Compare and contrast how the author portrays the male and female characters.

Outside of Cherry, the female characters don't have a tremendous impact on the novel. Cherry is loyal, but she is also a realist. She doesn't turn her back or shun others in response to their social status. Cherry is level headed, and in the end, she does the right thing by putting aside everything else and telling the truth.

The male characters are portrayed in a variety of different ways and for the most part.... with more detail. In many cases, we learn about the boys backgrounds, families, and economic situations. Thus, the author gives us a better basis for the boys' actions and behaviors based upon their circumstances.