Character Analysis
If you're looking for Billy's best friend, then look no further than Ned Henderson. He's a fellow second-grader who loves running around the playground just as much as our main man.
Now here's the funny thing about Ned: We learn almost nothing about him. Seriously, we know he and Billy are pals and we see them having a few laughs together, and that's about it. But one thing we do know is that even though Ned is a great pal, he can also be a bit of a jokester. And not always in a fun way.
For instance, when Ned and Billy are making dioramas together, we see Ned poking a bit too much fun at Billy's bat:
Ned giggled. "Hey, Billy, your big bat looks like a pair of flying underwear. Black, dirty underwear." He giggled again. (2.2.34)
Now hold on just a second, Ned—Billy worked pretty hard on that bat and he's already feeling insecure. Sure, Ned doesn't mean to hurt Billy's feelings, but all the same, our guy Billy is still feeling down in the dumps about his diorama. And after his best bud said his bat looked like underwear, we can't blame him. Still, they're laughing again together before too long.