Living with siblings can be difficult because they can be your best friend, your worst enemy, or both at once. A good example is Boots and his two older brothers in "Boots and the Troll". Sibling rivalry plays a big role in building the protagonist, Boots', character. In order for Boots to burgeon he must first overcome the hardships that his two older brothers lead him into. However, the obstacles that older siblings place in the life of the youngest are what end up showing the youngest their true mental and physical strength.
             "As for you," they said, "you're fit for nothing but to sit and poke about in the ashes."(pg.215) This is what Boots' two older brothers say to him as they set off into the world after their father dies. They leave Boots behind because, "the youngest they wouldn't have with them at any price"(pg.215). This is a common feeling between siblings. Sadly, the youngest is always seen as baggage and the older children get tired of the youngest always tagging along. So the two older brothers went on their way. Boots left as well, taking with him the kneading-trough left behind by their parents, which the older two wouldn't concern themselves with. The older two went to a palace, one living under the coachman and the other living under the gardener. Boots coincidentally ended up at the same palace and when he asked for a place he was told that he was not wanted but, "he begged so prettily"(pg.215) that he got a place in the kitchen carrying in water and wood for the maid. All quickly liked boots after they witnessed his hard work and swiftness. His brothers on the other hand, being dull, were not having the same luck and grew envious of their little brother. The color of jealousy is dark and evil. The brothers prove this when they try three times to get their younger brother killed.
             Across the palace there lived a troll who attained seven silver ducks,...