Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing characters

Appears from the start

A nine-year-old fourth grader living in New York City with his parents and younger brother. Peter is conscientious, observant, and increasingly frustrated that Fudge's spectacular misbehavior seems to command all the family's attention. He wins a small turtle at a birthday party and names it Dribble.

Also known as Fudge, Farley Drexel Hatcher

Appears from the start

Peter's energetic two-and-a-half-year-old brother. Fudge is charming to adults, heedless of limits, and capable of turning ordinary family activities into crises. His parents usually call him by his nickname, which Peter considers one more sign that the toddler controls the household.

Appears from the start

Peter and Fudge's mother. She manages Fudge's shifting demands and tries to keep peace between the brothers, though Peter often believes that she excuses the younger child's behavior too readily.

Appears from the start

Peter and Fudge's father, an advertising executive. He enjoys joking with his sons but can become firm when Fudge's behavior threatens an important client visit or the toddler refuses to eat.

Appears from the start

Peter's tiny pet turtle, won at Jimmy Fargo's birthday party. Peter carefully feeds and bathes Dribble and values the animal as something in the apartment that belongs to him alone.

Appears from the start

Peter's close friend and classmate, whose birthday party opens the story. Jimmy shares Peter's interests and later works with him on a school project.

First appears in chapter 4

A confident girl who lives in Peter's building. Peter finds her bossy and dislikes being treated as if they are friends merely because their families know one another. She later joins Peter and Jimmy on a class project.

First appears in chapter 2

An important client of Mr. Hatcher's who visits New York with his wife. He owns the Juicy-O company and expects the Hatcher household to reflect enthusiasm for its products, making Fudge's unpredictability especially awkward.