Elise

Elise “Cricket” Bertrand is the main character and narrator of the novel “Eight Keys”. Elise is the adopted daughter of her Aunt Bessie and Uncle Hugh, as her parents have been dead most of her life. Elise is the best friend of Franklin, and becomes friends with Caroline over the course of the novel. Elise turns 12 during the course of the novel, and is a very sensitive girl who struggles with her time in sixth grade as she is unused to the new responsibilities thrust upon her, such as daily required homework.

Elise is also bullied relentlessly by Amanda through most of the novel, leading Elise to doubt herself and nearly ruin her friendships with Franklin and Caroline. When Elise turns 12, she begins to receive keys left behind for her from her father. Each key opens a room on the second floor of the barn workshop. Each room...