Characters
This character wants to make it out of Harlem by being somebody successful.
Who is Alfred?
This topic is shown through Alfred's relationships with the people from the gym.
What are positive influences/friendship?
This is the exposition of The Contender.
What is Alfred and the gang being introduced to the readers in the club house/the robbing of the grocery store and James' arrest?
These are the four types of conflict.
What are man vs. self, man vs. man, man vs. nature, and man vs. society?
Spoon encourages Alfred to go back to night school.
What is a positive influence?
This character is worried about Alfred boxing, but does not stop him.
Who is Aunt Pearl?
This topic is shown through Alfred's giving up of drinking, smoking, staying out late, and negative relationships.
What is sacrifice?
This is the main conflict of The Contender.
What is Alfred trying to become someone through boxing?
This type of conflict is demonstrated through Major and Alfred's relationship throughout the book.
What is man vs. man conflict?
Major asks Alfred if he could turn off the security system at the grocery store.
What is a negative influence?
This character shows Alfred the importance of education and encourages him to go to night school.
Who is Spoon?
This topic is shown when Alfred does not give up on boxing even after Major tries to distract him with bad influences.
What is perseverance?
This is the rising action of The Contender.
What are Alfred's fights and training, Alfred's conflict with Major and the gang, Alfred's internal conflict
This type of conflict is demonstrated throughout the book when Alfred is doubting his ability to become a contender.
What is man vs. self conflict?
Mr. Epstein fires Alfred temporarily to rest. He also gives Alfred more responsibilities at the grocery store.
What is a positive influence? (Care for Alfred/opportunities for advancement)
This character believes that people should take every opportunity in order to make money, he is also very proud of his son.
Who is Uncle Wilson?
This topic is shown when Alfred feels fulfilled even though he did not become a big-time boxer.
What is success/confidence?
This is the falling action and resolution of The Contender.
What is Alfred offering James to get help with his addiction?
This type of conflict is demonstrated when Alfred is stopped by the two policemen in the park while running early in the morning.
What is man vs. society conflict?
Mr. Donatelli gives Alfred a strict routine to follow in order to box.
What is a positive influence? (Structure/self-improvement)
This character is a representation of who Alfred could have become if he did not start boxing.
Who is James?
This topic is demonstrated when Alfred is stopped by two cops in the park for running early in the morning.
What is racial discrimination/prejudice?
This is the climax of The Contender.
What is Alfred losing his last fight?
Alfred is unable to run past a certain time in the morning due to the pollution in Harlem.
What is man vs. nature conflict?
Mr. Donatelli tells Alfred that he is done fighting.
What is a positive influence? (protecting Alfred)