Characters (Who is...)
The protagonist, discovers the world of boxing and decides to train to be a fighter.
Who is Alfred?
The city in which this story takes place.
What is Harlem, New York?
Alfred forgot about this one detail that led to James' arrest.
What is the silent alarm in the Epsteins' grocery store?
This symbol is significant because it serves as a safe place where Alfred and James go when they need each other.
What is the cave in the park?
"For start. Nothing's promised you, man, but you ain't gonna know nothing till you try. Maybe get to build things like you always wanted."
Who is Alfred Brooks?
Manages fighters and trains them to become a contender.
Who is Mr. Donatelli?
The place where Alfred spent the night with Major and his gang.
What is the clubhouse?
Alfred's morning jog through the park is suddenly ruined by this.
What are two police officers?
This symbol represents the journey in boxing and life: it's difficult, it's easy to fall down, and the top can seem so far away.
What are the stairs at Donatelli's Gym?
"Once I found out that white boys bled the same color I did I figured I'd let them move into my neighborhood any time."
Who is Bill Witherspoon (Spoon)?
Punched Red in the gym for talking back.
Who is Bud?
Where Alfred's Uncle Wilson and Aunt Dorothy live.
What is Queens?
Alfred is able to do this for the first time after he wins his first fight.
What is standing up to Major?
Alfred realizes he truly wants to be a contender at this time.
What is when Alfred goes to clean out his locker and speaks with Mr. Donatelli about what could have been.
"It's the climbing that makes the man. Getting to the top is an extra reward."
Who is Mr. Donatelli?
Who is Lightning Lou Epp?
Where Alfred see his first boxing fight.
What is Madison Square Garden?
Alfred reached his lowest point here after he had given into peer pressure, broken his training routine, and nearly got arrested.
What is Coney Island?
This symbol represents peer pressure, poor choices, and where Alfred makes his biggest mistake.
What is the clubroom?
"Don't thank me, Alfred. I'm not giving you anything you won't have to work for."
Who is Mr. Epstein?
Alfred's toughest opponent.
Who is Elston Hubbard?
Where Alfred twisted his ankle.
What is Coney Island?
Alfred's second fight was overshadowed by this feeling.
What is feeling guilty and overwhelmed?
After Alfred's final fight, he proves these two things.
What is being a contender in the boxing ring AND in life.
"Dare him to stop you. Dare anybody if you and me partners again."
Who is Alfred?