Uncle Alec points out that Rose is a schoolgirl, and she's in no hurry to grow up.

Aunt Clara notes that it makes Rose look plain and like a schoolgirl rather than a lady.

The first layer is a warm undergarment (Uncle Alec calls it 'pajamas'), and over that, she can wear any dresses she likes. Boring, but Practical: The outfit that Uncle Alec suggests for Rose instead of the corsets that Aunt Clara wants her to wear down the street.As an adult, Rose becomes a big sister mentor to her female friends. Big Brother Mentor: Archie, being the oldest grandchild, is the 'chief' of the Campbell clan and acts as this to all of his younger brothers and cousins.Beta Couple: Phebe and Archie Steve and Kitty.

When Charlie dies later, she grieves only as a loving relation. Rose is attracted to the idea of being Charlie's Morality Chain, but her common sense and Uncle Alec both warn her not to commit herself to a man she cannot trust. The Alcoholic: Charlie in the second book, much to Rose's dismay.She laughs despite proving that the dress and wrappings aren't practical, and everyone in the room except Clara can't help but laugh as well. The outfit makes her stumble and trip into a chair. Actually Pretty Funny: When Uncle Alec asks Rose to test out Aunt Clara's fashionable winter outfit, she tries to run.In the sequel, 20-year-old Rose returns from a trip to Europe and must settle the questions of what she will do with her inherited fortune, how to hold on to the good habits Alec has taught her in the shallow world of fashion, and most importantly - for some readers, at least - which cousin she will marry. The first book deals with Rose's first year among the family, as Alec puts her through a trial period to test his views on women's health and education (which were quite ahead of their time, by the way). Rose Campbell, the recently orphaned heroine, comes to live with her Uncle Alec, six opinionated aunts, and seven handsome male cousins who flock around her 'like bees to their queen.' Eight Cousins and its sequel, Rose in Bloom, by Louisa May Alcott, are the Victorian novel equivalent of a Reverse Harem manga.

Eight cousins by louisa may alcott