Walk Two Moons Character Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Protagonist

Salamanca "Sal" Tree Hiddle is the protagonist of the story. She embarks on a journey with her grandparents to find her missing mother and comes to terms with her friend's family issues.

Supporting Characters

Phoebe Winterbottom, Mrs. Cadaver, Chanhassen "Chas" Winterbottom, Margaret "Gram" Hiddle, Gramps Hiddle, Ben Finney, Mary Lou Finney, Mr. Birkway, Mrs. Partridge, and Mike Bickle are all supporting characters who play significant roles in Sal's journey of self-discovery.

Character Descriptions

Salamanca "Sal" Tree Hiddle

Sal is a thoughtful and introspective 13-year-old girl who embarks on a road trip with her grandparents. She is determined to uncover the truth about her mother's disappearance and grapples with feelings of loss and longing.

Phoebe Winterbottom

Phoebe is Sal's best friend, who becomes consumed by the sudden disappearance of her mother. She is portrayed as imaginative and somewhat paranoid, often jumping to conclusions about the people around her.

Mrs. Cadaver

Mrs. Cadaver is a mysterious and enigmatic neighbor who captures Sal's curiosity. Her presence in the story raises questions and adds an element of suspense to the narrative.

Chanhassen "Chas" Winterbottom

Chas is Phoebe's father, who becomes distant and preoccupied after his wife's disappearance. His behavior adds complexity to the storyline and affects Phoebe's emotional state.

Margaret "Gram" Hiddle and Gramps Hiddle

Sal's grandparents, Gram and Gramps, play a significant role in her life and provide support and wisdom as she navigates the challenges she faces.

Character Traits

Salamanca "Sal" Tree Hiddle

• Resilient
• Curious
• Reflective
• Compassionate
• Independent

Phoebe Winterbottom

• Anxious
• Imaginative
• Paranoid
• Protective
• Skeptical

Mrs. Cadaver

• Mysterious
• Reserved
• Alluring
• Enigmatic
• Thoughtful

Chanhassen "Chas" Winterbottom

• Distant
• Preoccupied
• Protective
• Emotionally Reserved
• Conflicted

Margaret "Gram" Hiddle and Gramps Hiddle

• Supportive
• Wise
• Loving
• Patient
• Nurturing

Character Background

Salamanca "Sal" Tree Hiddle

Sal comes from a loving and supportive family but is deeply affected by her mother's sudden departure. Her background is one of stability and warmth, which contrasts with the uncertainty she faces after her mother's absence.

Phoebe Winterbottom

Phoebe's background is initially presented as conventional and unremarkable, but her mother's disappearance disrupts the stability of her family life, causing her to unravel emotionally.

Mrs. Cadaver

Little is known about Mrs. Cadaver's background, adding an air of mystery to her character. Her enigmatic nature intrigues Sal and contributes to the novel's sense of intrigue.

Chanhassen "Chas" Winterbottom

Chas's background is depicted as conventional, but his wife's disappearance unearths hidden complexities and challenges within his character.

Margaret "Gram" Hiddle and Gramps Hiddle

Sal's grandparents provide a stable and loving background for her, offering a sense of security and comfort amidst the turmoil she faces.

Character Arcs

Salamanca "Sal" Tree Hiddle

Sal experiences a significant character arc as she processes her mother's absence, learns to navigate new relationships, and ultimately finds a sense of closure and understanding.

Phoebe Winterbottom

Phoebe undergoes a transformation as she grapples with her mother's disappearance, confronting her fears and anxieties while reevaluating her perceptions of the people around her.

Mrs. Cadaver

Mrs. Cadaver's character arc remains enigmatic, but her influence on Sal's journey prompts introspection and personal growth.

Chanhassen "Chas" Winterbottom

Chas's character arc is marked by emotional turmoil as he copes with his wife's disappearance and the impact it has on his daughter and their family dynamics.

Relationships

Salamanca "Sal" Tree Hiddle and Phoebe Winterbottom

Sal and Phoebe share a deep and enduring friendship, supporting each other through their respective challenges and discoveries.

Salamanca "Sal" Tree Hiddle and Mrs. Cadaver

Sal's fascination with Mrs. Cadaver's character leads to a complex and evolving relationship that shapes her understanding of the world around her.

Chanhassen "Chas" Winterbottom and Phoebe Winterbottom

Chas's relationship with his daughter Phoebe undergoes strain and transformation as they confront the absence of Phoebe's mother.

Salamanca "Sal" Tree Hiddle and Margaret "Gram" Hiddle, Gramps Hiddle

Sal's bond with her grandparents serves as a source of strength and stability as she grapples with the challenges she encounters.

In "Walk Two Moons," Sharon Creech crafts a poignant and emotionally resonant narrative, bringing to life a diverse cast of characters whose individual journeys intersect and intertwine. Through Sal's introspective narration, readers are invited to explore themes of loss, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships. As the characters navigate their personal challenges and revelations, their collective experiences offer a rich tapestry of emotions and growth, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the reader.