Many of the personality traits and exploits of the characters in Sybil at Sixteen are more interesting than they are worthy of emulation. These, however, are not sensationalized and are balanced with more acceptable traits and habits. The Sebastian sisters are products of their time and place in the modern world. They use mild profanity, and whenever it is essential for achieving their ends, they are not bound by strict moral behavior. One sister lives with her fiance and there seems to be no concern about this by the parents. Even at age sixteen and somewhat crippled, Sybil is not above invading her sisters' privacy when she feels she can get away with it. There are no admonitions from the parents regarding the behaviors of the sisters.

While the father and mother have shared a true and faithful love relationship, there are questionable aspects of the...