Strengths and Weaknesses?

Cole's weaknesses include the inability to trust, to take responsibility for his own actions, and his need to express himself through violence. He feels completely isolated and alone. 

Cole's strengths really don't show until the end of the book. Cole is determined though, "Cole studied the bay and removed his shoes and clothes." Yes, Cole was determined to swim to islands and eventually to the mainland and freedom. This was stupid considering he was swimming in frigid Alaskan waters but it was determined. It would take time to turn that determination into something that worked for him instead of against him.