Characters

 There are two main characters in this story that the story is centered around- Jose and Ray. They are very close, but are also very different in some ways. Physically, Ray is bigger than Jose, although Jose is more fit and has a 6- pack while Ray has some fat. Personality- wise, Jose is more care- free, and worries about little other than himself and Ray. Ray cares about other people, and thinks about his future. He often experiences scruples after doing something illegal, even if it is needed for Ray and Jose to get by and survive. There are also many minor characters, with the two most important being Miss Yolie and Trini. Miss Yolie owns the local barber shop and acts as a mother figure to the boys. She even wants to take them in to live with her. Trini is her niece, and his Jose's love interest throughout the book. They are both very kind, and want a better life for Jose and Ray. Other minor characters include Jerry, who pays the boys to steal cars and break windshields, and Breon, who wants the boys to live with him and do crimes with him.