Fudge-a-Mania

Fudge is the five-year-old deuteragonist of Fudge-a-mania. He is Peter’s brother and is a dynamic character due to the fact that he is always learning and soaking up the world around him. At least, Fudge learns what he’s interested in: “Mom kept right on reading. I don’t know why she thinks Fudge pays any attention to her lectures on history. He hears only what he wants to hear. Everything else goes right by him” (15). Fudge is precocious, has a deep sense of curiosity, and loves to play and wreak havoc in his family, often unintentionally. Some of Fudge’s major foibles while the family is on vacation in Maine include the day he lets Uncle Feather out of his cage and the day he decides to eat far too many blueberries and ends up covered in them: “His face was streaked with blue, his shirt was stained blue, his hands were blue, he had blue in his hair. Even his tongue, which hung halfway out of his mouth, was blue” (107-108).

Fudge loves his pet bird and looks up to his older brother. He is always following Peter around, asking him questions, and listening in on his conversations. Often, Fudge mishears words or associates what he hears with things he already knows, usually with humorous results. For instance, Fudge sits in a tree and declares that he plans to become a “bird breather” and has to practice being a bird. Fudge also has an emotional, sensitive side, which is most evident when Uncle Feather is missing and later when Peter explains to Fudge that he used the wrong kind of oil on his glove. Still, Fudge is strong and resilient, and he never stays down for long. Fudge even plays captain during the baseball game, demonstrating leadership at a young age. During the vacation, Fudge makes a new friend his own age named Mitzi. Together, the two are at the heart of the theme of Navigating Chaotic Family Life and remind everyone daily of The Importance of Levity.

Sheila Tubman is a dynamic character whom Blume initially depicts as arrogant and rude: “Turtle is the most disgusting dog ever born!” (19). Although she tolerates the Hatchers’ presence, she doesn’t seem any happier to see Peter than Peter is to see her. Sheila warms up to Peter’s family first; in particular, Peter’s grandmother wins Sheila over right away with her cartwheels and comforting, relaxed presence. Sheila acts as an antagonist for Peter throughout the novel, challenging Peter when he behaves poorly and rejecting Peter’s proposal to work together to babysit Fudge. She resists Peter because she is acutely aware of how much he dislikes her. When Jimmy comes and is much more friendly toward Sheila, a different side of Sheila comes forward, contrasting with antagonistic version of herself that shows with Peter. Sheila shows maturity by being able to babysit Fudge for several hours a day, keeping him entertained and tolerating his precocious nature. She and Fudge even create a rock garden, which wins them compliments from their parents. Sheila shows her softer side with Fudge, as well as with her dog, Jake, and when she is afraid on the sailboat. Sheila and her sister, Libby, give Grandma and Buzzy Senior some painted rocks when they are married. Sheila and Peter end up related by law as a result of the wedding, but they agree to remain rivals in spirit.

Grandma is a central character in the novel because of the fact that she is a model of The Importance of Levity and a source of understanding and comfort as Peter and his peers are approaching adolescence: “It’s not easy being the first born, is it” (67). When Grandma first arrives in Maine, she shows off with cartwheels, immediately winning over Sheila and her family. She has a youthful spark, and much like Fudge, she lives life in the moment. Peter appreciates the advice and outlook that Grandma shares with him, such as when he notes, “at her age you really appreciate morning and there’s no point in wasting it” (27-28). Grandma is a dynamic character who is full of surprises. She shows that she knows how to sail a boat through tough waters and marries Buzzy Senior after knowing him just a few weeks. Grandma’s encouragement and empathy toward the children and toward Peter’s parents is an important part of what keeps the family together as they navigate the challenges of a chaotic family life.

Jimmy Fargo is Peter’s best friend and is a static character in the story. They have known each other for years and been through many ups and downs together. While Peter dreads the idea of spending three weeks in Maine, the thought of inviting Jimmy brightens Peter’s spirits and gives him something to look forward to. Jimmy is hesitant at first: “Hey, Peter…no offense…but a week with your family can feel like a long time” (12). Jimmy and Peter share a similar sense of humor and often poke fun at one another. Peter occasionally takes this too harshly, such as when Jimmy bugs him about having a crush on Isobel. Jimmy ultimately relies on Peter just as Peter relies on him. While on the boat, Jimmy gets sick and becomes scared that the boat is going to tip over. He hangs onto Peter tightly, and Peter helps get Jimmy through it. Jimmy often shows embarrassment of his father’s personality and financial position. He bugs his dad about not making enough money and is humiliated when his father invites himself to stay for the vacation. He and Peter share an understanding and are always quick to forgive one another.

Peter and Fudge’s parents are static characters who are defined primarily by the fact that they are Peter and Fudge’s parents. Peter’s mother is depicted as a stereotypical mom who frequently scolds Peter or generally frowns at his behavior. She doesn’t react harshly or with severe discipline, but it is clear that she disapproves of many things that her children do, particularly when they argue with one another. When Grandma announces that she and Buzzy are getting married, Peter’s mother is the one to ask, “Isn’t this kind of sudden?” (137). Despite this, Peter and Fudge’s mother is an accepting person who doesn’t scrutinize Fudge for being precocious.

Peter and Fudge’s father, on the other hand, is more excitable and adventurous. When he isn’t out exploring the area, he is taking everyone on a seabound adventure in a boat he rented on a whim. Peter’s father declares himself captain and does fine at sailing the boat for a while, but when the weather and waves become turbulent, Peter’s father fails to follow Grandma’s instructions properly and ends up falling overboard. He reacts with childish defeat when Grandma takes over the boat as well, demonstrating that even adults aren’t always in control of their emotions or reactions, but later makes up for his behavior by apologizing to the group.

Mitzi Apfel is the granddaughter of Mrs. Apfel and Big Apfel. She is a static character who is first introduced after Peter and Fudge meet Mrs. A while looking for Uncle Feather. In the narrative, Mitzi serves as both a friend and playmate to Fudge, who was not able to invite a friend on the trip, as well as a plot device to further Peter’s character arc via his introduction to Big Apfel and participation in the big baseball game.

Mitzi is similar to Fudge’s both in age and in her general enthusiasm for life. The two become fast friends after Peter breaks the awkward silence and asks Mitzi about the baseball glove she carries. Mitzi’s name is reminiscent of a baseball mitt, and she carries the same enthusiasm for the sport that her grandfather does. Seeing Mitzi’s glove makes Fudge want his own, which leads to him both joining the big baseball game and to a humorous incident in which he mistakenly oils his new glove with face oil. Mitzi shares Fudge’s fear of monsters and shares her grandmother’s secret monster spray with him. Perhaps most importantly, Mitzi is Fudge’s friend in chaos, and is the inventor of the term “Fudge-a-mania” to describe the chaos and how much fun she finds in it.