Mrs. Arable feels slightly concerned for her daughter’s behavior and one night, she prevails upon Fern to stay home, do her homework and go straight to bed without visiting Wilbur. During this time, Wilbur feels abandoned and is left yearning for companionship, but is refused by the other barn animals – a comedic, mischievous, rebellious, misunderstood, and “potentially dangerous” rat named Templeton; a serious and steadfast sheep named Samuel; a fun-loving and kindly goose couple named Gussy and Golly; two beautiful and laid-back cow sisters named Bitsy and Betsy; and a cowardly and humorous horse named Ike – until he is befriended by Charlotte A. Cavatica, a beautiful barn spider who lives in the space above Wilbur’s sty in the Zuckermans’ barn.