The antagonists in Kwame Alexander’s novel Booked include a pair of siblings whose actions and demeanor align with the characteristics of bullies. These characters create conflict for the protagonist through intimidation and physical aggression. Their presence serves as a significant obstacle for the main character, Nick.
The significance of these antagonistic characters lies in their ability to highlight themes of resilience, coping mechanisms, and the importance of friendship within the narrative. The protagonist’s navigation of these challenging relationships contributes to his personal growth and understanding of social dynamics. Historically, the depiction of bullies in literature has served to explore and critique societal issues related to power, vulnerability, and the development of empathy.
