Heidi It Character Analysis
Quick Facts
Heidi It, the protagonist and narrator of So B. It, is a remarkably intelligent and resourceful twelve-year-old. Raised in Reno, Nevada, by her mentally disabled mother, Sophia Lynne DeMuth (So B. It / Mama), and agoraphobic neighbor, Bernadette, Heidi embarks on a journey to uncover her past after discovering the mysterious word "soof." Her story explores themes of The Search for Identity and History and Coming of Age and Independence.
Who Is Heidi It?
Heidi is a resilient and inquisitive young girl whose life is defined by the love within her unconventional family and the many unanswered questions about her origins. Raised in isolation, she possesses a deep-seated need to understand her history, a quest that propels her on a transformative journey across the country. Heidi's unwavering determination and compassionate heart make her a compelling protagonist as she navigates the complexities of truth, family, and loss.
Personality & Traits
Heidi's personality is a blend of youthful curiosity and mature responsibility, shaped by her unique upbringing. She possesses a rare combination of traits that allow her to navigate the world with both innocence and wisdom.
- Determined and Inquisitive: Heidi refuses to accept that some things are unknowable, driving her to seek answers about her past, even if it means venturing into the unknown.
- Resourceful and Independent: Despite her sheltered life, Heidi is incredibly self-reliant, managing errands, finances, and even a cross-country bus trip on her own.
- Deeply Loving and Empathetic: Heidi's love for her mother and Bernadette is the foundation of her character, extending to others she meets on her journey.
- Intelligent and Articulate: Home-schooled by Bernadette, Heidi possesses a sophisticated vocabulary and a thoughtful perspective, using lists to organize her thoughts and understand the world.
- Brave: Traveling alone from Nevada to New York at twelve requires extraordinary courage, as she faces fear and uncertainty with unwavering resolve.
Character Journey
Heidi's journey is a profound transformation from a curious child into a self-aware young woman. Initially living in a small, secure world defined by the love of her Unconventional Family and Love, she grapples with the internal conflict of understanding her origins and the meaning of "soof." The discovery of old photographs from Hilltop Home ignites her quest, pushing her out of her sheltered existence. Her bus journey becomes a crucible, forcing her to navigate the world alone, learning to trust her instincts and interact with strangers. Encounters like the one with Alice Wilinsky teach her about deception, while her friendship with Georgia Sweet reveals the power of truth. By the novel's end, Heidi finds the answers she seeks, learning her mother's name, her father's identity, and her family's tragic history. However, this knowledge is immediately followed by the devastating news of her mother's death, marking the ultimate transition from childhood to a more mature understanding of life and Loss and Grief. Returning to Reno, she is no longer just Heidi It, but Heidi DeMuth, a person with a complete, albeit painful, history, ready to integrate into the wider world by enrolling in public school.
Key Relationships
Sophia Lynne DeMuth (Mama): Heidi's relationship with her mother is a complex mix of deep, unconditional love and the challenges of being a child caregiver. Mama is the central mystery of Heidi's life, and Heidi's desire to understand her drives the entire narrative. Heidi's unwavering devotion to her mother underscores her compassionate nature and her determination to unravel the secrets of their shared past.
Bernadette: As Heidi's teacher, protector, and de facto mother, Bernadette provides the stability and knowledge that allow Heidi to thrive. Their bond is tested when Heidi decides to leave for Liberty, creating the first significant conflict between them. Bernadette represents the safety of home, which Heidi must leave to find herself.
Georgia Sweet: Georgia is the first true friend Heidi makes outside of her small world. As a fellow traveler, she becomes a trusted confidante to whom Heidi can tell her entire story. Georgia's empathetic listening and insightful questions help Heidi process her journey and her past.
Roy and Ruby Franklin: In Liberty, Sheriff Roy Franklin and his wife Ruby Franklin become Heidi's temporary guardians, offering her a glimpse into a conventional family life and providing critical support and kindness during the most difficult moments of her journey, especially after she learns of her mother's death. Their warmth and generosity provide Heidi with a sense of belonging during a time of immense emotional turmoil.
