Pretend Parents Character Analysis in Bud, Not Buddy

Bud Caldwell’s “pretend momma” and “pretend poppa” are two kindly strangers who save him from a beating from the mission’s security guard and ensure that Bud can have a meal. They invite Bud to eat with them by temporarily welcoming him into their fold, and although Bud is hesitant to accept help from strangers, he eventually plays along and pretends to be part of the family. They even share some of their brown sugar with him, a huge luxury for Bud. Though Bud interacts with his pretend parents for only a little while, he is grateful for their empathy.

Pretend Parents Character Timeline in Bud, Not Buddy

The timeline below shows where the character Pretend Parents appears in Bud, Not Buddy. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Bud tries to thank the strangers for saving him, but his “ pretend parents ” hit him whenever he tries to say something out of character. He waits in... (full context)

Bud enters the mission with his pretend parents . They say thank you a lot as they are served oatmeal, two pieces of... (full context)

...the sugar into Bud’s oatmeal. Bud thanks her and calls her momma, which makes his pretend parents laugh. They congratulate him for “catch[ing] on.” (full context)

The pretend parents tell Bud they only come in the mornings and remind him to get there early... (full context)