Helen is one of the most popular girls in the class. After the teacher suggests that the class plays with Myra, Helen feels reluctant to do so because she is afraid of what the other children would say. However, she talks to her, walks with her and her brother, and gives her a butterfly brooch from a snack she shares with her. So in spite of her reputation worries, in the end she becomes friends with dying Myra.
On the other hand, Myra is isolated from her class and often made fun of. She is protective of her younger brother Jimmy. Besides, when the class visit her at the hospital, she is generous enough to let Helen take one of the gifts.
