The Kettle girls present an interesting identity problem in that they are triplets. The anonymous observers who appear so frequently in the text always notice them first because of their outer resemblance to one another. Their physical actions occasionally synchronize at well, as noted by the observer who sees them diving into the ocean in one fluid motion like a school of dolphins. This view of the girls suggests perfect unity, while those closer to them see the disparity and chaos generated by their triplicity. The number three is overpowering to Maxine. When she’s confronted with the task of feeding three screaming infants at the same time, she breaks down in tears. As the girls get a little older, another observer sees Maxine vainly trying to shepherd them together after one bites another, and they all go flying off in different directions.

The girls themselves possess distinct personalities. Lyn is the dutiful overachiever. Cat is also an overachiever, but her emotional intensity and dark moods contrast sharply with Lyn’s martyred acceptance of reality. Gemma isn’t like either of her siblings. Her lack of physical similarity to the other two creates so much personal confusion that she can’t create a distinct identity for herself.