Harlem Heroes
This person is the protagonist of The Contender.
Alfred Brooks
What two things are gifted to Alfred for use during his matches?
A custom mouthpiece and a robe with his name on it.
This historical movement is the setting for The Contender.
The Civil Rights Movement
"I ain't hooked. I can stop any time. Just one more."
James
Is Alfred a Dynamic or Static character?
Dynamic - he does change by the end
This person is like a father figure and mentor to Alfred. This person teaches Alfred a valuable lesson at the end of the novel.
Mr. Donatelli
What is the result of Alfred's first ever fight?
Alfred dodges his opponent's punches and eventually wins by a majority decision, but the match is boring for the crowd.
The Contender is most likely set in this decade.
The 1960s
"You got to let me finish. Got to finish. So I can know too."
Alfred
Is Mr. Donatelli a Dynamic or Static character?
Static - he has not changed at the end of the novel
Alfred lives with these people.
Aunt Pearl and her daughters
Why did Mr. Donatelli tell Alfred that it was time to retire?
This Civil Rights leader believed in nonviolence and peaceful protest.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
"How much them Jews give you for slavin', Uncle Alfred?"
Major
Dynamic - he changes by the end of the novel
This person was Alfred's childhood best friend. This person has fallen on tough times, but Alfred still supports them.
James
What is the result of Alfred's final fight?
Alfred gets dominated but hangs in until the end of the fight. He loses, but everyone is proud and impressed that he never gave up.
His original name was Cassius Clay. He changed his name to this when he joined the Nation of Islam.
Muhammad Ali
"All I really wanted to do was see Africa. Now if I really want to do something positive, I can do it right here in this country."
What lesson has Alfred learned by the end of the novel?
He needs to work hard and fight to be a "contender" in his life. He can't just give up and take the easy road.
This person gave Alfred his boxing robe. They are a loyal supporter and a positive influence on Alfred.
Henry
How many fights does Alfred participate in and what is his record?
This Civil Rights leader was a part of the Nation of Islam and believed that black people were the superior race.
Malcolm X
"That's not enough."
Mr. Donatelli
Jeff notices a change in Alfred towards the end of the novel. What is this change?
Alfred is less negative and no longer "drifts along" in life. Alfred is more talkative and motivated.