid eating them. Lola's older brother, Charlie, plays a supportive role in helping her overcome her fear by introducing her to new and exciting ways of eating healthy foods. Lola's mother, Mommy, understands the importance of a balanced diet and tries to encourage Lola to expand her food preferences. Throughout the book, Lola's vivid imagination brings her toys and food to life, allowing her to explore the world of vegetables in a playful and imaginative way.

Character Arcs

Lola's character arc in "I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato" revolves around her overcoming her fear of trying new foods, especially tomatoes. At the beginning of the story, Lola adamantly refuses to eat any vegetables, creating imaginative excuses to avoid them. However, through the support of her brother Charlie, her mother Mommy, and her imaginary friends, Lola gradually learns to embrace new foods and discovers that they can be delicious and enjoyable.

Throughout the book, Lola's character arc is driven by her growing understanding of the importance of a balanced diet and her willingness to try new things. She goes from being stubborn and resistant to trying any vegetables to exploring creative ways of enjoying them. By the end of the story, Lola has a new perspective on food and a greater appreciation for the variety of flavors and textures that vegetables offer.

Relationships

Lola's relationships with the other characters in the book play a significant role in her character development and the progression of the story. Her bond with her older brother Charlie is characterized by trust and support. Charlie patiently introduces Lola to new foods and encourages her to step out of her comfort zone.

Lola's relationship with her mother, Mommy, is one of love and guidance. Mommy understands Lola's preferences and fears while also teaching her the importance of a balanced diet. Mommy's creativity and patience help Lola navigate her aversion to vegetables and open her mind to new culinary experiences.

Lola's imaginary friends, Mr. Wobbly Man and Soren Lorensen, serve as sources of inspiration and encouragement. They provide a sense of wonder and playfulness, helping Lola overcome her fears and embrace new experiences. Lola's best friend, Lotta, shares her enthusiasm for imaginative play and accompanies Lola on various adventures throughout the book, reinforcing Lola's sense of adventure.

Overall, the relationships in "I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato" contribute to Lola's growth and transformation as she learns the value of trying new things and the importance of a balanced diet.