In the novel 'into the forest" the two main characters, Nell and Eva, lived together their entire lives. Although they grew up with together in the same remote place with the same parents, they developed unique personalties and views on life. .

             In the early stages of the novel there are small things that differentiate the two girls. For example, Nell, wants to be thrifty, save and preserve the things, while Eva is prepared to use things to get something done, her thinking isn"t of the future but of now. This changes later to some extent when she realises they need these things to survive. An example of this is when they find that they only have four matches left in the box. They searched frantically to find more, they found some but it taught them a lesson about surviving on what they have and not to take things for granted.

             Nell is character that is writing the logs in the novel. As she does this we, the audience, find that she appears to be a deep thinker and more academic than Eva who is more practical. This can be seen throughout the novel as Eva always makes sure the fire is stoked and does gardening. This also changes towards the end of the novel when Nell is needed to take over these things when Eva is pregnant, such as using the rifle to kill a wild pig for food.

             Both girls show compassion towards each other, but it is Nell that needs or craves this fellowship and interest of other people. She tries to become friendly with the girls in the Redwood town with no success, but when she realises that she cant really be apart of them because of her different past. Alcohol provides some temporary relief, but after a while she thinks that maybe a boyfriend would be better. Nell eventually meets and gets to know Eli, a young man from the Redwood town.

             From Nell"s account of Eva we see that Eva has a different personality. She appears to be much more self-assured than Nell is. In there own way they seem to be very focused; Nell on here reading, study, learning and writing, and Eva on her ballet.