Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

Border Patrol

There's no other way to say it: when it comes to Francisco's family, Border Patrol is the enemy. It's the absolute worst. When they first arrive south of California, they have to hide from the guys with guns just to get into the United States, and once they're in, they keep having to hide from Border Patrol while they're working so hard to build a new life. Papá has his immigration papers worked out, so he's on the safe side, but for most of the family Border Patrol has the power to change their lives for the worse—which is exactly what they do as our book ends. Gulp.