The Contender KEY Characters

The Contender

Mr donatelli

He's a boxing trainer and is a mentor to Alfred in the book. He trains a lot of students and serves as other people mentor also.

james

James is Alfred's best friend and has grown up with him. James took the wrong path and now is a total different person than Alfred knew. Throughout the book Alfred tries to gain James friendship and trust again.

aunt pearl

She's Alfred's aunt and has taken care of Alfred since his parents have passed away. She doesn't like the idea of Alfred boxing but then understands because she once had a dream too.

Alfred brooks

A seventeen year old high school dropout he lives with his Aunt Pearl and her three daughters in Harlem. Alfred is a dynamic character and he changes a lot physically and emotionally. Alfred has grown up in a neighborhood where there's crime, financial problems, and drugs.

MAJOR

Major tries to make people get on the same path as him which is crime and drugs. He got James to join him and throughout the book he tries to get Alfred to join him.

Mr. EPSTEIN

He's Alfred's boss and was once a boxer himself. He likes Alfred but lost his trust with him when his best friend James broke into his store.

HENRY

Henry is the person that first tells Alfred about boxing by saying he works with Mr. Donatelli. Henry that looks out for Henry inside and out the gym.

SPOON

Spoon is like an example or a role model for Alfred. Spoon was once in Alfred's shoes too and he became a successful boxer. Alfred is following Spoon's example.

TC