Character Analysis
Post-Corrective Adviser to Alex, P. R. Deltoid is a detached State employee who nonetheless seeks to do the right thing. He takes a (small) liking to Alex, as evidenced by the fact that he visits Alex's home in order to caution Alex against trouble-making.
But Alex puzzles P. R. Deltoid—his propensity for brutality defies any logical explanation. Ultimately, though, P. R. Deltoid resents and rejects types like Alex, and spits in his face in the holding cell. His inability to understand Alex also causes P. R. Deltoid to make up lies in order to put the boy behind bars for fourteen years.