CHARACTER
Wishby Barbara O'Connor

Bertha

Bertha Analysis

Quick Facts

Bertha is the warm-hearted aunt and guardian of Charlie Reese, stepping in to provide a stable home when Charlie's family falls apart. Married to Gus, she is the sister of Charlie's troubled mother, Mama (Carla). Bertha first appears in Chapter 2 and quickly becomes the primary maternal figure in Charlie's life, teaching her the true Meaning of Family.

Who She Is

Bertha is the heart and soul of Charlie's new life in Colby, North Carolina. She embodies unconditional love, patience, and a nurturing spirit, offering Charlie the stability and acceptance she has always craved. More than just a relative, Bertha becomes the mother Charlie desperately needs, guiding her toward healing and self-discovery.

Personality & Traits

Bertha's defining characteristic is her boundless capacity for love, which she expresses through her words, actions, and unwavering support. While she may not be perfect, her genuine care and commitment make her the ideal maternal figure for Charlie.

  • Talkative and Cheerful: From the moment Charlie arrives, Bertha fills their home with stories and questions, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. As Charlie notes, it was "clear... that Bertha was a talker" (Chapter 2).
  • Nurturing and Maternal: Bertha immediately steps into a motherly role, baking coffee cake and asking about Charlie's day. She tries to make Charlie feel at home with gifts, like the Cinderella pillowcases, even if her attempts are a bit clumsy.
  • Patient and Forgiving: Bertha's patience with Charlie is nearly boundless. After Charlie gets in a fight at school, Bertha simply says, "Tomorrow's a new day" (Chapter 4).
  • Fiercely Protective: Beneath her gentle exterior, Bertha possesses a powerful protective instinct. She gets uncharacteristically angry when recounting how her sister abandoned her children (Chapter 12).

Character Journey

Bertha's journey is one of embracing her role as a mother figure to Charlie. Initially unsure of herself, she openly admits her inexperience with children, telling Charlie, "I guess I’m just not too good at doing things that mothers do... I hope you’ll be patient with me while I learn" (Chapter 27). As the story progresses, Bertha grows in confidence, fighting for Charlie's well-being and ultimately defining their trio as a "family." This transformation showcases her evolution from a well-meaning aunt to a true mother.

Key Relationships

Charlie Reese: Bertha's relationship with Charlie is the cornerstone of the novel. She offers Charlie the unconditional love and stability she has never known, patiently weathering Charlie's anger and mistrust until a deep, familial bond is formed. Bertha's unwavering support allows Charlie to heal from her past trauma and learn to trust again.

Gus: Bertha and Gus share a quiet, deeply affectionate marriage that serves as a model of a healthy partnership for Charlie. Their simple gestures, like holding hands on the porch (Chapter 3), are powerful symbols of the loving home they have built together. Gus's gentle nature complements Bertha's warmth, creating a nurturing environment for Charlie.

Mama (Carla): Bertha's relationship with her sister is fractured and filled with past hurt. She is deeply angry at Carla for abandoning her family years ago, a secret she reveals to Charlie in a moment of raw honesty (Chapter 12). This unresolved conflict fuels her determination to provide Charlie with a better life than the one she experienced.

Howard Odom: Bertha is fond of Howard and his family, recognizing their inherent goodness. She is delighted when Charlie befriends him, seeing it as a positive step in Charlie's new life in Colby. Bertha's encouragement of this friendship highlights her desire for Charlie to find happiness and belonging.

Defining Moments

  • Charlie's Outburst (Chapter 7): After Charlie screams hateful things at her, Bertha doesn't retaliate. Instead, she kneels before Charlie and tells her, "You are a blessing in this house." This moment is a powerful demonstration of her unconditional love and a turning point in earning Charlie's trust.
  • Revealing the Family Secret (Chapter 12): Bertha tells Charlie the painful story of how Carla once abandoned her family to start a "new life." This revelation is crucial for Charlie's understanding of her family's brokenness and the source of the sisters' estrangement.
  • Fighting for Charlie (Chapters 28-31): When social services decides Charlie should return to Raleigh, Bertha springs into action. Her determined phone calls and her promise to "make things right" show her fierce commitment to Charlie, solidifying her role as a protective mother figure.
  • Defining "Family" (Chapter 31): In the final chapter, sitting on the porch with Gus and Charlie, Bertha sighs contentedly and says, "I never in my wildest dreams would’ve thought we’d have a family like this." This simple statement redefines family for Charlie, helping her realize her wish has already come true.

Essential Quotes

"You are a blessing in this house, Charlie." (Chapter 7)

This quote encapsulates Bertha's unconditional love and acceptance of Charlie, even in the face of anger and resentment. It marks a turning point in their relationship, as Charlie begins to see Bertha as a safe and trustworthy figure.

"You can’t judge people for the mistakes they make. You judge them for how they fix those mistakes." (Chapter 17)

Bertha's words reveal her compassionate and forgiving nature. She believes in giving people a second chance and judging them based on their actions to make amends, a philosophy that guides her relationship with both Charlie and her sister, Carla.

"I will make things right for you, Charlie. I promise." (Chapter 28)

This quote demonstrates Bertha's unwavering commitment to Charlie's well-being. It highlights her protective instincts and her determination to provide Charlie with a stable and loving home, no matter the obstacles.

"I never in my wildest dreams would’ve thought we’d have a family like this, would you, Gus?" (Chapter 31)

Bertha's heartfelt statement reflects her surprise and gratitude for the unconventional family she has found with Charlie and Gus. It underscores the novel's theme that family is defined by love and connection, not just blood.