Hoosier Schoolboy

A spirited, hot-headed teen who often acts before thinking. He defends his pride through fighting yet secretly longs for belonging and approval. Through Miss Evans’ guidance and Elvira’s complex influence, he begins to channel his energy toward healthier choices.

A compassionate teacher who sees past Shockey’s rough exterior and fights for understanding rather than punishment. She challenges the school board’s punitive stance and works to support both Shockey and his family. Her mentorship becomes a catalyst for the boy’s eventual growth.

Shockey’s father, a shell-shocked veteran whose struggle with the aftereffects of war and drink destabilizes the family. His presence and memories influence Shockey’s behavior and the town’s perception of strength and vulnerability. His eventual death in a truck accident is framed as a heroic, redemptive moment for the family.

The school administrator who initially embodies strict discipline but grows to acknowledge Shockey’s potential. Her involvement at the dance and in the classroom marks a turning point in how the town treats him. She represents authority tempered by empathy.

Dairy owner and community figure who offers Shockey a place to stay and a job, providing steady support in contrast to punitive reactions. His generosity highlights the town’s capacity for practical kindness and stability. He helps anchor Shockey’s sense of belonging.

The dairy owner’s son, seen at times as a wildcard due to drinking, who nonetheless takes steps to help the Cap and support Shockey’s family. His actions at key moments reflect a bridge between old habits and a more constructive path. He contributes to the town’s shift toward compassion.

A classmate who teases Shockey but also empathizes with him, restraining aggression at a critical moment and encouraging him to pursue something less violent. Her presence triggers growth and adds complexity to Shockey’s romantic and social dynamics. She embodies the ambivalence of peer influence.

A school board member who pushes for expulsion, representing the town’s traditional judgment of Shockey. His stance contrasted with Miss Evans’ advocacy for understanding, highlighting communal conflict over discipline. He embodies the conservative pressures facing youth in the town.

A classmate from a fine family who mocks Shockey and becomes a focal point of the classroom conflict. His remarks catalyze the fight that Miss Evans and the school community must address. His role underscores class tensions in the town.