Characters
Has taught English at Harrison High for 21 years
Ms. Narwin
Superintendent of the school district. Worried about the budget.
Dr. Seymour
Local, self governing unit
electorate
Conflict that starts the story.
Phillip is disrespectful and insulting on his Literature exam. He does not like Ms. Narwin or the books she chooses to teach with.
Phillip thinks he's good at this but really isn't.
"It's neat the way I can figure out what people think of me".
Tells Phillip he can not try out for track unless he has passing grades.
Coach Jamison
A girl in Miss Narwin's English class; feels that Miss Narwin is fair and kind.
Allison Dorroset
unclear; small
obscure
The coach doesn't want Phillip on the team even if his behavior improves because -
Team members must follow rules.
What is Phillip's motive?
He is angry because he can't try out for the track team.
Track star until dropping out of college. Doesn't stick up for himself.
Mr. Malloy
Principal of Harrison High.
Dr. Doane
infraction
How does Phillip respond when he speaks to the reporter?
He doesn't tell the whole truth. He leaves some things out and implies others.
Phillip tries unsuccessfully to impress Allison. Why is she not impressed but rather confused and put off?
She likes Literature class.
Has a college degree. Works for the phone company.
Mrs. Malloy
A neighbor who wants to be elected for the school board.
Ted Griffin
watchful; keeping a close eye
vigilant
How do most of the students describe Miss Narwin?
Fair. Nice.
What is something parallel in Phillip and Ms. Narwins life?
They both end up not wanting to go to school.
Assistant principal of Harrison High.
Dr. Palleni
Talk show host; adds conflict by encouraging listeners to write letters.
Jake Barlow
open hostility; unfriendliness
animosity
What do the students decided to do towards the end of the book to set things straight?
Start a petition to make Phillip apologize.
What did most students think of Phillips behavior?
It was "weird".