Ree is a mixture of the feminine and masculine traits required to survive in the Ozarks. She acts as the surrogate mother to her brothers in place of their real mother rendered unfit to look after them. In contrast to this role she hunts, provides their food and takes it upon herself to find her father alone, at first determined not to rely on any male figure. However, as the story progresses it becomes clear the men rule this community and to get anywhere or to live a comfortable enough existence meant surrendering your agency. / She said, “Ain’t you got no men could do this?” / “I can’t wait that long.” / “Well, he don’t ever talk no more’n he has to, you understand that? He don’t talk too direct when he does talk,neither. He says things so you ought to know what he means, but if you don’t, he’ll just leave it that way. And even when he does talk, he won’t talk much to women.” / “You could say I’m still a girl.” The woman smiled sadly, touched Ree’s face again." (p. 60).
