Character Clues
Character Analysis
Props
Since Whit and Wisty are in prison or exile for most of the novel, they don't have much in terms of worldly possessions. What they do have are a drumstick and a blank journal, courtesy of their parents. (They're allowed to take one item each as they're hauled off to prison.) At first, Wisty is a little disappointed by these seemingly random items. "Couldn't they have given us a family heirloom or something vaguely personal to cheer us up?" she wonders. "Or maybe Whit's mammoth stash of nonperishable junk food?" (6.14). Seems fair.
As it turns out, though, these items hold the keys to Wisty's and Whit's secret identities as a witch and a wizard. The brother-and-sister team uses the drumstick and the journal for increasingly impressive magical feats throughout the book, so it's no surprise when we find out they're actually a magic wand and a spell book. But there's another layer, too: According to their parents, Wisty will be a famous musician someday, and Whit will be an important writer. The items aren't just symbolic of their magical identities, then, but also their future professions.
Speaking of these items being symbolic… now might be a good time to swing by the "Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory" section if you haven't already.
Type of Being
One of Wisty's magic powers is turning people into animals. It comes in handy more than once. When she commands Byron Swain to "Turn into your natural form!" he becomes a weasel, which seems to fit the bill since as a Junior Informant for the New Order, Byron is sneaky and untrustworthy. At the end of the book, soon after he apologizes for his role in imprisoning Whit and Wisty and renounces the New Order, he resumes his human form, making it clear he's no longer up to no good.
Clothing
In the City of Progress, the New Order's exemplar city, individuality is not encouraged, and instead everyone looks a lot alike. Before Whit and Wisty can go there, they have to don disguises so they won't stand out. Wisty is outfitted as a Stepford wife. "My totally uncontrollable hair was shiny and brushed," she tells us. "My clothes were country-club pink and lime green, rather than the usual black and grays that I favor" (68.7). Whit's hair is clipped short. As the alter their appearances to blend in, the danger of standing out is highlighted.
The New Order also uses clothing to dehumanize people. When Wisty is imprisoned, she's forced to wear a prison jumpsuit. "My funky PJs had been my last connection to home," she says. "Without them, the only thing I had from my former life was the drumstick" (11.2). Apparently, this tactic is quite effective; soon after Wisty is thrown in her cell, a fellow prisoner introduces himself as "prisoner number 450209A" (11.16) in lieu of a first name. Yikes.