Rick Hanski is a 17-year-old who hails from the state of Wisconsin. Having just graduated from high school, he is keen to prove himself capable and independent. He enlists in the US military, wanting to fight in the war in Vietnam. Rick’s family consists of Scandinavian immigrants; his four grandparents migrated to a small town in Wisconsin, and his family owns and runs a modest hardware store. Everyone assumes that Rick, whom his father praises as a “good, strong, well-mannered boy” (29), will take over the family store, but Rick resents being thought of as a humble person destined for conformity. Rick is determined to “whip the world” (28), and he sees the Vietnam War as his chance to prove himself and change his fortune. Rick’s family friend uses his connections to place Rick in the dog handling division, where Rick is paired with the intelligent and strong but willful dog Cracker.

Rick’s development as a character is evident in his changing priorities. His burning desire to prove others wrong rather than seek personal fulfillment or meet an intrinsic motivation betrays his initial insecurity. The war reorganizes Rick’s priorities and helps him to recognize what is most important in life: love and connection.