Belly Up

Teddy Fitzroy is the novel’s mischievous, courageous, and resourceful protagonist and narrator. When the reader is first introduced to the 12-year-old, he is caught giving water balloons to chimpanzees. This prank establishes a number of key aspects of the protagonist’s personality and motivation. Authority does not intimidate Teddy; he is bored and hungry for excitement, and he cares deeply about animals. The water balloons aren’t merely a practical joke but rather a way for the primates to fight back against rude guests: “If the security guards weren’t going to protect the animals, then I figured I ought to help the animals protect themselves” (2). As the novel continues, Teddy goes to valiant lengths to defend the animals of FunJungle. Even after perilous encounters with a black mamba and a hungry tiger, he seeks the truth about Henry’s murder. Teddy demonstrates great resourcefulness during this investigation, such as when he uses a rock to startle a herd of water buffalo and evade Buck Grassley’s security guards. A combination of mischief, courage, and ingenuity drives the novel’s main character. He is both round and dynamic.

As the protagonist and narrator, Teddy plays a pivotal role in the story’s