Richard is the protagonist of Skink—No Surrender, which he tells from his first-person limited point-of-view. His central conflict is locating Malley. Richard’s narration implies that Malley is Richard’s best friend. She knows his deepest secret, and when he betrays her trust by telling his mother about her disappearance, she tells him, “You’re welcome […] For me not blabbing to su madre about your little one-man crime spree” (46). Richard differs from other young adult protagonists. Many coming-of-age novels cast stepparents in villainous roles; however, Richard explains that “Trent is […] harmless and good-natured” (9). Richard also enjoys a good friendship with his mother, even “quit[ting] surfing after Dad died” (80) because the sport worried her.

The impact of Richard’s father’s death is clear through Richard’s actions. He stole the skateboard “Because it was exactly like one my father had” (127). Richard is searching to fill the emotional void his father left behind. After repaying the shop owner, Richard “put on [his] helmet and rode the board” for the first time (276). Richard accepts the loss of his father while respecting his father’s place as part of his identity. Richard’s relationship with Skink develops similarly. Richard adopts certain aspects of Skink’s personality, including “fitt[ing] on the governor’s shower cap” (233) and listening to Skink’s

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