Louise Cranston

Character Analysis

Louise is the middle mouse sister, younger than Helena and older than Beatrice, and she plays the role of the rebel. From the start of the book, she's not afraid to scamper upstairs and see what's happening—nope, she just isn't afraid of getting caught. In fact, she's brave enough to hang out with Camilla, her BFF in the human world.

Since she's so comfortable around humans, Louise also plays a pretty big role in Camilla's love life. In fact, Louise is one of the best matchmakers around:

Time wasn't just running out; it was galloping like a mad horse. Camilla's gaze met Lord Peter Henslowe's. And in that very moment before Lord Peter looked away, Louise sprang up out of the orchid corsage and onto Camilla's shoulder. Light on her feet and quicker than thought, Louise darted around to the back of Camilla's neck. Camilla felt something, but her gaze was all tangled with Lord Peter's.

And then what do you suppose happened?

Just as the music stopped, Camilla's string of pearls broke. […] Quick-thinking, sharp-toothed Louise. You have to hand it to her. (10.59-61)

It's no easy feat getting these human folk to fall in love, but Louise has her bases covered. She's a smarty-pants, this one—all she needs are some sharp teeth and a clever idea. Plus she's also clearly super loyal to her human chum. And since Louise pulled off a stunt that earns even Helena's praise, we know Louise has truly done a bang-up job.