Judy Moody Gets Famous!

Stink is both Judy’s main foil and the story’s deuteragonist. When Stink has pictures to post, Judy can’t find any of her own. When Stink makes money at the garage sale, Judy makes nothing. His character is in contrast with hers throughout the story, and there is a subtle, innocent sibling rivalry between them. Stink is the archetypal younger brother figure, who goes out of his way to irritate Judy but who also clearly admires his big sister. He is always eager to take part in her activities but also knows just how to frustrate and irritate Judy. Stink inadvertently invokes Judy’s sense of persistence—while Judy tries time after time to become famous, Stink earned fame because of his unique birth. Now, he is contented and doesn’t seek change or improvement in the same way Judy does. Stink doesn’t have any interest in fame, at one point calling it “boring.” Stink is also a constant presence in Judy’s life and is there through her many endeavors. He helps her fix and dress the hospital dolls, becoming part of Judy’s discovery of Success through Kindness.

Jessica is Judy’s rival in the story. She is in Judy’s third grade class at school and appears in the first chapter of the story, thus setting the stage for Judy’s goal of becoming famous. Jessica brags about having won a spelling bee and wears the tiara she got from the competition to class. She also brags about being in the newspaper. All of this makes Judy feel envious and desirous of fame. This motivates Judy throughout the story and sets her up for a variety of humorous and unusual situations before propelling her to her own version of Success through Kindness. Jessica is not particularly antagonistic and invites Judy over to play, but Judy assumes that they are in direct competition with one another and declines at first.

Judy wants the admiration and recognition that Jessica has. Judy also feels lesser in Jessica’s presence because of her own struggles with spelling, which motivates Judy even more to succeed in her own way. While Judy looks for fame in unusual places, Jessica goes through the typical method of academic success to find her recognition. This conflict, though largely within Judy’s mind, propels Judy’s growth as a person. She eventually finds that competing with Jessica does not provide the fulfillment she is seeking, and the two become friends.

Frank and Rocky are Judy’s closest friends. They are both in her class at school and are always there when Judy needs help. Frank is an easygoing and agreeable character who generally goes along with the group. He is also a helpful friend, and Judy relies on him to fix her spelling mistakes in class: “Without Frank, she spelled barnacle with an i” (107). Unlike Stink, Frank is always on Judy’s side and there to support her. He is a symbol of unconditional friendship and loyalty. Frank also acts as a foil to Judy’s character, because by having a personality which exists in total contrast to hers, Frank’s character emphasizes how dramatic and eager Judy can be. Frank also sets an example for Judy, because his kind demeanor and relaxed attitude help Judy find those traits in herself.

Judy’s parents play a background role in her story and are not the focus of the plot. They are flat characters who serve supporting roles and encourage their children to pursue their goals. When Judy starts to become interested in being famous, her parents don’t question or berate her or put down her dreams; instead, they let Judy go through her own journey of discovery and development and discover her own meaning of fame. Judy’s parents support self-discovery and moral development that occurs naturally. As Judy goes through her “moods” of frustration followed be excitement and back again, her parents are just there if she needs them. They serve as a calming contrast which emphasizes Judy’s energetic and rambunctious spirit. Judy’s parents help her see that Success through Kindness is more fulfilling than fame, simply by encouraging her good deeds and letting her learn from her mistakes.