The Contender Character Analysis

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“Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change.” The Contender by Robert Lipsyte, revolves around the life of a high school dropout, Alfred Brooks. He finds the interest in boxing to change himself as a person, while going through the hardships of friends and family. Throughout the book, some of the characters go through both physical and mental changes that benefit them in the future. The characters of The Contender went and took action to change their own life. Henry was able to change when he worked in the gym and also help train Alfred. Henry was not someone someone who was very notable in the Mr. Donatelli’s gym. However when he helped train Alfred, he was officially known as someone who coached a rookie boxer. Henry was now identified as a coach in that gym. Henry expresses that Alfred was the first boxer that he had trained, “You were my first fighter. You got me my start.” (pg. 207) Henry shows gratitude for the help of Alfred letting him help train him. He expresses that he is something more than someone who cleans the floors of a gym and someone who is …show more content…

James was able to accept Alfred as his friend, who is worried, about him, and as his partner once again. For example, James was offered help from Alfred when he is found injured in the cave, and he accepts. “Alfred scrabbled back in, reaching feeling James’ outstretched arms around his neck. Slowly he pulled James out of the cave into the biting snow.”(pg. 227) After refusing Alfred’s help, he turns to follow the path of accepting his partners and friends help. Because of James’s decision of accepting Alfred’s help, the possibility of James getting help with his addiction is very high. James’s friendship with Alfred can be healed after James accepted the help. James was able to change his life, habits, and friendship with Alfred, after accepting the help he was

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