Characters: Discuss the character traits that allow Raphael, Gardo, and Rat to ultimately persevere. How are these characters similar to each other? In what ways are they different? Which character are you most like?

Even though he characters Raphael, Gardo and Rat are living in poverty, they persevere while striving to bring justice to this crime thanks to their individual characteristics that make them tough. Gardo, for one is a brave and loyal friend to these two. He believes that these two mean more to him than his own life, he would do anything, even giving away his own life, to make sure his friends are safe. “Praying to God that both my friends were safe.” (page 152 of Chapter 1 Part 4) Gardo saying this proves that he cares a lot for his friends, even as he was in danger he had time to worry about his friends. Part of this loyalty is probably due to the fact that he has no family and probably considers his close and dear friends, Raphael and Rat to be his family. Raphael however is a kind hearted and tough boy, the police beat him but he’s still as tough as ever and he didn’t say a single word about what he really knew to them. Rat is used to rough conditions and so he is able to do things like this, he also has quite a vast knowledge of the city, having been in many different places around the city. A common thing they all share is that one type of toughness that the harsh lifestyle of Behala bred onto and trained them in; being able to handle themselves and also having physical toughness. I am not really like any of them, I don’t think I would be able to handle all the things that they go through and all the things going on with their lives.