Character Analysis: Helen in “Kath and Mouse”
What type of character is Helen? Explain.
Helen is the protagonist; also, she is a “dynamic” character.
What do the following quotations suggest about Helen’s character?
QUOTATIONS:
Taken directly from the short story.
- “I expected her to skitter away, like anyone else
would, but instead she looked up and smiled.”
(McNaughton 62)
- “‘…No. I talked it over with Mom after Dad left.
Voice is good for someone who moves a lot.”
(McNaughton 63)
- “The pride in her voice made her sound
completely different.” (McNaughton 63)
- “Helen kept her head down. ‘At a garage sale,’
she said. ‘I like it.’ she added.” (McNaughton 63)
- “Halfway through the song, she stood up,
walked to the edge of the stage and sang to the
audience like she’d been up there every day of
her life.” (McNaughton 66)
- “‘My goodness,’ Mrs. Cromwell said. ‘That was
lovely.’” (McNaughton 66)
- “When we came off-stage, Christine came over
to slap Helen on the back. ‘You’ve got to sing at
my party Saturday! Say you’ll come.’”
(McNaughton 66)
OBSERVATIONS:
Remember to use effective adjectives.
- According to Kevin, this quotation reveals that
the new kid, Helen, is unlike the other students,
who perhaps are afraid to stand-up and speak to
Kathryn (Kath). In this example, Helen is not rude
towards Kath, rather she shows her vulnerability
by simply “smiling.” Helen could have walked
away, but she does not.
- This quotation reveals that Helen moves a lot.
As a result, the reader is empathetic towards her
situation, because it is likely difficult to constantly
make new friends; also, she may be struggling in
her upbringing without her father’s presence. In
addition, by this quotation, Helen reveals that she
is humourous, because she makes a joke about
“her voice” not being hard to pick up and move;
something that she is very familiar with.
- This quotation reveals that according to Kevin,
Helen is proud of her ability to sing. Kevin is
impressed by her confidence. In addition, by
Kevin’s reaction, the reader can predict that Helen
may showcase her talent at the school-wide
Talent Show.
- This quotation reveals that Helen is
embarrassed that the students have noticed her
second-hand backpack, with “‘Robyn’ written on
the flap in ballpoint pen.” Moreover, this
quotation reveals that since Helen shops at “a
garage sale,” she likely does not have a lot of
money growing up in her single-parent
household.
- This quotation reveals…
- This quotation reveals…
- This quotation reveals…
 Character Analysis: Kevin in “Kath and Mouse”

List at least FOUR quotations that reveal Kevin’s character.

QUOTATIONS: OBSERVATIONS:
Taken directly from the short story. Remember to use effective adjectives.

- - This quotation reveals…

- - This quotation reveals...

- - This quotation reveals…

- - This quotation reveals…