CHARACTER
So B. Itby Sarah Weeks

Elliot Hill

Elliot Hill Character Analysis

Quick Facts: Elliot Hill is a mentally disabled adult and son of Thurman Hill, the owner of Hilltop Home. He is the childhood best friend of Sophia Lynne DeMuth (So B. It / Mama) and the biological father of Heidi It. His utterance of the word "soof" unlocks the mystery of Heidi's past.

Who Is Elliot Hill?

Elliot Hill is the heart of So B. It, a symbol of love and memory that transcends the limitations of language. Though he is mentally disabled and struggles to communicate, Elliot possesses a profound capacity for love and an enduring memory, particularly for his childhood friend, Sophia. His simple utterance of "soof" becomes the key to unlocking Heidi's past, revealing a hidden history of love, loss, and family secrets.

Personality and Traits

Elliot's personality is defined by his deep emotional capacity, which exists largely without the aid of language. He experiences the world through feelings and memories, expressing his emotions through simple words, actions, and reactions.

  • Loving and Loyal: Elliot's most defining trait is his unwavering love for Sophia. He remembers her for thirteen years after she is taken away, preserving her memory in the nickname he gave her, "soof." This demonstrates a capacity for love that transcends intellectual or verbal ability.
  • Gentle and Innocent: His initial reaction to seeing Heidi—whom he mistakes for Sophia—is one of pure joy. His relationship with Sophia is described by his father as childlike and innocent, despite its adult consequences.
  • Prone to Distress: Elliot is easily overwhelmed by frustration or emotional pain. After Sophia leaves, he becomes prone to tantrums, crying, and banging his head, indicating the depth of his grief and his inability to process it in other ways.
  • Observant: Though he doesn't communicate complex thoughts, Elliot is aware of his surroundings. He enjoys simple pleasures like watching a bird outside the window or listening to songs like "The Farmer in the Dell."

Character Journey

Elliot's character arc is unique; rather than undergoing a transformation, the reader's understanding of him evolves. Initially, he appears as a mysterious figure in old photographs, then as a living clue when he utters the word "soof." The most significant development occurs when his true identity is revealed: he is not just a former resident of Hilltop, but Heidi's father. This revelation transforms him from a piece of the puzzle into the very heart of Heidi's Search for Identity and History. While Elliot himself remains consistent, his importance to the narrative and to Heidi grows exponentially as the truth is uncovered.

Key Relationships

Sophia Lynne DeMuth (Mama): Elliot's connection to Sophia is the emotional core of the story's past. They were "inseparable" best friends at Hilltop, sharing a bond that others, including his father, failed to fully understand. He is the originator of the word "soof," his attempt at saying "Sophia." Their innocent love for each other resulted in Heidi's birth, a testament to the depth and purity of their connection.

Thurman Hill: As his father, Thurman is fiercely protective of Elliot. All of Thurman's secretive and seemingly cruel actions are motivated by a desire to shield Elliot from suffering and protect his future. He underestimates the depth of Elliot's love for Sophia, a mistake he later regrets profoundly.

Heidi It: Elliot is Heidi's biological father. His recognition of "soof" in Heidi's face is the catalyst for the final revelations of the story. Their relationship is left open-ended, but by the end of the book, Heidi acknowledges him as family, and a future connection is implied.

Ruby Franklin: As one of his caregivers, Ruby Franklin has a gentle and affectionate relationship with Elliot. She understands his needs and routines and shows him genuine kindness, highlighting his ability to form positive connections with those who care for him.

Defining Moments

  • The First Meeting: Heidi finds Elliot asleep in a red armchair at Hilltop. When he wakes and sees her, his face lights up, and he calls her "soof." This is the first time Heidi hears the word from someone other than her mother, confirming she is in the right place.
  • The Revelation of Fatherhood: Thurman Hill's confession that Elliot is Heidi's father is the story's climax. This moment recontextualizes everything Heidi has learned and solidifies her family history.
  • The Final Photograph: Before Heidi returns to Reno, Ruby takes a picture of her and Elliot standing together in front of the fireplace at Hilltop. This act symbolizes the formation of a new, albeit unconventional, family and provides a sense of closure and beginning.

Essential Quotes

“Sooooof…” he said in a strange, soft, guttural voice, “soooooooof…”

This quote captures the essence of Elliot's character. His voice is described as "strange, soft, guttural," reflecting his limited capacity for speech, yet the repetition of "soof" conveys the depth of his affection for Sophia.

“Cheese stands alone,” said Elliot suddenly. “Cheese stands alone.”

This seemingly nonsensical statement reveals Elliot's unique way of processing the world. The phrase is a line from the song "The Farmer in the Dell," which he enjoys listening to. It highlights his connection to simple pleasures and his ability to find meaning in unexpected places.

They were inseparable, Sophia and Elliot. And I was so happy for Elliot, who’d never really had friends, I was too foolish to see what was happening.

This quote from Thurman Hill encapsulates the innocent and profound bond between Elliot and Sophia. Thurman's regret underscores the tragedy of their separation and the lasting impact it had on Elliot.