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Bernice is the protagonist of the story. She is described as being outwardly pretty, but not very interesting. As the story unspools, it becomes apparent that it is shyness rather than arrogance that keeps her from being more outgoing, even as she recognizes that she should be doing more to ingratiate herself into her cousin Marjorie’s social scene. Bernice wants to dance with boys and have fun conversations, but her shyness is coupled with a conservative sense of propriety that is seemingly attendant with her small-town upbringing. When Bernice reveals that she overheard Marjorie talking to her mother about her, she expects Marjorie to repent for her traitorous and unladylike behavior. When Marjorie does not, Bernice is taken aback by Marjorie’s blunt opinions about her, and while Marjorie’s straightforwardness certainly carries a sting, Bernice’s tears point to her childlikeness and naivete. 

In implementing Marjorie’s suggestions for improving her social desirability, Bernice eventually stifles her shyness and steps into the spotlight. She recognizes that performance is what matters, and as she flexes her ability to talk and look the way that Marjorie insists will be successful, she gains confidence in the attention she receives. However, in her essential naivete, she is unprepared for the challenges Marjorie’s jealousy presents. By accepting Marjorie’s dare to follow through on the claim that she will bob her hair, Bernice puts herself in a position of weakness that is more perilous than her initial low social standing. Bernice understands that she will always be in Marjorie’s shadow, but having come so far, she feels forced to act not only in an attempt to save face, but also to engage Marjorie in battle and exercise her own free will. Though the unflattering haircut feels like a disastrous loss, the titular bob is the catalyst that allows Bernice to extricate herself from Marjorie’s dominance and assert herself through ultimate revenge.

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