Character Clues

Character Analysis

Direct Characterization

Because the story is told from Peter's perspective, he tells us right away what he thinks of certain people. For example, he's always talking about how annoying and troublesome Fudge is, and when we meet Sheila, Peter tells us right away that he doesn't like her because she's so bossy:

The truth is, I can't stand her. She's a real know-it-all. But I've discovered that most girls are. (4.11)

There's no objectivity when it comes to the way that characters are described in Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Everything we get is Peter's opinion, front and center.

Names

In Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, character names give you a bit of insight into their behavior, especially when it comes to the incorrigible Fudge. Instead of going by his real name, Farley, Peter's little brother is referred to as Fudge. This conjures up images of sticky messiness, which is fitting because Fudge is a pretty chaotic kid. And Peter—who goes by "Peter" instead of "Pete" or "Petey" —definitely has the maturity to match his name.