Roger’s Mother Character Analysis

Roger Skunk’s mother is the wizard’s antagonist, and a representation for Jack of familial duty. Roger’s mother refuses to allow Roger to change his skunk scent—even though smelling like roses makes him more popular—offering the explanation that he no longer smells like he is supposed to. Her ultimate victory over the wizard, who eventually restores Roger’s original skunk smell, suggests a victory of familial obligation over the freedom to follow one’s own desires without regard for others. For Jo, who, at four-years-old, cannot think of anything more important than fitting in, Roger Skunk’s mother is therefore the villain of the story.