Character Comparison from "Animal Dreams"

In Animal Dreams, Hallie and Codi are the two children of Doc Homero. Although they are sisters, Hallie and Codie differ in many ways but they are also alike in some respects. First of all, they are similar because they are both very tall [p. 8 "...because I'm tall like my father and Hallie."] and they both despise wearing orthopedic shoes (which their father forces them to wear due to the possibility of developing fallen arches). Both of them are smart and they do well in school. Hallie is a very selfless person, [p. 88 "She might as well not have had skin, where emotions were concerned. Other people's hurt ran right over into her flesh."] unlike Codi, who cares more about herself than others. Hallie has an adventurous spirit and is well liked by others. [p.49 "...somehow Hallie thrived anyway - the blossom of our family..."] On the other hand, Codi is socially unstable at school, but she does manage to get good grades. After college she ends up going to medical school to become a doctor, but she never graduates because she realizes quite late, that she never truly wanted to be a doctor. This was really her dad's desire, not hers. Hallie is a very accomplished student as well. She decides to study agriculture in college and eventually uses her skills in Nicaragua to help poor families grow crops more efficiently. Her work is effective in helping the Nicaraguan people produce more food for their villages. Hallie is a happy person, content with herself and comfortable in her own skin. She enjoys being surrounded by people and being invloved with the community. On the other hand, Codi has a low self-esteem. She views herself as unattractive [p.15 "What would these kids make of me? My shoes were pointed and my, as magazines would say, personal style leaned toward apologetic punk"] and unworthy of anyone. She lacks confidence and often feels lost and afraid. [p.16 "I felt disoriented and disgraced, a trespasser..."] She doesn't really know what she wants to do with her life. [p.13 "I must have sensed the lack of cosmic order in my future, early on."]