Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussions of animal cruelty and death, physical abuse, graphic violence, and bullying. 

Nick Abbott is the narrator and one of the main characters. At the same time, the narrative’s central concern is Trent. Though Nick’s family has many imperfections, he’s not in the same precarious situation as Trent. What propels the plot is Trent’s fate. As Nick links himself to Trent, Nick becomes the conduit to Trent’s life. Through Nick, the author reveals more about the troubled young person.

Nick’s relationship with Trent secures Nick’s upstanding characterization. Nick’s parents don’t want him to befriend Trent. Dad orders him to cut off all contact, and even charitable Mom is skeptical about Trent’s character. Demonstrating integrity and individuality, Nick counters his parents—and the attitude of the greater community—and sticks with Trent. When Nick walks to school with Trent, he observes, “[T]hat morning—with Trent at my side—kids who normally would have crossed the street and walked in with me, totally ignored me” (279). Nick’s allegiance to Trent makes him ostracized. Yet Nick remains unselfish. His behavior reflects his basketball position, showing The Off-the-Court Impact of Basketball. As a traditional point guard, Nick should involve other players first.