Character Analysis
Is Norma the sweet little sister or a cold-hearted meanie? It's not easy to put her in one or the other categories, although she sure doesn't go out of her way to take care of Charlie. Even when Nemur and Strauss alert Norma to the fact that the brother she's presumed dead is still alive, she happily signs permission for the surgery before attempting to see him. Then again, she grew up with Rose, so let's cut her some slack.
Bratty Baby
As a child Norma doesn't seem so different than the average little sister who carries a grudge—she really doesn't like sharing, and she's not particularly fond of her annoying brother. "I hate you! I hate you!" (118) she tells Charlie when she finds out she can't get a dog unless she shares it with him. That's a lot of rage for a little girl, but maybe she's not sure how to cope with her brother's special needs. Let's face it, Norma's parents need to model some compassion.
Mama's Girl
When Charlie and Norma finally meet as grown-ups, Norma's got quite the situation on her hands: she's feeling a little desperate for someone else to help her deal with mother dearest, and Charlie just might be her knight in shining armor. She's also thrilled to have Charlie back, apparently: "Oh, Charlie. Charlie…it's so wonderful to find out all of a sudden I've got a big brother" (270). Hey, all Norma wants is a break—she's sick of playing nurse to the lady who messed her up big-time, and she's ready for Charlie to take his fair share of the work.