Character Clues

Character Analysis

Physical Appearances

Nearly every character in Sideways Stories from Wayside School is introduced with a brief, distinctive physical description. It's almost as if Sachar wants to give the audience a quick and easy way to remember every one of his cast members.

Mrs. Gorf has "a long tongue and pointed ears" (1.1); Mrs. Jewls has a "terribly nice face" (2.1); Bebe has "short brown hair, a little beebee nose, totally tiny toes, and big brown eyes" (6.1); and Calvin has a "big, round face" (7.1). It's almost a cartoon-like way of getting to know these characters, but we soon find out that there's a lot more to each of them than big ears or blonde hair.

Actions

The primary way we learn about Sachar's motley crew in Sideways Stories is through their actions. We know Mrs. Gorf's is super mean when she starts turning kids into apples; and Mrs. Jewls values learning and wants to help every kid in class, so she keeps certain students behind for special help at recess.

Generous Allison gives her lunch, books, and ball away to teachers at school; selfless Myron rescues Dana's puppy and stays with her during the ordeal; bad sport Terrence won't stop kicking balls over the fence; and Paul gives in to temptation and can't help pulling Leslie's pigtails. And Kathy, of course, spends her time hating everyone. Each character in the book makes choices, and all of these choices help us understand their personalities.