R's 'Richard': A Character Analysis Of Richard

Richard undergoes a transition in mindset and character throughout chapters 3-4, shown when he describes himself as “...grown taller and older..” (103). This grown up mindset is displayed in page 109, when Richard narrates, “Once, in a battle with a gang of white boys, I was struck behind the ear with a piece of broken bottle… Her [Richard’s mother] words did not sink in, for they conflicted with the code of the streets. I promised my mother that I would not fight, but I knew that if I kept my word I would lose my standing in the gang, and the gang’s life was my life.” This is unalike from the young Richard in chapters 1 and 2, because young Richard was scared of fighting in the streets when he was a little boy. This shows the impact of environment, because as Richard is growing up in a black neighborhood that encourages fights, gangs, profanity, etc., he is growing accustomed to the gangster life. Moreover, his mother encouraged Richard to fight in the beginning chapters, but is now telling him to stop. This displays the change of character of both Richard and his mother, because his fighting habits are becoming excessive to the point that he is getting hurt.

The emphasis of keeping a reputation in the gang resounds when Richard states “...I would lose my standing in the gang, and the gang’s life was my life.” This drastic change from a scared little “mama’s boy” to a more bold, gangster teenager is noticeable in Richard’s behavior and narration in chapters 3 and 4, such as on page 103.