In the novel, The Midwife's apprentice, Brat (also called Beetle) is an orphan of about 12 or 13. She is on her own and not doing very well. She is a very depressed individual, believeing herself so unlovable as to not be able to have dreams, or hope for anything better. To stay warm at night she burrows into the dung heaps in the village. She is as low and poor in spirit as a person can get. She views the world as a harsh place where no one loves or wants her.
