CHARACTERS
He is the narrator of the novel, and he is mourning the loss of his brother.
Will
How does Will know Buck?
He was a father figure to Shawn (and Will) after their father's death
When did Will learn The Rules?
After Dani is killed
How does Shawn treat his brother when he enters the elevator?
Shawn ignores Will
What do all of the people Will meets in the elevator have in common?
They're all victims of gun violence
He was shot and killed while he was out buying soap for his mom.
Shawn
He needed to rob someone for his gang initiation, but he ended up killing someone.
What are "The Rules?"
1. no crying
2. no snitching
3. always get revenge
Will decides to get revenge for the murder of _____.
Shawn
Why is Shawn's middle dresser drawer significant?
It holds Buck's gun
She was Will's childhood friend who was killed on the playground.
Dani
What does Will's dad do that terrifies him?
Holds a gun to Will's head
How do readers know that Will is not ready to get revenge?
He didn't check the gun to see if it was loaded.
What terrible mistake did Will's dad make while he was alive?
He killed the wrong person when trying to get revenge
What is the purpose of the cigarette smoke in the elevator?
represents confusion and contributes to an eerie mood
He was Will's uncle, and he wanted to make a movie.
Mark
Why did Uncle Mark start selling drugs?
He needed money for a new camera
How does Dani feel when Will explains the rules and what he is about to do?
Disappointed
He tried to get revenge for his brother's death, but he killed the wrong person.
Mikey
What is an anagram?
A word or phrase formed by rearranging the letters of another word
He is a loudmouth who lives in Dark Sun territory.
Riggs
What is revealed about Buck?
He gave Shawn the gun that sits in the middle drawer
What continuing problem to people in Will's neighborhood face?
A cycle of gun violence
Why is Will shocked by the way that Buck greets Frick?
Frick shot and killed Buck
suspenseful and reflective