Baby : Baby is the youngest child of Noreen. She had drank contaminated water at a carnival, was sick through the night and died in her mother's arms the next morning.
Noreen : Is the mother of Willa Jo, Baby, and Little Sister. After the passing of her youngest daughter baby, the grief almost seems unbearable. Noreen paints pictures that depict the Baby entering heaven.
Willa Jo : Willa Jo is the thirteen year old in Getting Near to Baby, who ends up living with her Aunt Patty, after the passing of her baby sister. In the story Willa Jo is announced in her full name by Aunt Patty, which is Willa Jo Dean.
Little Sister : Little Sister is a seven year old whom also goes to live with Aunt Patty after the passing of her baby sister. As a result of Baby, she has ceased to speak.
Aunt Patty : In Getting Near to Baby, Aunt Patty is Noreen's sister. Patty throughout the story comes off as very controlling, having several rules in her household. According to Willa Jo Aunt Patty is described as a short and wide woman.
Uncle Hob : Joins Willa Jo and Little Sister on the roof after bringing them food and water, after refusing to get down from the roof.
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