Who is Cat from the novel, Hum If You Don’t Know the Words?

The reader finds out early on in the novel that Cat is a manifestation of Robin’s imagination, but that she was a real twin who died at birth. Cat symbolizes the other half of Robin’s personality that Robin does not like to show the world. This includes her sensitivities and emotional side, her fears, and hesitations. As long as Cat is around, Robin can be brave, strong, and fearless, letting Cat take on the emotional stress. When Robin lets Cat cease to exist as her imaginary sister, this represents how she has matured and is allowing herself to feel all the emotions that she previously suppressed. Cat’s absence allows Robin to be vulnerable again.