Charles "Chick" Mallison

Charles is an independent, 16-year-old-boy when the book opens. He is only 12 when he meets Lucas Beauchamp, however and becomes obsessed with a perceived debt he owes the older man for sharing his supper with him after he fell into his creek. Charles is very much a product of the South and of the time in which he lives. Charles believes everyone has a place in society and that everyone should behave accordingly. Charles feels he slighted Lucas Beauchamp when he offered him the money and he is very ashamed of his behavior. Therefore, when the opportunity comes for him to help Lucas, he does not jump at it, but he does stand up to it.

Charles behaves very bravely throughout the novel, working diligently to save a man the rest of his fellow citizens would like to see hanged. That is not to say that...