In the riveting mystery novel, "The Westing Game", Ellen Raskin introduces us to sixteen eclectic and unsuspecting heirs of the late millionaire, Sam Westing. They are invited to play a game, the winner of which stands to inherit Westing's vast fortune.
Throughout the novel, the characters grapple with their identities, both real and assumed, while constantly being shrouded in deception. The main idea of the book revolves around the transformative journey these characters undertake to win the game. They are not only trying to solve the mystery of Sam Westing's demise but are also discovering truths about their identities and their capacity for compassion and integrity.
Turtle Wexler, a young, intelligent, and determined participant, evolves significantly throughout the plot. Her growth underscores the narrative's recurring themes of identity, deception, and the pursuit of wealth. As the plot unravels, the participants learn that their perceptions of themselves and each other are as intricate as the very mystery they're trying to solve, reinforcing the notion that things and people are seldom what they seem.