Ida Bidson

Ida is the novel's central character and protagonist. Fourteen years old, she is determined and spirited, but at times insecure and indecisive. She is portrayed as the most intelligent student in the school, but in some ways is not necessarily the most mature - Tom, by contrast, comes across as wiser, more patient, and less impulsive. Ida, however, is inventive and clever; her handling of the various challenges she faces (particularly those posed by Herbert Blixer) demonstrate a capacity to think on her feet. Over the course of the narrative, she becomes increasingly aware of and confident in her positive characteristics, conquering her self-doubt and lack of experience as she learns to trust herself and those around her, particularly her parents. This, in short, is her protagonist's journey of transformation (an inner change in character and/or identity that triggers and/or is triggered by outer experiences...