49 pages 1 hour read

Robert Cormier

I Am the Cheese

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1977

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Character Analysis

Adam David Farmer/Paul Delmonte

Adam is the protagonist of the novel. He is portrayed sympathetically as the young victim of the novel’s corrupt adult forces. The narrative follows his (imagined) journey on his bike, and his remembered childhood journey into danger and disillusionment. Adam is often an unreliable narrator, part of the novel’s sensitive exploration of psychological distress. His bike journey is revealed to be untrue in a literal sense but highly revealing.

Adam’s imagined journey represents his resilience and makes him a highly sympathetic character. His journey is to visit his dad, expressive of his family loss. On the journey he demonstrates persistence, reflecting his real life challenges. Though he’s rather shy and quiet, he’s not a pushover. He stands up to a dog, Whipper, and Junior Varney, and he doesn’t let weather or inner turmoil upend his mission. Covered in rain, he yells, “I’m going back.” Replying to himself, he vows, “No, you’re not” (66). His alter-ego Amy symbolizes his longing for connection and a normal teenage life. The third-person narrator says, “[Amy] had brought brightness and gaiety to his life, and he didn’t want to risk losing it all” (76).

Adam changes throughout the story, so he’s a dynamic character.

Related Titles

By Robert Cormier

Plot Summary

logo

Beyond the Chocolate War

Robert Cormier

Beyond the Chocolate War

Robert Cormier

Plot Summary

logo

The Bumblebee Flies Anyway

Robert Cormier

The Bumblebee Flies Anyway

Robert Cormier

Study Guide

logo

The Chocolate War

Robert Cormier

The Chocolate War

Robert Cormier

Plot Summary

logo

The Rag and Bone Shop

Robert Cormier

The Rag and Bone Shop

Robert Cormier

Study Guide

logo

Tunes for Bears to Dance To

Robert Cormier

Tunes for Bears to Dance To

Robert Cormier

Plot Summary

logo

We All Fall Down

Robert Cormier

We All Fall Down

Robert Cormier