Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing: A Fudge Book 1 characters

Appears from the start

A nine-year-old New Yorker who feels that his noisy little brother receives most of the family's attention. Peter tries to be responsible at home and at school, but Fudge's disruptions repeatedly test his patience. He treasures Dribble, the small turtle he wins at a friend's birthday party.

Also known as Fudge

Appears from the start

Peter's energetic two-and-a-half-year-old brother. Fudge is charming to adults, unpredictable in public, and fascinated by whatever belongs to Peter. His real name is Farley Drexel Hatcher, though almost everyone uses his nickname.

Appears from the start

Peter and Fudge's mother, who manages the household and usually responds to Fudge's behavior with patience. Peter sometimes resents how readily she excuses his little brother for being young.

Appears from the start

Peter and Fudge's father, an advertising executive whose work occasionally brings clients into the family's home. He is more willing than his wife to impose firm consequences when Fudge refuses to cooperate.

Appears from the start

Peter's small pet turtle, won at Jimmy Fargo's birthday party and kept in a bowl in Peter's room. Peter takes his care seriously and objects when Fudge treats the turtle as a toy.

Appears from the start

Peter's closest friend, whose birthday party opens the story. Jimmy understands Peter's frustration with Fudge and later works with him on a school project.

First appears in chapter 2

An important client of Mr. Hatcher's advertising agency who visits the Hatcher apartment with his wife. The adults are anxious for the visit to go smoothly, placing Peter under pressure to help manage Fudge.

First appears in chapter 2

Mr. Yarby's wife and fellow guest at the Hatcher apartment. She and her husband expect an orderly family evening, an expectation complicated by Fudge's behavior.

First appears in chapter 5

Peter's grandmother, who helps the family during Fudge's crowded birthday party. Her calm presence is useful when several small children need attention at once.

First appears in chapter 7

Peter's confident classmate and neighbor. Sheila joins Peter and Jimmy for a group assignment and has strong ideas about how their project should be organized.

First appears in chapter 7

One of Peter's classmates and part of the circle that gathers around Peter, Jimmy, and Sheila. He is among the older children whose activities are vulnerable to Fudge's interference.