Other Birds

Many of the characters in Other Birds struggle with having bifurcated selves. In some cases this duality is very literal, and in others it is an imbalance of clashing aspects of personality.

The clearest example of this is Charlotte, who consciously constructs an identity unrelated to her real self (she is actually Pepper Quint). She does this for two reasons: to honor her dead friend, whom she was unable to save, and to distance herself from her past. For several years, it works. Charlotte fulfills a running list of things “teenaged Charlotte” wanted to accomplish: living in new places, becoming a henna artist, and owning a vespa. Ironically, while henna becomes Charlotte’s trademark, she has never been interested in this craft. Her skill with henna application is a physical manifestation of the falseness of her life. Meanwhile, the real Pepper Quint often bleeds through Charlotte’s surface. The two are in conflict: Charlotte wants novelty and variety, while Pepper craves a secure and stable home surrounded by people who love her. These opposing needs cause Charlotte to be psychologically off-balance until she can embrace her true self.

Frasier’s dual identity is highlighted by his use of two different names: in a former life, he was Roscoe Avanger, renowned local writer; now, he is just the building manager of the Dellawisp Condos.