Caleb Franklin

Caleb is the narrator of the novel. He is black and is Bobby Gene's younger brother. He is intelligent and thoughtful, and he tries to figure out the details of the world around him. He is willing to change, a trait seen when he accepts that Cory is not such a bad guy and that they could be friends despite Cory's reputation as a bully. He is also willing to understand other people, seen in the fact that he forgives Styx for using Caleb and Bobby Gene to help get the moped, though he is planning to run away from the time he begins trying to get the moped.

Caleb's family relationships are very important to him. He considers Bobby Gene to be his best friend, and the boys do virtually everything together. They argue sometimes, but Caleb is assured of Bobby Gene's devotion, and he is...