T.J.

T.J.

1. Characterisitics

   • Sly
     • It was T.J's idea to dig the hole to mess with the white children's school bus
     • Sneekely takes Stacy jumper away from him
   • Attention-seeking
     • "There had been much talk lately concerning T.J. and the Simms brothers, all of it bad." (p.183)
       • People are talking about him behind his back.
   • Emaciated
   • Acts confident but is actually vulnerable, insecure?
     • Wants a gun to impress
       • Makes him feel powerfull
       • Wants respect
         • Respect earned only if you are white
   • Vulnerbale
     • "... it was obvious that the jovial mask T.J. always wore had been stripped away." (p.145)
       • Because of his own actions he is unhappy, and not so confident anymore
   • Poorer than the Logans
   • The need to feel rich
     • Jelousy towards the Logans

2. Avery Family

   • Weak "sick" father figure
   • Younger brother not treated well
   • Contrast
   • Poor

3. Gets in trouble

   • At school
     • Cheating on tests
   • Tells people that Mama covers up the books
     • Impress the "big boys"
     • Not thinking it through
     • Mama then gets fired

4. Convincing Stacy to give him his new jacket

   • Persuasive