Raymie Nightingale

Mrs. Borkowski introduced Raymie to the concept of souls, believing that most people let their souls shrivel. Raymie’s soul represents her innermost emotions. Raymie feels her soul change shape and density depending on her changing emotions and those of people close to her, swelling in response to positive emotions. Once Raymie has overcome her fears and discovers self-confidence and hope for the future, her soul merges into her body.

Louisiana’s good luck bunny barrettes reflect her scattered, charmingly whimsical personality. The bunnies seem to multiply, cluster, glow, or look alert depending on the situation, often serving as a metaphor for Louisiana’s personality: “Her bunny barrettes glowed in the light of the sun. Each barrette looked purposeful, alive, as if it were busy receiving messages from very far away” (92). As more of Louisiana’s personality is revealed, however, it becomes clear that she chooses to live in a fantasy world in which the traumas she’s suffered are hidden away. In that respect, her pink dresses and barrettes also symbolize her coping mechanism of hiding behind childlike whimsy rather than confronting the truth of her difficult and tragic circumstances. 

Bunny, renamed Buddy by Beverly, symbolizes second chances and hope. Buddy initially resembles all three girls, battered like Beverly, optimistic and hopeful like Louisiana, and fearful of being alone like Raymie. He is given a second chance at a happy life with Beverly by trusting the girls. Beverly needs loving support in her life, and now, in addition to her new friends, she has Buddy.

Archie either represents a miracle, according to Louisiana, or just a cat doing what cats do, according to Ruthie. Throughout the book Archie is the trigger for Louisiana’s stubborn determination and hope. Louisiana’s belief in Archie never wavers, and this belief is rewarded by Archie’s safe return.