How does the author make clear distinctions between the twins in the novel's first chapter?

The author makes a clear distinction between twins Alex and Conner using the first chapter's class time to highlight these differences. One subtle example is the placement of their desks, with Alex's being at the front of the class and Conner's at the back. Her character is defined by an above-average love of books, particularly fairy tales–but it is a complicated mix of her strength and her weakness as she is highly regarded by the teacher but not accepted by her classmates. Conner is the opposite as he is not quite as gifted as Alex in an academic way, but he does show tendencies towards being smart–especially as he nonchalantly answers a question the teacher asks him when he is found to be sleeping.