The Littles

Uncle Pete is Mr. Little’s uncle and the brother of Mr. Little’s late father. Uncle Pete is also Mr. Little’s foil. His outlook is largely pessimistic, in contrast to Mr. Little’s optimism. Uncle Pete also disagrees with many of the rest of the family’s ideas, particularly when it comes to solving the cat and mouse problems.

Uncle Pete’s pessimism emerges at the first sign of uncertainty. He expresses his nervousness because they don’t know the Newcomb family, and he floats the idea that they might bring a cat, frightening Lucy. Uncle Pete is also the first to complain about the Newcombs’ food and poor housekeeping, warning that “Something bad will come of it” (21). He also expresses doubt about Tom’s plan to dress as a mouse to scare Mrs. Newcomb, asking: “Is the woman an idiot? Couldn’t she tell a fake mouse from a real one?” (42). Uncle Pete’s pessimistic viewpoint remains consistent throughout the novel, as he once again expresses his doubts when Tom suggests they try to tame the cat. Uncle Pete maintains that it is “[too] dangerous” and adds: “Cats are cats—you can’t change ‘em” (73).  He remains unsupportive even as the rest of the family agrees to Tom’s plan and helps him carry it out.

Despite his pessimistic nature, Uncle Pete is also a wise man who is seasoned through his experiences with tough times. Mr. Little tells his children that Uncle Pete will teach them how to use their weapons as “[he] was a crack shot during the Mice Invasion of ’35” (28). Uncle Pete then tells the story of how he bravely fought a mouse invasion alongside Mr. Little’s father and their other brothers; an injury he sustained during that time resulted in his limp and the loss of one of his brothers’ lives. Uncle Pete is the Little who is most comfortable with weapons, and he keeps his weapons close even when the rest of the Littles grow optimistic about not needing them. His attachment to his weapons and his experience with fighting mice provide perspective about his pessimistic and cautious approach to conflict.

Tom Little is Mr. and Mrs. Little’s eldest child. Tom is 10 years old and faces life with fearless optimism, much like his dad. Tom’s optimism, adaptability, and bravery are important aspects of his character, and these characteristics lead Tom to make important decisions that change the course of the Littles’ lives. Tom displays his bravery and optimism early in the novel when he says, “Aw—who’s afraid of an old cat?” in response to Uncle Pete’s concerns (14). While the prospect of a cat is a serious concern for the rest of the family, Tom is unbothered by this. He also exhibits bravery when he volunteers to wear a mouse costume to alert Mrs. Newcomb of the mouse problem, becoming the first Little to ever be seen by a “big person.” Tom is also a problem solver—it is his idea to dress up like a mouse and run across the kitchen in sight of Mrs. Newcomb. His plan proves successful, and due to Tom’s bravery and problem-solving skills, the Newcombs become aware of the mouse problem and make moves to fix it.

Tom’s resourcefulness is once again useful when the family faces a new threat: the Newcombs’ cat. Tom proposes the idea of taming the cat, which he believes will work because “[cats] have been friends to men since the early days of history” (69). Although it takes some convincing, the family agrees to try Tom’s plan. Tom is once again very brave when he approaches the cat despite its size and attack posture, speaking to it in a gentle voice. Tom’s plan proves successful and the cat immediately grows fond of the Little family. With this success, Tom begins “riding on the cat’s back. The two became great friends. They went everywhere together” (79). Tom’s success proves the significance of his role as a brave problem solver within his family.

Lucy Little is the youngest Little. She is eight years old and is Mr. and Mrs. Little’s daughter and Tom’s younger sister. Throughout most of the novel, Lucy Little is outspoken about her fear of cats and mice. When the family discusses the potential of the Newcombs bringing a cat to the house, Lucy responds with instant dread; she eventually asks the family to “[p]lease […] stop talking about cats” because she is so afraid (14). When Tom dresses up as a mouse, Lucy cannot even bear to look at him because she is so afraid of mice. She “stood behind her mother sneaking looks at Tom. ‘Mother, doesn’t he look awful?’ she said” (44). Lucy’s strong reaction to seeing her brother in a mouse costume reinforces that Lucy is easily scared, even by the mere concept of cats and mice.

Lucy’s fearful nature makes it even more significant when she shows courage in the face of danger during two important moments in the novel. First, when Lucy and Uncle Pete are trapped by two mice, “[h]e and Lucy waved [torches] at the mice and frightened them away” (40). Despite Lucy’s intense fear of mice, she does not allow her fear to impede her ability to protect herself and her family. Lucy’s courage emerges in another crucial moment in the novel. Despite declaring that she wouldn’t leave her room until the house is safe from mice, Lucy becomes worried about her father wandering the house alone and bravely sets off after him. Then, Lucy realizes that her worst fear has come true: There is a cat in the house. Although “Lucy was never so scared in her life” (60), she “ran without thinking […]. She would save her father somehow” (60). Lucy manages to stab the cat’s tail and save her father, demonstrating her courage in the face of imminent danger. Despite her fears, Lucy proves that she is capable of great courage when the situation requires it. Lucy’s courageous actions save her father’s life and emphasize that even the smallest member of a family can play a vital role.

Granny Little is the eldest member of the family. Everyone refers to her as Granny. Granny Little’s wisdom and resourcefulness are her two most significant character traits. She repurposes Henry Bigg’s old, worn-out sock to make a sweater for Tom. Uncle Pete remarks that she’ll “have enough red yarn […] to start a knitting factory” (12). Granny’s use of the sock to make yarn that she’ll use to clothe the family develops Granny as a resourceful Little, whose handiness with a knitting needle is also a vital skill that helps the entire family to survive. Later, Granny also sews the mouse costume for Tom, which is so convincing that he is able to successfully complete his plan and fool the Newcombs.

Granny is also wise, as shown when she first predicts the appearance of mice. She also asserts her wisdom when the family discusses Tom’s plan to tame the cat. Uncle Pete maintains his oppositional stance, so Granny Little puts him in his place, saying: “I’ve lived a few more days than you have. And I know a few more things than you do, too” (72). Granny Little’s wisdom and life experience put her in a position of authority in the Little family, and her support of Tom’s plan ultimately leads to the Littles’ successful taming of the new cat.