Characters' Dilemmas
What is Reynie's only idea to stop Mr. Curtain's plan?
Disable the Whisperer.
What is Sticky's reaction to the idea of sabotaging the Whisperer?
He is conflicted because part of him wants to protect it.
What does Kate use to distract Jackson in the secret passage?
She uses her slingshot to shoot a marble.
What is Mr. Curtain's plan called?
The Improvement.
How does Reynie protect Kate from being identified as the person who swam away from the culvert?
He spills juice on her shoes to hide the fact that they are wet.
Why does Sticky hesitate to give Kate directions to the secret entrance?
What does the Whisperer actually do to people's memories?
It hides their fears, giving the illusion that they are gone, but does not erase the memories.
How does Kate avoid being burned by the boiling water Mr. Curtain pours down the culvert?
She ducks her head just in time.
What will the Improvement do to people's greatest fears?
It will drown out their fears with high-powered messages.
What does Milligan do to protect the children from being suspected as spies?
He allows himself to be captured and pretends to be a lone spy.
What inner struggle does Reynie face after sending a Morse code message to Mr. Benedict?
He feels both despair and relief, thiking their mission may be over.
How does Reynie feel when he is near the Whisperer?
He feels a strong urge to give in to the illusion of happiness.
What happens when Martina and Jackson suspect Kate has the missing marble?
Kate dumps her bucket's contents to show she doesn't have it.
How does Mr. Curtain explain brainsweeping?
It hides memories, but does not erase them.
How does Sticky contribute to Kate's plan to evade detection during Martina and Jackson's search for the marble owner?
He passes the sticky licorice to Constance, who swallows it just in time.
What advice does Mr. Benedict give Reynie in the Morse code reply?
"Remember the white knight," encouraging Reynie to believe in himself.
Why is it difficult for the boys to resist the Whisperer's influnce?
The Whisperer gives them a comforting illusion of happiness that is hard to fight.
How does Kte gather valuable information about Mr. Curtain's plan?
She overhears a conversation between Mr. Curtain, S.Q., and Martina.
Who does Mr. Curtain send around the world to prepare for the Improvement?
Past Executives.
What does Reynie write on his hand when cald to the Whispering Gallery?
"We need K & C here! Now!"
Why does Reynie feel like a failure in front of his friends?
He thinks they expect him to have all the answers, but he feels uncertain about how to defeat Mr. Curtain.
What plan does Sticky come up with to sabotage the other Messengers?
He suggests making all the other Messenger sick by using chuck-root to cause vomitting.
How does Kate avoid suspicion when her shoes are still wet from the culvert?
Reynie spills juice on them to cover up the wetness.
What machine will help hide people's memories during the Improvement?
The Sweepers.
Why does Sticky ask Mr. Curtain if he can go first in using the Whisperer?
So that he can signal the girls to carry out their part of the plan.