1. How does Ursula’s relationship with Matt change her?

Ursula in the beginning of the story is very cold, reserved, harsh and tough. While her
general character doesn’t change, she becomes more sympathetic and likeable. We can
see this with how she treats Matt’s mom when Pumpkin is kidnapped. She is considerate
and empathetic. I also feel Ursula mastered the “Ugly Girl state” and was able to use
Ugly Girl to resolve conflict rather than just be mad at the world and being unnecessarily
cynical/harsh.

2. Why is Pumpkin kidnapped?

Even after Matt is proven innocent he is still treated badly, he is ignored by his friends
and harassed by a group of guys, physically and verbally. They call him names and beat
him up. That same group who physically assaulted him kidnapped Pumpkin, so the
kidnapping was a sick and twisted way to take the harassment/bullying a step further.

3. How do Ursula and Matt react to Pumpkin being kidnapped?

They both react by immediately being worried and anxious. Matt panics in a way and will
do whatever it takes to get Pumpkin back, and Ursula immediately runs to Matt’s house
to comfort him, his family and help him get Pumpkin back.

4. Why do you think Matt’s parents change their minds about the lawsuit? How does
this decision affect Matt?

I think it was mostly Matt’s mom who was the main cause for the change of heart. She
met Ursula and, I think, connected with her in a way, and knowing she was Matt’s friend
that made her feel better about the whole situation. Knowing Matt had this amazing
friend who was there for him made her feel like it wasn’t all hopeless. I also think the
Pumpkin incidence made her scared for what else might happen if the town continued
hating them. Matt breaking down outside the therapist’s office, expressing how he felt
about the whole thing, also helped persuade her (and I think, deep down, his dad was
greatly affected by that incident as well).

5. How does Matt behave towards his old friends, once they are talking to him again?
He’s sceptic and careful. He still feels betrayed after having been avoided, and even
exiled, by his so-called “friends” for so long, even after his innocence was proven. For a
short period of time he considers accepting the unexpected invitations he gets for
parties, get-togethers etc (on the condition he could bring Ursula), but after talking to
Ursula about it she helps him see that it’s probably not good for him. Hanging out with
them again, after everything that’s happened and how they turned a blind eye to it,
would most likely cause him more harm than good in many ways.