Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

Mr. Schmitt's Cousin

Although we don't know exactly who the bad guy is right from the beginning, and don't find out Mr. Schmitt's cousin is the murderer until the end, once you hear the words "child killer" it's pretty clear who the antagonist is supposed to be.

The idea of the murderer—before we actually find out who the murderer is—doesn't just make the children feel unsafe: he also complicates the Egypt Game because for a while, they're not allowed to play outside without adult supervision. Bo-ring. When he is finally caught, the whole neighborhood breathes a huge sigh of relief.