Character Clues

Character Analysis

Actions

In this book, actions tell us loads about our characters. We learn who's a hard worker and who's not by looking at what they spend their days doing. So if you want to know if Mamá is a persistent lady, just check out her full schedule from 4:00AM onward. Sheesh, all her action makes us tired.

Clothing

We don't hear a ton about clothing in this book, but when we do it matters—a lot. We learn about how characters relate to each other based on how they handle their clothes. Carlos wears muscle shirts and sticks a cigarette pack under his sleeve, so you can bet he's an intimidating dude. And we know that Mr. Sims is the nicest guy ever because he gives Francisco a jacket.

Direct Characterization

Francisco knows how to tell us just what's up, so sometimes he gives us the low-down on a character right out the gate. When we meet Mr. Lema, Francisco tells us that he's the best pal he's got. Yep, he straight-up calls Mr. L "my best friend at school" (9.30), and when he does, he hands us the facts and that's that.