Bradley Chalkers is the main character, and the story revolves around him and follows his struggles to transform from a self-described monster into a good person. As Bradley changes, his character type changes. At first, Bradley lacks the traits of a hero and is not a good person. He’s mostly an antihero. Even though he’s the main character, he’s not one a reader can easily support. He’s cruel and destructive. He rips up his test, breaks his pencils, and pushes little kids into the mud. The narrator describes him as “the oldest and the toughest-looking kid in Mrs. Ebbel’s class.” The narrator adds, “He looked like a good spitter” (13). He went through fourth grade twice, and the narrator speculates that he will likely have to go through fifth grade a second time. Bradley doesn’t try at school, and he doesn’t try to make friends. He tries to make himself as villainous as possible and succeeds. As Carla tells his mom, “You would not believe all the horror stories I’ve heard about Bradley Chalkers” (27).

Before Bradley commits to growing and changing, the narrator reveals aspects of his character that are likable and redeemable. His interactions with his toy animals show the reader a part of Bradley that the other children and adults don’t see.