Julie Patimkin

Character Analysis

Julie is Brenda's nine-year-old sister. The sisters seem to like each other for the most part, but the little girl seems to be even more spoiled than Brenda. For example, the family always lets Julie win at games. Julie is also a genius. Remember this conversation:

JULIE: Why is it earlier in Milwaukee? Suppose you took a plane back and forth all day. You'd never get older.

BRENDA: That's right sweetheart.

MRS. P: What do you give the child misinformation for? Is that why she goes to school? (2.281-283)

Julie has actually, on her own (and with a little help from her creator, Mr. Roth), come close to stating the famous "Twin Paradox." Basically, it goes like this: one twin stays on earth for a certain number of years. During that time, the other twin is in a rocket ship. When the space-traveling twin returns to earth, the other twin has aged much more. Sound confusing? It is. But it might not be confusing at all for Julie. Her statement is suggests that she has lots of intellectual potential.