Genre
Young Adult Fiction
Setting and Context
The novel is set in an unnamed impoverished African-American community troubled by gun violence.
Narrator and Point of View
The book is narrated in the first-person by Will Holloman; the point of view stays with Will.
Tone and Mood
The tone moves between repressed and sentimental; the mood is mournful.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Will Holloman is the protagonist; antagonists include Riggs, the man he believes killed his brother, and the seven ghosts who visit Will in the elevator.
Major Conflict
The major conflict is that Will believes he must overcome his fear and uncertainty to kill the man he believes murdered his brother.
Climax
The story reaches its climax when Will admits to his brother's ghost that he is overwhelmed by the pressure to follow "The Rules" of repression and vengeance that have resulted in the deaths of so many loved ones.
