Lawrence is a 12-year-old Black boy living in North Carolina who, at the start of the novel, has just been expelled from school. He is the narrator of the text and its central protagonist. He is strong-willed and hotheaded, getting into several fights at his school and insisting that they were not his fault; he struggles with understanding Blame Versus Accountability. However, throughout the novel, he grows and matures; he learns to control his anger, have Empathy and Compassion for others, consider their motivations, and understand the ramifications of his actions. He is a dynamic character.

At the start of the novel, Lawrence feels as though he does not belong anywhere. He is kicked out of school, dismissed by Ma and Granny when he tries to explain himself, and decides that he is going to spend his days wandering around town. Because his father went to prison, Lawrence, Ma, and his sister, Nikko, were forced to give up their home and move in with Granny. As a result, Lawrence must attend a predominantly white school and leave his friends and old life behind. However, after he ends up at Mr. Dennis’s house, Lawrence begins going to the rec center where Mr.