The Strange One

Cadet Staff Sergeant Jocko De Paris is portrayed as a senior cadet at Southern Military College who wields significant power through his rank, familial connections, and the college's tradition of bullying new cadets. His classmates either fear him or see him as a respectable cadet, highlighting his influential status on campus.

One night, De Paris fabricates a story, making it appear that George Avery, the son of a staff member, got drunk and collapsed on the quadrangle. This act leads to Avery's expulsion, showcasing De Paris's manipulative and ruthless behavior to maintain control.

De Paris manipulates other cadets involved in the incident, coercing them to lie during the investigation to conceal his own involvement. This demonstrates his willingness to sacrifice others to protect himself and perpetuate his dominance.

Eventually, two freshmen along with the roommates of De Paris and the regimental commander conspire to stand against De Paris's manipulative tactics. Their decision marks the beginning of efforts to confront his abuse of power.

De Paris is cornered in a local restaurant by the cadets who have united against him. The confrontation signifies a turning point where his authority is challenged directly and publicly for the first time.

Laurie Corger, the regimental commander, orders De Paris to sign a statement admitting to engineering Avery's expulsion and to conceal the truth. Initially arrogant, De Paris reacts with indignation but ultimately complies.

After signing the confession, De Paris requests to leave peacefully, showing a moment of capitulation. His compliance marks a temporary surrender of his authority and control over the situation.

The cadets forcibly remove De Paris from the restaurant and start leading him towards a rail line, signifying their resolve to hold him accountable and confront him directly.

De Paris is blindfolded and positioned on the railroad tracks, expecting to be run over as punishment. This act is the cadets' drastic effort to serve justice and assert their authority.

Instead of being harmed, De Paris is put on board the train once it stops. His removal from the scene symbolizes the shift in power and the end of his manipulative reign at the college.

After removing his blindfold, De Paris runs to the last car and yells at the cadets, vowing revenge and claiming he will return. His furious declaration highlights his refusal to accept defeat entirely.