Rudolph Jordache

Rudolph Jordache is the middle child of the Jordache family and the most beloved by the parents. Rudolph is a smart young man who has enough ambition to take him further than either of his parents ever dreamed of going. Rudolph is also conscious of appearances, careful not only with his own appearance but with his behavior as he knows that everything he does effects his future. In the beginning of the novel, Rudolph is a typical young boy who loves his mother and will go out of his way to help her. Rudolph also has a crush on his French teacher. However, Rudolph quickly learns that no matter how much he helps his mother, she will remain the bitter woman she has always been, and he also learns that some people are beyond affection.

Rudolph is the last remaining child in the household when his father...