The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

Bonnie is one of two protagonists in the novel. She is the daughter of Sir Willoughby and Lady Green and is characterized as pretty, brave, and strong. Although she is “small for her age” (10), there are various clues in her appearance that speak to her inner strength and independent spirit, such as her “two brilliant blue eyes, equally ready to dance with laughter or flash with indignation. Her square chin also gave promise of a powerful and obstinate temper, not always perfectly controlled” (10, emphasis added). Her obstinacy and temper are balanced out by her loyalty and inherent kindness: “[H]er mouth was sweet, and she would be very thoughtful on occasion” (10, emphasis added). Bonnie is therefore presented from the beginning as someone with a fiery personality, but who is also “thoughtful” and kind to those she loves. 

These key elements of her characterization continue throughout the novel, but Bonnie is a dynamic character who also develops significantly. While she is initially quick to anger and acts impulsively, her experiences with Miss Slighcarp and the dangers that come to the Chase teach her to think more carefully and act with more forethought. As she undergoes further trials at the school, she learns to balance her strength with the necessity of sometimes restraining her temper to secure her long-term plans.