The Runner focuses on an adolescent's inner struggle with conflicting desires and feelings. Seventeen-yearold Bullet dominates the story and is a well-developed character with complexity and depth. He imprints himself on the hearts and minds of his readers, and it is this memorable portrayal that gives The Runner its compelling quality. However, as befitting an honest account, Bullet is no paragon. He is stubborn and prejudiced, and although he experiences change and maturation, he retains his feet of clay. Bullet leaves home with the same hostilities toward his father that he had at the opening of the novel, and he joins the army to avoid the draft because he sees the draft as a form of control. Furthermore, he remains a loner with virtually no friends. Bullet's mother assesses him best when she reminisces with him as he prepares to leave for the army...