Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

Life

Fire. Pearl's dad. The immigration system. What do all of these have in common? They are elements of life that are beyond Pearl's control and stand in opposition to her. Sure, we could say that her dad is the antagonist since he rips her heart out and stomps on it, but he's not really around enough to earn the title. Instead we see a pattern of things life throws in Pearl's way that she can't control and seriously get in her way.

It's tough growing up, and one of the lessons that you learn along the way is how to deal with the big obstacles in life that are completely out of your control. Pearl is still learning, even when the book ends, though she's come a long way in terms of not reacting impulsively when life hands her lemons.