Serafina and the Black Cloak

Serafina’s curiosity about her origin and her identity is strong at the start of the story, and it only grows stronger when she learns that Pa adopted her. She realized long ago that she is a bit different, both innately (her eyesight, her agility, her toes, her flexibility) and in her living circumstances. She hopes that those differences will not prevent her from someday making friends.

Hearing the story of her birth (what Pa knows of it) prompts her questions about her mother anew. It is important to Serafina to learn more about her mother and her background; she hopes it will explain exactly what she is, as at times, she does not feel human. This does not stop her from bravely pursuing friendship with the young master of the estate, Braeden. In fact, after several conversations, Serafina works up the courage to ask him, “When you look at me, do you see…do you see…a normal girl?” (168). Braeden diplomatically discusses how everyone has differences, and that he likes Serafina because of hers, not in spite of them; he points out what makes him different as well—for example, he communes with his animals on a level others do not understand.