Thurman Hill: Heidi's grandfather, Thurman Hill, is initially the story's antagonist, a man withholding the truth, but is later revealed to be a tragic figure burdened by past secrets. Their relationship is fraught with the pain of his past decisions, but by the end, there is a fragile opening for a future connection. Thurman's eventual willingness to share his story allows Heidi to piece together her family's history and understand the complexities of her heritage.
Elliot Hill: Heidi's father, Elliot Hill, is a gentle man with disabilities similar to her mother's. Their connection is immediate and instinctual. When he sees Heidi, he calls her "soof," providing the first concrete link between her mother's past and the present.
Defining Moments
Heidi's journey is marked by several pivotal moments that shape her understanding of herself and her family.
- Finding the Camera: The discovery of an old Kodak camera with undeveloped film in a kitchen drawer is the inciting incident that sets Heidi on her quest for the truth. This seemingly insignificant object unlocks a world of possibilities and propels Heidi toward her destiny.
- The Confrontation over "Soof": After developing the film, Heidi shows the photos to Mama, who says "soof" when she sees the picture of herself with her mother. Heidi's desperate attempt to get a clear answer leads her to angrily rip the photo, a moment that crystallizes her intense frustration with the unknown.
- The Bus Journey to Liberty: This solo trip is a defining experience. Heidi learns to be independent, navigates complex social interactions, and grapples with The Nature of Truth and Knowledge as she experiments with lying and then finds solace in honesty with Georgia.
- Learning the Truth at Hilltop: The confrontation with Thurman Hill, where he finally reveals the entire history of Diane, Sophia, and Elliot, is the climax of Heidi's search. She learns her real name, her family's story, and the true meaning of "soof."
- Hearing of Mama's Death: Immediately after discovering the truth about her mother's life, Heidi receives a phone call from Bernadette and learns of her mother's peaceful death. This moment tragically intertwines the joy of discovery with the profound sorrow of loss.
Symbolism
Heidi herself is a potent symbol of the universal human need for identity and a personal history, illustrating that our sense of self is inextricably linked to our origins. Her "lucky streak" represents a kind of childhood magic and intuition that guides her when she has no one else. The disappearance of this luck at the end of the novel signifies her maturation; she no longer needs supernatural help to navigate the world because she now has knowledge, experience, and a stronger sense of self.
Essential Quotes
If truth was a crayon and it was up to me to put a wrapper around it and name its color, I know just what I would call it—dinosaur skin.
This quote encapsulates Heidi's unique perspective on truth, suggesting that it is something ancient, textured, and perhaps not easily defined. It reflects her understanding that truth is not always simple or straightforward but can be complex and multifaceted.
A person isn’t supposed to have to guess who they are, they’re supposed to know.
This quote highlights Heidi's deep-seated desire for self-knowledge and her frustration with the ambiguity surrounding her identity. It underscores the central theme of the novel, which is the search for one's place in the world and the importance of understanding one's own history.
You think I’ll forget about soof and Hilltop and all the rest of it, you want me to forget, but I won’t. If I do, I’ll end up like Mama—full of missing pieces.
This quote reveals Heidi's fear of remaining ignorant about her past and her determination to uncover the truth, no matter how painful it may be. She recognizes that understanding her history is essential to her sense of self and her ability to move forward in life.
The only part that’s hard is not knowing. I don’t care what anybody says, as long as it’s finally the truth.
This quote emphasizes Heidi's unwavering commitment to the truth, even if it is difficult or painful to confront. It reflects her belief that knowledge is power and that understanding the truth is essential to living a meaningful life.
I always knew that Mama loved me. I just thought she didn’t have a word for it. But I was wrong. All along she had a word for love—it was just different from the one everyone else was using... Soof wasn’t Mama’s name; soof was Mama’s name for love.
This quote is the culmination of Heidi's journey, as she finally understands the true meaning of "soof." It reveals that love can be expressed in many different ways and that even those who struggle to communicate can still convey deep emotions.